Phnom Penh City Guide
Quick answer: Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, sits at the junction of the Mekong River, and three days is enough to cover its main sights. This Phnom Penh city guide covers visas, getting from the airport, where to stay, what to see, and where to eat and drink on a budget.
Phnom Penh Essentials: Money and Language
The local currency is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars are accepted all over the country. At the time of writing, 1 USD was around 4,100 KHR.
It’s easy to converse with people in English, but knowing a few words of Khmer will certainly be appreciated:
- Hello – sous-dey
- How are you? – sokh sabbay chea teh?
- I am fine – khñom sokh sabbay
- Thank you – orkun
- Goodbye – chum reap leah
Before Arriving: Cambodia Visa
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival in the Kingdom of Wonder, but it’s strongly recommended to check your entitlement beforehand. It’s advisable to apply for an E-Visa a week before starting your trip.
Upon Arrival: Airport to the City
Once in Phnom Penh, your main transport options are taxis, tuk-tuks and motos.
| Option | Price from the airport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $9 to Wat Phnom or the Riverside; $12 to most other places | No extra fee for extra passengers, baggage, rush hour or night time |
| Tuk-tuk (terminal) | $7 set price | Available inside the terminal premises |
| Tuk-tuk (main road) | About $5 | Short walk to the main road outside the airport |
| Moto | Around $2 | Available outside the airport |
Taxi
Drivers will often try to give you a $12 ticket regardless of your destination. If you are going to the Riverside, say $9 and ask for the yellow ticket.
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks inside the terminal charge a set $7. To save some money, walk to the main road outside the airport, where tuk-tuks into town cost about $5.
Moto
Motos wait outside the airport for around $2. Don’t wear your bag on your back; hold it between yourself and the driver, as new arrivals are easy targets for bag snatchers.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
If you are staying at the Riverside, you can see some sights on foot. For the genocide museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, it’s best to hire a tuk-tuk, and always negotiate the price before getting on.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
The area around the Riverfront is the most central, and it’s where most of the hotels and restaurants are located.
What to See in Phnom Penh
Wake up early and catch the spectacular sunrise over the river in front of the Royal Palace.
Khmer Rouge History Sites
If you are interested in the Khmer Rouge regime, these places are not to be missed:
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – $6 entry fee, including audio guide
- Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes – $2 entry fee, plus $6 for a guide
- National Museum of Cambodia – $5 entry fee
- Independence Monument
- Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument
Beer, Evening Walks and Nightlife
Beer lovers can take a guided tour of the Kingdom Breweries and sample the brewery’s variety of beers ($6 entry fee).
In the evening, take a stroll towards the Silver Pagoda and along the park-lined riverfront, which is filled with pubs, restaurants, shops and tourist boats. For the liveliest nightlife, head to Sisowath Quay on the Riverfront.
What and Where to Eat and Drink in Phnom Penh
Breakfast
Try the Cambodian staple of pork and rice (bai sach chrouk), served almost everywhere across the city for 50 cents to USD 1.5. Other breakfast options at a similar price include kuy teav (the famous noodle soup), fried noodles and bor bor rice porridge.
Lunch
Head to Central Market and try the counters lined up outside the market building. Grab some banh xeo and spring rolls, and you’ll be full for less than $2.
Dinner
Go to Warung Bali at 178 Eo Street and try their authentic Balinese tamarind beef for $3. Alternatively, at the end of Street 19, close to the Independence Monument, there’s a late-night pork and rice restaurant that also serves chicken and ribs for $1.5–$2.
Don’t miss the local special: sweet iced coffee with condensed milk.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Being on a vegan diet won’t be difficult here. Head to The Vegetarian on Street 19, where dishes range from $2 to $4. For Indian cuisine, try Dosa Corner on 51 Street, which costs between $1.5 and $4.
Drinks and Happy Hours
The famous Angkor, ABC, Cambodian or Anchor beer costs around 50 cents a can at small local shops. Spend a little more and you can enjoy the informal bar seating outside the mini-marts.
Alternatively, visit the riverside for happy hours. FCC (Foreign Correspondent’s Club) is a must-visit: a colonial gem with great views and cool breezes, with happy hours from 5 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to midnight. Or head to the Khmer beer garden for a jug (around $2) with free peanuts.
Day Trip: Get Out of the City
If you want to spend a day beyond chaotic Phnom Penh, consider travelling to Tonle Bati, a small lake and popular fishing spot about 30 km south of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
Three days in the bustling city is enough for most of the sightseeing.
How much is a taxi from Phnom Penh airport?
A taxi costs $9 to Wat Phnom or the Riverside and $12 to most other places. Tuk-tuks cost $7 from the terminal or about $5 from the main road, and motos around $2.
Can you use US Dollars in Phnom Penh?
Yes. The local currency is the Cambodian Riel, but US Dollars are accepted all over the country.
Where is the best area to stay in Phnom Penh?
The Riverfront is the most central area, with most of the hotels and restaurants.
Conclusion
With a few Khmer phrases, a fair taxi or tuk-tuk price and a base near the Riverfront, Phnom Penh is easy to explore in three days. Balance the sobering Khmer Rouge history sites with cheap street food, riverside happy hours and a day trip to Tonle Bati.
