A short stay in Phnom Penh is best spent on a handful of sites that cover both the citys royal grandeur and its darker modern history. The riverside Royal Palace, still an active residence with gleaming spires, pairs naturally with the nearby Wat Phnom, a hilltop pagoda considered the citys founding site. For historical depth, the National Museum houses centuries of Khmer sculpture, while Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center offer a sobering, essential look at the Khmer Rouge era. Together they balance beauty and remembrance in one focused itinerary.
Iconic structures that define Phnom Penh's skyline and cultural heritage, from colonial-era buildings to modern landmarks celebrating Cambodia's independence and spiritual traditions.
The official residence of the Cambodian monarch, featuring stunning Khmer architecture with glittering golden spires. The palace complex includes ornate pavilions, manicured gardens, and the sacred Silver Pagoda with its 5,000 silver tiles. The emerald Buddha and footprint of Buddha are housed within its walls.
The city's oldest temple (14th century) sits atop a 27-meter artificial hill in the heart of Phnom Penh. Housing multiple Buddha statues and offering panoramic city views, this spiritual landmark is sacred to locals and provides respite amid urban bustle.
Tips for Landmarks & Monuments
- Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Wear respectful clothing: covered shoulders and knees required
- Hire a guide for deeper historical context and stories
- Independence Monument is magical at sunset and nighttime
Repositories of Cambodia's rich history and artistic heritage, documenting everything from Khmer civilization to contemporary struggles and cultural achievements.
Cambodia's largest museum housing the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture and artifacts. The red building contains treasures from Angkor period, Hindu-Buddhist sculptures, ancient ceramics, and royal regalia spanning centuries of Khmer civilization.
A sobering memorial to Khmer Rouge atrocities (1975-1979), housed in a former torture prison where 17,000 people died. Exhibits include photographs, personal belongings, and survivor testimonies. Essential but emotionally intense for understanding Cambodia's modern history.
The 'Killing Fields' where Khmer Rouge executions took place. A haunting memorial with a stupa containing 8,000+ skulls, bullet-ridden trees, and open fields. An audioguide provides context for victims' stories and experiences during this dark period.
Tips for Museums & Galleries
- Book guided tours for museums to gain deeper insights from local perspectives
- Allow emotional processing time after genocide museums
- Many museums have restricted photography policies
- Student discounts available at National Museum with valid ID
Real, highly-rated Restaurants in Phnom Penh, sourced from Google Places (rating above 4★).
Phnom Penh Three Rivers Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.9★ from 868 reviews. Located at 164 Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh 12200, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Shindi Georgian Cuisine Phnom Penh is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.9★ from 325 reviews. Located at 11B, Street 29, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wild Phnom Penh is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 934 reviews. Located at 13Y St 830, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Baldwin's is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 241 reviews. Located at Steet 240, 52C Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh 12207, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
Above Eleven Phnom Penh is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 629 reviews. Located at Pasteur, 51 corner street 294, Phnom Penh 120102, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Banteay Srey Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 365 reviews. Located at 225 St. 13 Corner of St, 13, and Samdach Preah Sokun Meanbon St. (178), Phnom Penh 120200, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
HoubHoub Cambodian Restaurant (BKK1) is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 306 reviews. Located at St.51, Langka Lane, Phnom Penh 12302, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
BÚN - Vietnamese Kitchen (Langka Lane) is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.8★ from 520 reviews. Located at 47 Rue Pasteur No. 51, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AURA - Phnom Penh is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 967 reviews. Located at 11B street 29, & Street 308, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Ox Club Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 274 reviews. Located at Street 71 corner street 400, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Le Langka is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 952 reviews. Located at 132 Z13 Rue Pasteur No. 51, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Cuisine Wat Damnak- Phnom Penh is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 341 reviews. Located at 29 Samdech Mongkol Iem St. (228), Phnom Penh 12253, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Mauu! (Langka Lane) is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 396 reviews. Located at Street 51, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hybrid Kitchen is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.7★ from 294 reviews. Located at 17B Street 222, Phnom Penh 12200, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Maloop is a highly-rated restaurant in Phnom Penh, rated 4.6★ from 568 reviews. Located at 209, Ta Phon street, 12BT, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM