Phnom Penh City Guide
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia. It is located at the junction of the Mekong River. Three days in the bustling city will allow you to have enough of sightseeing.
The local currency is Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars are accepted all over the country.
1 USD – 4,100 KHR.
It’s easy to converse with people in English, however knowing a few words of Khmer would certainly be appreciated.
Hello – sous-dey
How Are You? – sokh sabbay chea teh?
I am fine – khñom sokh sabbay.
Thank You – orkun
Good Bye – chum reap leah
Before Arriving
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival to the Kingdom of Wonder. However, it’s strongly recommended to check your entitlement beforehand. It’s advisable to obtain an E-Visa, a week before starting your trip.
Upon Arrival
Once in Phnom Penh, your primary modes of transport are Taxis, Tuk-Tuks, and Moto.
Taxi
A taxi from the airport to Wat Phnom or the Riverside will cost $9 and pretty much everything else is $12. However, they will try to give you a $12 ticket regardless, so if you are going to Riverside say $9 and ask for the yellow ticket, there is no extra fee for additional passengers or baggage, or to drive during the rush hour or night time.
Tuk
Within the premises of the terminal, tuk-tuks are also available for the set price of $7. If you’re looking to save some money, you can take a short walk to the main road outside the airport and get tuk-tuks to the town for about $5.
Moto
Motos are also available outside the airport for around $2. Don’t wear your bag on your back, hold it between yourself and the driver. New arrivals are easy targets for bag snatchers.
Getting Around
If you are staying at Riverside then you can enjoy some sights on foot. To get to the genocide museum and the Choeung- Ek Killing fields its recommended to hire a tuk-tuk by negotiating the price before getting on.
Where To Stay
The area around the Riverfront is the most central, that’s where most of the hotels and restaurants are located.
What To See
Wake up early and check out the spectacular sunrise over the river in front of the Royal Palace.
Interested in the Khmer Rouge regime? These are the places not to be missed. Killing fields of Choeung Ek ($6 Entry Fee Including audio guide), Tulol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes ($2 Entry Fee and $6 for guide), National Museum Of Cambodia($5 Entry Fee), Independence monument, and Cambodia – Vietnam friendship monument.
Are you a beer lover? Take a guided tour of the Kingdom Breweries and sample the brewery’s variety of beers ($6 Entry Fee).
Take a stroll in the evening to the Silver Pagoda and along the park-lined riverfront filled with pubs, restaurants, shops, and tourist boats.
Want to embrace the nightlife? Head to Sisowath Quay on the Riverfront to enjoy the vibrant night-life.
What And Where To Eat And Drink?
For breakfast, try the Cambodian staple food of pork and rice (bai sach chrouk), served almost everywhere across the city. Price can range from 50 cents to USD 1.5. Other breakfast options include kuy teav -the famous noodle soup, fried noodles, and bor bor rice porridge for a similar price.
For lunch, try the options at Central Market, at counters lined outside the market building. Grab yourself some Banh xeo, spring rolls. You’ll be full for less than $2.
For dinner head to Warung Bali at 178 Eo Street. Try their authentic Balinese Tamarind beef for $3. Or, to the end of Street 19, close to the Independence Monument you’ll find a late-night pork and rice restaurant that also serves chicken and ribs for $1.5-$2.
Try the special – sweet iced coffee with condensed milk.
Being on a Vegan diet won’t be a difficult thing.
Head to The Vegetarian at Street 19 and try their cuisine ranging from $2-$4.
Try some Indian cuisine at Dosa Corner at 51 Street. It costs between $1.5-$4.
Drink the famous Angkor, ABC, 
Cambodian or Anchor beer at small local shops costs around 50 Cents a can. If you spend a little more and you can enjoy the informal bar seating outside the mini-mart. Alternatively, visit the riverside for happy hours. FCC (Foreign Correspondent’s Club) is a must-visit. It is a colonial gem with great views and cool breezes. Happy hours are from 5 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to midnight, or head to Khmer beer garden for a jug (around $2) with free peanuts.
Get Out
If you are looking to spend a day beyond the chaotic Phnom Penh, then consider traveling to Tonle Bati. It is a small lake and a popular fishing spot about 30 km south of Phnom Penh.
