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Are you looking for the best things to do in Phnom Penh? I’ll go over my personal recommendations for an unforgettable visit!
The first time we traveled to Phnom Penh we messed up and didn’t explore it properly. Trust me when I say it’s more than just another city and it has some of the best budget experiences in Southeast Asia. By our second and third time, we had fallen in love with it and consider it to be a hidden gem in this country.
We’ve done all of the activities on this list and I guarantee you’ll find an experience calling your name. So keep reading to find the perfect one for you!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do is go on this tuk tuk food tour of Phnom Penh! Try traditional Cambodian food in style, and be sure to come hungry because you’ll eat a lot.
Check out the 250+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: Book this tour in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Things to do in Phnom Penh
1. Tour the Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
While it may be hard to imagine, it wasn’t that long ago that Cambodia went through a genocide. It’s not an easy subject, but crucial to understanding the country, the culture, and how it changed Cambodia.
That’s why we think everyone should take the time to visit the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum on this guided experience. Both locations have real-life stories, monuments, and exhibits that honor the victims and explain what happened between 1975-1979.
We were incredibly impressed with our guide Sum Cheath and his passion and openness. We loved that he encouraged us to ask questions, told us stories of his relatives, and put everything that happened into perspective. However, it was his ability to leave us feeling hopeful, educated, and closer to the country that really made the day special. Neither of these places would have been as impactful without him!
This was actually our second time visiting both locations and the first time we didn’t have a guide. Honestly, we missed out on so much, and we’re glad that we had the opportunity to see it again through the eyes of a local. Considering it’s only $19 USD per person I think it’s something everyone should consider doing and wouldn’t want to miss.
Check out the 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
2. Go on a food tour by tuk tuk
When people rave about Southeast Asian food they rarely mention Cambodia, but foodies will be happy to hear that Phnom Penh has one of the best-hidden food scenes this side of the globe.
It’s easy to pass right by some of the most mouth-watering meals ever without a guide which is why we think that taking this tuk-tuk food tour is hands down one of the best ways to spend an evening in the city. We loved how our guide took us to hidden restaurants and local food vendors, as well as the most popular spots in the city. He took care of all the ordering and was kind enough to ask if we had any dietary restrictions.
In total, I think we tried over 20 different foods (that’s right, 20!) and with all-you-can-drink alcohol, we were having a roaring good time as we zipped around the city. I didn’t think I’d like it, but spicy frog legs are delicious!
But if frog legs aren’t your jam don’t worry, there are plenty of other things to try. We loved the flavors of the national dishes lok-lak and amok as well as simple snacks like beef skewers and fresh fruit.
For only $69 USD I think any self-respecting foodie would be crazy not to take this all-inclusive food tour.
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
3. Go on a sunset cruise
We’ve taken sunset cruises all around the world, so when we found out that there is a cruise in Phnom Penh we knew we had to check it out.
I mean is there a better way to learn about a place than sitting on the deck of a boat, having unlimited drinks, and enjoying the views? If you agree, this is a must-have experience in the city.
We cruised down the Mekong River for an hour and a half, passing landmarks like the Royal Palac and Norea Bridge. My favorite part of the night was getting waves and “hellos!” from all of the curious kids as they watched us float by, it was so cute!
The onboard commentary was also really helpful for learning about the city and taking in the views. This cruise was an excellent opportunity to see authentic local living as we passed stilt houses, watched people fish, and just go about their usual evenings.
This is a great way to start a night out in the city and the cruise ends right in the heart of downtown, so it’s easy to jump right into the next planned activity. And for only $17 USD per person, I honestly can’t think of any reason someone wouldn’t want to take this tour! It runs every day of the week and takes off at 5 pm.
Check availability and book this sunset cruise here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Join a Khmer cooking class
The only thing better than eating incredible Khmer food is making it yourself, and then eating it! Learning how to make some of Cambodia’s national dishes is a true cultural experience and one of the best ways to connect with the local community.
This traditional cooking class is one of the best we have ever done and we loved that we got to start by going to a local market to buy ingredients. Our guide, LomAng, brought us to her favorite vendors to pick out fresh vegetables and chat with locals as we weaved through the chaos of the local market. Honestly, this might have been my favorite part!
The cooking class was surprisingly easy to follow with the help of LomAng’s excellent English, patience, and instructions. She guided us through making a three-course meal of fresh spring rolls, the national dish fish amok, and a desert of banana palm.
Everything was delicious! I also loved that we got copies of the recipes to bring home so we could make everything again for friends and family.
This cooking class can be taken in the morning or afternoon any day of the week, which makes it super easy to fit into your itinerary. On top of that, it’s only $36 USD per person!
Don’t miss out – book this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options.
5. Visit Silk Island
Just across the Mekong River in Phnom Penh is an island that offers one of the most unique experiences in the area.
The process of harvesting and making silk is fascinating and this visit to Silk Island had us seeing this thousands of years old art up close. If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences this is not something you want to miss out on.
What I enjoyed most about this tour was how far away from the city we felt. Stopping at local farms, having lunch at a local market, and sharing smiles with people in small villages was enchanting from beginning to end. It’s a side of Cambodia most people miss when they visit and this tour has done it best out of any other I’ve done in the country.
We even got the chance to get a little hands-on at the farm and practice our farming skills! I also loved talking to the weavers, who kindly answered my millions of questions.
Our guide Mr. Pi absolutely made our day with his knowledge of all things Cambodia and was ready to answer any and all questions we had. He really helped us understand how labor-intensive of a process it is to make silk and after this tour, I have a whole new respect for it. There’s even a chance to buy some beautiful pieces from the women who make them if you want!
If you’re craving an authentic experience that isn’t bogged down by leagues of tourists this day trip gets our stamp of approval. It’s all-inclusive and even provides round-trip transport for a hassle-free day. You can book it any day of the week for only $49 USD per person.
Check availability and book this unique tour here!
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Now that you’ve picked out the best activities to fill your time in Phnom Penh, you need somewhere perfect to stay!
Phnom Penh is a massive city with a lot of options, so I narrowed down my top three choices based on budget and location. Check them out!
Luxury – $$$
You can’t go wrong by staying at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. This luxury hotel is located in the Old Quarter and is highlighted by its colonial-style charm, luxury swimming pool, and 5 onsite restaurants. The basic room is a luxury king and they just get better, so no matter which one you choose it will be a top stay.
Prices start at $250 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Palace Gate Hotel & Resort is right next to the Royal Palace and you’ll be treated like royalty too! With a rooftop bar, rooms with river views, and an upscale swimming pool this hotel is a steal starting at $150 USD a night. I also love how centrally located it is, near the Kandal Market, the National Museum, and the Independence Monument.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Times Hotel is located on the popular Bassac Lane, home to the quaint laneway bars and nightlife. The rooms are clean and comfortable, equipped with a pool, fitness center, breakfast, and a fun, lively vibe. Rooms range from $22 to $45 USD.
You can book this hotel on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Cambodia is a hidden gem, and its capital city is full of treasures! This guide to visiting Phnom Penh just scratches the surface, so after you’ve done a few of these tours, I hope you get the chance to dig into the culture more. We loved our time here and are already looking forward to our next visit!
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other travel blogs. We’ve traveled all over the world and love putting together guides on our favorite places and activities. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help plan your next adventure!
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