Phnom Penh

Located at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap Rivers, Phnom Penh was reputedly founded by a wealthy widow named Daun Penh, who discovered Buddha statues hidden in a hollowed out log that washed up to her doorstep during a flood of the Mekong. Throughout the centuries, Phnom Penh served as the capital of various Cambodian realms, from the ancient Khmer Empire to the French colonial administration, and finally the modern-day government of Cambodia.

Today, Phnom Penh is a chaotic, lively maze of tumbling streets, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and motorcycles. A blur of activity from morning until well after sunset, Phnom Penh's streets are dotted with a mix of colonial French buildings and traditional Cambodian architecture; with its legendary nightlife and bustling avenues, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. Highlights include the temple of Wat Phnom, where Daun Penh was said to have founded the city, and Tuol Sleng, the sobering, former prison where opponents of the Khmer Rouge were executed.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

National Museum

Explore the National Museum, which has the world's top collection of Khmer sculpture and art. A majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (ca. 800-1431), but there are some works from as early as the 4th century.

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

A national landmark and most important shrine in Cambodia, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is named for the 5,000 silver tiles that carpet the pagoda's floor. A gold Buddha weighing 200 pounds and adorned with almost 10,000 diamonds is the featured piece of this amazing structure.

Tuol Sleng

Stop at the somber but revealing Tuol Sleng Museum, a former security prison of the Khmer Rouge now turned into a museum. Learn about the horrors of Pol Pot's genocide and the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Udong

Visit Phnom Udong, the royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to the 19th centuries, where temples, stupas, and even a mosque cover the three lovely hills. There are great views of the Cambodian countryside here, and a walk through the area is well worth your time.

Wat Phnom

Visit Wat Phnom, the pagoda set on the only hill in town, and from which the city gets its name. Many locals climb the stairs leading up to the temple daily in order to pray for good luck in business, studies, or other matters.

Cambodia Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Phnom Penh Itineraries

Classic Cambodia

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,800
See Itinerary

A Journey to Cambodia's Heart

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,100
See Itinerary

Cambodia's Coast and Culture

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,000
See Itinerary

Classic Southeast Asia

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,200
See Itinerary

One River, Two Countries: Saigon to Phnom Penh by Mekong

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,900
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Raffles Hotel Le Royal is one of Phnom Penh's premier historic properties. First established in 1929, the hotel hosted an international clientele comprising globetrotters and adventurers, writers and journalists, royalty and dignitaries. Reopened in 1997 after a careful restoration, the grand historic hotel fulfills all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel with its facilities and amenities, but imparts an old-world charm through its style and decor. Raffles Hotel Le Royal has 170 guest rooms, suites and executive apartments, which are spread over three separate but interconnecting low-rise wings, set around the garden courtyard and swimming pools. There are five distinctive restaurants and bars, encompassing traditional French and Khmer cuisine at Restaurant Le Royal, Café Monivong and Le Phnom Deli, and the Elephant Bar, the home of the Airavata, a cocktail of secret ingredients. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal is only a 20 minutes’ drive from Pochentong International Airport and within easy access of the city’s attractions such as the Royal Palace, Central Market, Russian Market and the National Artefacts Museum.

Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower which soars 188 meters above the heart of Phnom Penh’s business district. The property has a total of 175 rooms, including 37 suites, each with unparalleled views of the city and elegantly furnished to create comfortable, residential-style living spaces. Guests can choose amongst a variety of in-house dining options, including continental, Japanese, French and Cambodia fare as well as a steak and seafood grill. Oenophiles and wine connoisseurs can sample wines or enjoy a bottle from the Wine Vault’s extensive range of fine wines. Sense, the Rosewood brand’s signature spa, will offer guests a tranquil haven and wellness getaway, while the fitness center provides wide views of the city skyline and state-of-the-art fitness equipment available 24 hours a day.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Set on a riverside among landscaped gardens, the 12-storey colonial style Sofitel offers sweeping views of the Mekong River. Each of the 201 rooms comes with audio-visual HD connectivity and complimentary WiFi access. The rooms are equipped with Egyptian cotton sheets and includes a spacious bathroom with a double sink. Choose from the hotel’s four restaurants, serving a range of Italian to Japanese cuisines. Other facilities include two swimming pools, an on-site spa, a sports club and a lounge. The Sofitel is approximately 20 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport.

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