by Werner.pauwels / CC BY-SA 3.0

A Striking Blend of French Colonial Elegance Juxtaposed with Modern High-Rises

A. About Phnom Penh

Nickname:The Pearl of Asia

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is located at the confluence of three major rivers: the Mekong, the Tonle Sap, and the Bassac.

The city is known for its French colonial architecture, particularly the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Phnom Penh suffered greatly during the Khmer Rouge era, with sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields serving as somber reminders.

Today, Phnom Penh is a bustling metropolis with a growing economy, characterized by rapid development and modernization.


➕ The Good:

Phnom Penh is centrally located in Cambodia, making it a convenient base for exploring the country. Its position along the Mekong River adds to its scenic appeal, and it’s well-connected by road and river to other key destinations.

Phnom Penh is a budget-friendly city, offering affordable accommodations, food, and entertainment.

In addition, the city is relatively safe.

The Not-So-Good:

Cleanliness in Phnom Penh is a significant concern. The city struggles with waste management, leading to litter and pollution in many areas. Public spaces can be untidy, and sanitation standards are generally low. Efforts to improve cleanliness are ongoing, but progress has been slow, resulting in a less appealing environment for residents and visitors.

Furthermore, shopping and transport score low.

 

B. Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty-five sights in Phnom Penh. The following sights and attractions contribute to a relatively low score of 5.55/10 in this most important category:

# Royal Palace 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a complex of buildings that serves as the royal residence of the King of Cambodia, featuring stunning Khmer architecture.

It includes the Throne Hall, where official ceremonies are held, and the Moonlight Pavilion, used for royal banquets and performances.

Palace

by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY-SA 2.0

# National Museum 6 3 out of 5 stars

The National Museum of Cambodia houses the world's largest collection of Khmer art, including sculptures, ceramics, and ethnographic objects. 

Established in 1920, the museum also serves as a vital cultural and research institution for the preservation of Cambodian history and heritage.

Museum 

by AKS.9955 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Tuol Sleng Museum 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, originally a high school, was converted into a notorious Khmer Rouge prison (S-21) where over 17,000 people were tortured before being executed.

Today, the museum serves as a chilling reminder of Cambodia's tragic history, documenting the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Museum

by Michael Gruijters / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Silver Pagoda 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace complex, is named for its floor, which is covered with more than 5,000 silver tiles.

It houses several national treasures, including a life-sized gold Buddha encrusted with over 2,000 diamonds, and a revered Emerald Buddha statue.

Buddhist Temple  Erected: 19th century

by plusgood / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Wat Phnom 5 2.6 out of 5 stars

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, situated on a man-made hill and is considered the founding place of the city.

It is a popular pilgrimage site, especially during Khmer New Year, and is surrounded by lush gardens and statues, with a large stupa containing King Ponhea Yat's ashes.

 Temple

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Phnom Penh Central Market (Psar Thmey) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Phnom Penh Central Market, or Psar Thmei, is an Art Deco landmark built in 1937, featuring a large, yellow dome and four expansive wings.

It hosts a wide array of goods, from jewelry and clothing to electronics and local foods, making it a bustling hub of commerce.

Market

by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Sisowath Quay 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sisowath Quay is a scenic riverside promenade along the Tonlé Sap River, known for its lively atmosphere and mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the views, street performances, and vibrant nightlife.

Riverside Promenade 

by Christophe95 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Choeung Ek is a somber memorial site located about 15 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh, where over a million people were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The site includes a stupa filled with the skulls of victims and serves as a stark reminder of Cambodia's tragic history.

Memorial Site

by Christophe95 / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# French Quarter 4 2 out of 5 stars

The French Quarter in Phnom Penh features colonial-era architecture, with charming boulevards and buildings that reflect the city's French colonial past. This area includes notable landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the National Museum.

City District

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 4.0

#10 | Wat Ounalom 4 2 out of 5 stars

Wat Ounalom, located near Phnom Penh’s riverside, is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, founded in 1443 with a stupa containing an eyebrow hair of Buddha.

The temple complex comprises numerous buildings and shrines, including a library and a school for monks, showcasing its vital role in preserving Buddhist teachings and culture in Cambodia.

Temple

by VCTBR / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌏 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Phnom Penh

 

#11 | Railway Station 4 2 out of 5 stars

Phnom Penh Railway Station, originally opened in 1932, is an iconic building that has undergone recent renovations, blending its historic charm with modern amenities.

The station serves as a key transportation hub, connecting the capital to various parts of Cambodia by train.

Railway Station

by Anilakeo / CC BY-SA 3.0

    • Phnom Penh's Old Market (Psar Chas) 4
    • Wat Phnom 4
    • Independence Monument 4
    • Bassac Lane  4
    • Tonle Bati (Temple) 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Phnom Penh

Oudong 6 3 out of 5 stars

The town of Oudong was once the royal capital and is now a significant pilgrimage site.

The Oudong temple complex is situated atop Phnom Oudong, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site houses several stupas containing relics of former Cambodian kings and Buddhist artifacts.

Temple  Distance from Phnom Penh: 43 km 

by Lars Olsen / CC BY-SA 2.0

Angkor Borei (Distance from Phnom Penh: 53 km) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Phnom Penh for at least three entire days:

Royal Palace 6

National Museum 6

Tuol Sleng Museum 6

Silver Pagoda 5

Wat Phnom 5

Phnom Penh Central Market 5

Sisowath Quay 5

Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) 5

French Quarter 4

Wat Ounalom 4