Phnom Penh visitor guide top 10 things to do for first-timers
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Phnom Penh Visitor Guide: Top 10 Things to Do

July 4, 2025 9 Min Read
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Welcome to Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia that beautifully blends Khmer heritage, colonial charm, and modern energy. Consider this your Phnom Penh visitor guide to the top 10 things you shouldn’t miss on your first visit. Whether you’re a curious backpacker, a food lover, or a history enthusiast, this city offers unforgettable experiences around every corner. Because it’s easy to feel overwhelmed on your first visit, this guide walks you through the top 10 things to do in Phnom Penh, complete with images, emojis, a handy list, and even a Google Map to guide your adventure!

1. 👑 Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Phnom Penh, and it’s often the first stop on any first-timer’s list. Built in 1866, it remains the official residence of the Cambodian royal family. Inside the palace complex, you’ll also find the Silver Pagoda, whose floor holds over 5,000 silver tiles. 💎

A white multi-tiered stupa surrounded by lush greenery, with traditional Cambodian roofs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
In fact, the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh showcases Khmer design and cultural heritage
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh, showcasing intricate architecture and lush gardens under a clear blue sky.
Also, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda remain an iconic landmark of Phnom Penh, showcasing exquisite Khmer architecture.
Royal Palace, a highlight of this Phnom Penh visitor guide
Meanwhile, the stunning Royal Palace in Phnom Penh showcases exquisite Khmer architecture, surrounded by lush gardens

📍Google Map

2. 🕊️ Reflect at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)

This former high school became a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, offering a haunting and powerful look into Cambodia’s tragic past. Although it’s a sobering experience, it’s vital for understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people. 📚🕯️

Exterior view of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, featuring a grassy courtyard surrounded by palm trees and old buildings.
Notably, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum reflects Cambodia’s painful history, housed in a former high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Interior of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum featuring black and white photographs of victims displayed on large panels, with a checkered floor.
For instance, the exhibits at Tuol Sleng showcase portraits of victims from the Khmer Rouge regime
Exterior view of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime, featuring barbed wire fencing and a weathered building.
Today, the exterior of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum still shows barbed wire fencing and a weathered building.

📍Google Map

3. ☠️ Pay Your Respects at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields

Just outside the city lies the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, better known as the Killing Fields. Here, you can walk through the mass graves, listen to the chilling audio guide, and then stand beneath the towering memorial stupa filled with human skulls. 🪦🎧

A memorial stupa set amidst grassy terrain with palm trees under a clear blue sky.
Nearby, the memorial at Choeung Ek Killing Fields stands as a somber reminder of Cambodia’s tragic past
Display of human skulls in a memorial stupa, representing victims from the Khmer Rouge regime at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields.
Similarly, the display of skulls at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center serves as a somber reminder of Cambodia’s tragic history.
A tree adorned with colorful ribbons and a sign reading 'Killing Tree Against Which Executioners Beat Children,' with a person sitting nearby in a reflective posture.
In particular, the ‘Killing Tree’ is marked with colorful bracelets left in remembrance of victims

📍Google Map

4. 🛍️ Explore the Central Market (Phsar Thmey)

Step inside this massive art-deco market, which the French built in the 1930s. Underneath its famous yellow dome, you’ll find souvenirs, jewelry, electronics, and, of course, street food galore. 🛒🍤

Interior view of the Central Market in Phnom Penh, showcasing its iconic yellow dome and bustling stalls filled with various goods.
Overall, Central Market (Phsar Thmey) is known for its iconic art-deco architecture and bustling stalls.
A bustling market scene in Phnom Penh, showcasing the vibrant Central Market filled with colorful stalls and shoppers navigating between rows of goods under a blue sky.
Especially at midday, the vibrant atmosphere at Central Market shows off a variety of goods and local culture.
Central Market, a must-visit things to do in Phnom Penh spot
From above, the aerial view of Central Market reveals its iconic art-deco architecture against the city skyline.

📍Google Map

5. 🌅 Relax at the Riverside (Sisowath Quay)

The Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers meet at this scenic promenade, which is lined with cafes, bars, and parks. For example, you can come in the early morning to see monks collecting alms, or instead enjoy a riverside cocktail at sunset. 🚶‍♀️☕

Aerial view of Riverside (Sisowath Quay) in Phnom Penh, featuring palm trees lining a paved promenade alongside the river, with colorful flags and a busy street filled with vehicles and pedestrians.
At sunset, Sisowath Quay’s promenade comes alive with flags and traffic along the riverside.
A scenic riverside promenade in Phnom Penh, lined with palm trees and flags from various countries, with pedestrians walking along the path.
Especially in the evening, the Riverside promenade fills with pedestrians walking beneath flags from various countries.

📍Google Map

6. 🍲 Taste Authentic Khmer Cuisine

From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Phnom Penh is truly a food lover’s dream. So, don’t miss:

A plate of Khmer fish amok served with white rice, garnished with red peppers and green herbs, presented in a leaf bowl.
For example, this authentic Khmer Fish Amok is served with steamed rice.
A colorful plate of Khmer Beef Lok Lak, served with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a small bowl of dipping sauce on a patterned tablecloth.
Likewise, this plate of Beef Lok Lak comes with fresh vegetables and a dipping sauce.
A plate featuring a bowl of Prahok Ktis (fermented fish dip) surrounded by fresh vegetables, including cabbage, cucumber, green beans, and leafy greens.
Traditionally, Prahok Ktis is served with fresh vegetables for dipping
A bowl of authentic Khmer noodles topped with fresh herbs, shredded coconut, and a spicy chili sauce, accompanied by green vegetables and condiments.
Typically, Num Banh Chok is served with fresh herbs, shredded coconut, and chili sauce.

For a proper introduction to Khmer cuisine, try local favorites at places like Romdeng, Malis, or Khmer Surin.

Get up to $ 6.00 off your first few orders with foodpanda!

7. 🕌 Admire Wat Phnom : The Heart of the City

Wat Phnom is the tallest religious structure in the city, and it marks the legendary founding of Phnom Penh. Built in 1372, the temple sits atop a peaceful hill that’s filled with monkeys, trees, and quiet prayers. 🐒🌳

A scenic view of the steps leading up to Wat Phnom, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees, with decorative lion statues on either side.
First, the stairway leading up to Wat Phnom is lined with lush greenery
Two monkeys sitting on the ground eating food, surrounded by leaves and debris.
Playfully, a mother monkey and her baby share a snack at Wat Phnom.
A scenic view of a clock face made of grass and stone, surrounded by greenery and featuring a white stupa in the background.
Nearby, a grass-and-stone clock garden sits beside the white stupa at Wat Phnom.

📍Google Map

8. 🧘‍♀️ Join a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

One of the most relaxing activities in Phnom Penh is taking a sunset cruise along the Mekong or Tonle Sap River. In addition, many cruises offer drinks, snacks, and sweeping views of the skyline, so it’s a great way to end the day. 🚤🌇

A sunset view over the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, featuring a boat with people enjoying the scenery and the city skyline in the background.
Later, a sunset cruise on the Mekong River offers stunning city views
Sisowath Quay riverside, a popular things to do in Phnom Penh at sunset
Afterward, the sunset cruise continues with vibrant colors reflecting on the water.

📍Google Map

9. 🖼️ Visit the National Museum of Cambodia

This beautiful red sandstone building houses the world’s largest collection of Khmer art and sculpture, including items from the Angkor period. As a result, it’s the perfect spot to learn more about Cambodia’s rich history and mythology. 🛕📖

View of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, showcasing its intricate Khmer architecture and lush greenery.
Inside, the National Museum showcases exquisite Khmer art and architecture.
Interior view of the National Museum of Cambodia featuring display cases with various art pieces and sculptures.
Throughout, visitors can explore the museum’s collections of Khmer art and artifacts.
Interior view of the National Museum of Cambodia showcasing various Khmer statues and artifacts in a well-lit exhibition space.
Explore the rich collection of Khmer art and sculptures at the National Museum of Cambodia.
Interior view of the National Museum of Cambodia showcasing various Khmer art sculptures in display cases.
Consistently, the museum displays a rich collection of Khmer sculptures in a well-lit space.

📍Google Map

10. 🛍️ Enjoy Shopping and Cafes at Russian Market (Tuol Tompoung)

This buzzing market is a favorite among both locals and tourists for handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and more. Right outside, you’ll also find hip cafes, smoothie bars, and trendy boutiques. 👜☕

A woman browsing colorful fabrics at a bustling market, surrounded by vibrant textiles and artisan goods.
Meanwhile, a shopper browses vibrant fabrics and artisan goods at Russian Market.
Colorful fabrics, artisan goods, and paintings lining the narrow aisles of a bustling market in Phnom Penh.
Nearby, colorful fabrics and paintings line the bustling alleyways of Russian Market.
Russian Market shopping, one of the best things to do in Phnom Penh
At night, the market comes alive with food stalls and eager diners enjoying Khmer cuisine

📍Google Map

📝 Final Tips From This Phnom Penh Visitor Guide

Before you head out, here’s what this Phnom Penh visitor guide recommends for making the most of your trip:

  • 🛺 Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around : just download apps like PassApp or Grab.
  • 💵 Cash is king : US Dollars and Cambodian Riel are both accepted.
  • 👕 Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites.
  • 🔌 Cambodia uses Type A, C, and G outlets, so bring a universal adapter.
  • 📸 Don’t forget your camera : Phnom Penh is photogenic at every turn!

🧳 Wrapping Up This Phnom Penh Guide

Whether you’re soaking up history at Tuol Sleng, watching the sunset along the river, or enjoying a bowl of steaming Nom Banh Chok, Phnom Penh will surprise you with its layers of culture, warmth, and beauty. In short, this Phnom Penh visitor guide is just the beginning of a deeper love for Cambodia’s capital city. 💖🇰🇭”

So, pack your bags, charge your phone, and come discover why Phnom Penh is more than just a stop it’s a destination full of life, history, and heart. 🌏✨

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