17 Unmissable Things To Do In Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Are you looking for things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital city? Then gt ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Phnom Penh is a city that’s steeped in history and culture, with incredible food, stunning architecture, and bustling markets.

While most people visit the capital as a gateway to reach Siam Reap or head to the island of Koh Rong, there’s no shortage of attractions in Phnom Penh that make it a worthy stop on anyone’s trip to Cambodia.

In this guide, we’ll show you what to do in Phnom Penh, from visiting iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, to sampling traditional Khmer cuisine at local markets.

So grab a pen and paper, and jot these unmissable places down.

Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting?

But first, is Phnom Penh worth visiting? I mentioned earlier that it’s only a whistle stop for many travelers who just stop by on their way to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, but in my opinion, it’s definitely worth visiting and shouldn’t be overseen.

Phnom Penh today is almost unrecognizable to the Phnom Penh of 10 years ago, when people still lived in traditional wooden houses, rice paddies lined the river, and UN vehicles roamed the dirt tracks trying to bring peace to a country after 30 years of conflict.

Today there are decent roads, modern bars and restaurants, shopping malls, a numerous amount of high-rise buildings, and many historical sights. Phnom Penh is a city on the up.

For me it is not just the sights though. For me Phnom Penh is all about the people, the atmosphere and pace of life. Unlike other Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Phnom Penh is the perfect sized city and much more relaxing.

If you visit Cambodia come and explore Phnom Penh for at least 2 or 3 days, which. is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights and get a feel for the city.

Slow down, take walks, get lost and explore the jewel of Southeast Asia.

Things to Do in Phnom Penh

There’s no shortage of things to do and see here, whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples or immersing yourself in the local art scene.

Here are some unmissable things not to miss!

1. Visit The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison)

To really understand Cambodia as a country, its culture and people I really recommend learning a bit about Cambodia’s tragic past and the genocide during the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 70’s.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or Security Prison 21 (S-21), in Phnom Penh, is a former…