Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh

An Amazing Experience

Cambodia has become one of our new favorite places! Before coming here we heard a lot of good experiences that people had and some negative experiences. We spent time in Siem Reap visiting the Angkor Wat Temple Complex, as well as stayed a few few days in Phnom Penh.

We weren’t sure how much we would enjoy Cambodia, but decided to give it a go and fell in love with this country and its people instantly. It is hard to explain all the reasons of why we love it here so much. To name a few would be the people, history, nature, and food!

We were welcomed by the kindest people we met. People in Cambodia smile with all sincerity and want to get to know you. We were blown away at the beauty and complexity of the Angkor Wat Temple complexes. Lastly, we enjoyed the cheap delicious food and all the wonderful NGO cafes, shops and restaurants that are helping kids and young adults get an education and skills.

Phnom Penh is a bit like any other big city but there is a sort of charm to it that we enjoyed and embraced.

Learn about Cambodia’s History

Before taking off on our world trip we read the book and watch the Netflix film “First They Killed My Father”. We were touched deeply by what the people of Cambodia had to go through. These places in Phnom Penh are hard to see and comprehend, but they are worth a visit to see what it was really like.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)

This place used to be a high school but as the Khmer Rouge rose to power it was turned into a prison and an interrogation center. It was just one out of 196 other prisons operated by the Khmer Rouge. Thousands of people went through here and didn’t come out alive. Many were tortured, died from diseases or were taken to the killing fields. Only fifteen people survived. We actually got to meet one of the men who survived. It was an honor to meet someone who had seen so much pain and yet showed so much joy. Be sure to get an audio guide. There’s a lot of information to read and it’s much easier to listen to it all as you walk through the place.

 

Choeung Ek, Killing Fields

To get to this place you will need to hire a tuk tuk. It’s a little bit out of the city and will take you maybe twenty minutes to get there. It’s best to visit the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields on separate days. It all takes time to go through each place and the stories are emotionally heavy.

The Killing Fields were places where people were executed. Many were brought here from S-21 prison after being tortured and interrogated. Thousands of killing fields can be found all over Cambodia, a horrifying testament to the brutality of human nature. Be sure to get an audio guide.

 

Visit the Grand Palace

The royal palace was built in the 1860’s and has been occupied by the Kings of Cambodia since then except for the period of the Khmer Rouge regime. Cambodia has a constitutional monarchy and their current king is the worlds only elected king. You can visit the Throne Room, and wander around about in half of the palace since the king is using the other half.

 

Markets

If shopping is your thing here are some markets to check out.

Central Market

A must-stop for shoppers who are looking to buy jewelry, food or souvenirs.

Russian Market

It’s called the Russian Market because is was popular amongst the Russian expats living in Phnom Penh during the 1980’s. You can purchase a range of handicrafts and handmade goods. You can really get a bargain here!

Night Market

The Night Market is an open-air weekend thing and is located near the river. It’s a place where you can try some local snacks and food and shop around for cheap clothes.

Old Market

The Old Market is across the street from the Night Market and would be the most authentic Cambodian market experience. There’s no souvenirs here, only  fruits and vegetables.

 

Go on an evening stroll at Sisowath Quay Riverwalk

We really enjoyed taking an evening walk on this path next to the river. We had a great time people watching as we slowly walked. There’s even an area with exercise machines.

 

Go on a river cruise

There are several companies you can choose from for an evening cruise. Some of the top rated are Memorable Cambodia Cruise, PhoceaMekong Cruises, and more.

 

Watch a movie at Flicks Community Theatre or Empire

One of the evenings in Phnom Penh we went for a movie at Flicks Community Theatre. It was such a fun experience. They screen different blockbusters, interesting documentaries, foreign films and amazing film festival films on the big screen. There’s comfortable seating and food/drinks. You pay $3.50 per day. You can watch all the movies they have playing that day if want.

Empire is another place you can go watch movies and it’s the same kind of deal. We didn’t go there so you will have to discover it for yourself.

 

Best Places to Stay

MAADS Asia

Maads has a beautiful collection of hotels and resorts in Cambodia. They have hotels in all the big cities of Cambodia and offer affordable experiences! The hotels have amazing staff who speak English and are of great help in planning activities. There’s usually always a lovely pool and lounging area and a delicious restaurant. Every place is adorned with unique style and charm. The rooms are affordable and you will be guaranteed a wonderful stay!

If you stay at a Maads hotel you can do the free Mekong cruise and eat at the Floatation Restaurant. They have cruises going at 5PM, 6PM & 7PM.

 

Tea House Urban Hotel, Phnom Penh

“An Urban Hotel in Phnom Penh, inspired by the world of tea with an Asian touch”

We really enjoyed our time at Tea House Urban Hotel. It was a place where we could relax after a long day of exploring. We had a double room with a clean and comfortable bed. Our room also had a office desk and chair. We also enjoyed the seating area in the our room with a tea kettle and high quality tea. The slippers and bathrobes were great to have after swimming in the pool.

The pool is a great size to many people and around it there were relaxing pool chairs. The restartarnt is next to the pool and you are able to order drinks and food. We really liked the food they served. The prices were fair for the delicious food you got. In the morning we were delighted to find out that breakfast was served as a buffet style. There were many choices of food to choose from as well as coffee, different types of tea and fruit. The staff were so kind and all spoke wonderful English.

 

The Kabiki Hotel, Phnom Penh

“A family-friendly garden hotel located in a quiet corner of Phnom Penh’s historic district”

After staying two nights at Tea House Hotel we stayed our last night at The Kabiki. It was tucked away from all the crazy traffic and noise, but yet it was centrally located. It felt like we were in a tropical garden. The pool was big and we noticed that it was very family friendly. There was a smaller pool for children and an area for kids to play.

The rooms are located away from all the noise of the city and the pool. We had a double room. It was very comfortable and clean. They even put a candle to give the room some coziness. There were also slippers and bathrobes. The restaurant isn’t too big but they had some good options to order from. Breakfast was included with our room. We had a few different choices to choose from a set menu. It came with coffee or tea and fruit. Personally we like buffet style breakfasts because you can have more freedom with what you eat and how much. The staff spoke great English and were helpful. 

 

 

Pavilion, Phnom Penh

“A boutique hotel located within a beautifully renovated historical building, surrounded by a lush private garden”

 

Blue Lime, Phnom Penh

“The Blue Lime is a 23- room urban accommodation, with a lush exotic garden a swimming pool, centrally located, behind the Royal Palace.”

 

Floatation River Suite 

Right on the water and across the Mekong Phnom Penh

“A unique cruise, suite and dinning lounge floating on the Mekong River”

 

Places to Eat

Friends the Restaurant

Dine in the Dark

Backyard Cafe

Cousins Burger and Coffee

Hummus House

 

We hope you enjoyed this post on Phnom Penh and will visit it someday! Let us know if you have any questions or your own experience in this city in the comments below. We would love to hear.

-Alex and Katie