Things to do in Phnom Penh

Activities, attractions and tours

Phnom Penh which includes food
Phnom Penh featuring markets, food and street scenes
Phnom Penh which includes heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Phnom Penh showing a fountain, night scenes and a square or plaza
Phnom Penh which includes markets, food and a city
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Royal Palace

One glimpse of Royal Palace is enough to confirm that it was built for kings and queens. Look for the gilded roof and dramatic Khmer architecture of this dominant Phnom Penh landmark.
Learn more
Royal Palace featuring heritage elements, a castle and a park

2. Central Market

If shopping in Phnom Penh is on your list of things to do, make Central Market your first stop. From fragrant spices to antique furniture to souvenir shirts, the market offers a surprising variety of goods under its dome roof.
Learn more
Central Market in Phnom Penh

3. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Walk through Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering reminder of the horrors that humanity is capable of committing. Although a visit here will leave you decidedly depressed, it is an important monument to the lives lost during the barbaric Khmer Rouge regime.
Learn more
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

4. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

With its shimmering golden top, the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument creates a striking icon. This pillar is an instantly recognizable symbol in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.
Learn more
Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument featuring a park and a monument

5. Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom towers above Phnom Penh on the only hill in the city. Enter the Buddhist monastery through the grand staircase on its eastern side. You will immediately notice the gates, which are adorned with lions and snakes.
Learn more
Wat Phnom which includes a temple or place of worship

6. Independence Monument

Walk or drive through Phnom Penh and look up; you can’t miss Independence Monument. This eye-catching structure dominates the city center.
Learn more
Independence Monument showing a monument and a park

What to do in Phnom Penh

Popular places to visit

Royal Palace featuring heritage elements, a castle and a park

Royal Palace

Befitting the home of Cambodia’s royalty, the glittering golden roofline of this palace dominates Phnom Penh’s skyline.

Royal Palace
Wat Ounalom showing religious aspects

Riverside

Riverside is just one of the places to see in Phnom Penh, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Riverside
Central Market featuring markets and flowers as well as an individual femail

Central Market

Whether you’re looking for fresh food or a new watch, you can buy just about anything imaginable within the walls of Phnom Penh’s famous cross-shaped market.

Central Market
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

This former prison outside Phnom Penh brings to light the brutality of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge and honors the 17,000 people who lost their lives here.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Tom Pong Market

Tuol Tom Pong Market

During your visit to Phnom Penh, you can do some window-shopping at Tuol Tom Pong Market. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Tuol Tom Pong Market
Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument featuring a park and a monument

Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

When you walk through Phnom Penh’s Wat Botum Park, pause for a moment to investigate this soaring Communist monument.

Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
Wat Phnom which includes a temple or place of worship

Wat Phnom

Sitting atop what is considered the only hill in Phnom Penh, this eclectic Buddhist monastery features a fascinating array of shrines, stupas and ornate buildings.

Wat Phnom
Independence Monument showing a monument and a park

Independence Monument

Like a massive lotus blooming from Phnom Penh’s center, this monument is a touching tribute to the country’s independence and to the people who made it possible.

Independence Monument
Silver Pagoda

Silver Pagoda

After visiting Silver Pagoda, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Phnom Penh. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Silver Pagoda

Areas of Phnom Penh

Default Image

Chbar Ampov

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Chbar Ampov and surrounding area, you can visit AEON Mall and NagaWorld Casino.

Chbar Ampov
Phnom Penh showing a fountain, night scenes and a square or plaza

Phnom Penh

Khsach Kandal

Khsach Kandal

Frequently asked questions

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or sample regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Phnom Penh.
How do I spend a day in Phnom Penh?
Once you've visited top attractions like Riverside and Sosoro Museum, spend some time experiencing Phnom Penh's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Phnom Penh?
You can't go home without visiting Riverside, rated the top tourist attraction in Phnom Penh.
Is three days enough to stay in Phnom Penh?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Riverside, Sosoro Museum and Phnom Penh Fantasy World with a three-day break in Phnom Penh. On average, most travellers plan four days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Boeung Keng Kang.
Is Phnom Penh a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Phnom Penh is a good place to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Riverside and Sosoro Museum. Then take a stroll around Daun Penh, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Phnom Penh City Centre, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Phnom Penh with kids?
Planning what to do in Phnom Penh with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are plenty of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Phnom Penh for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Phnom Penh for adults including Monireth Boulevard and Prayuvong Buddha Factories.
Are there free things to do in Phnom Penh?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Phnom Penh. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Royal Palace is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia