Things to do in  Phnom Penh

Yes, it is worth visiting Phnom Penh. While travelers may be tempted to skip the city in favor of Siem Reap or the islands, it’s worth spending a few days in Cambodia’s capital. Once known as the Pearl of Asia, the Royal City has plenty of attractions you won’t find elsewhere in the country.

Phnom Penh’s main attractions include the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, Central Market, the National Museum, Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields), Tuol Sleng Museum (S21), Wat Phnom, and Independence Monument. Phnom Penh’s riverfront is also a popular spot to visit, as are the labyrinthine BKK Market and Russian Market.

Two or three days is a good number of days to spend in Phnom Penh. If you can, try to spend a day visiting the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng to learn about the Khmer Rouge and the 1970s genocide. Understanding this critical chapter of Cambodia’s history can really help deepen your experience and appreciation of the country.

Yes, Phnom Penh is an affordable city. Accommodation ranges from basic backpacker lodgings to high-end hotels, and food is pretty similar, with everything from street food to world-class dining experiences. Tuk-tuks are a very affordable way of getting around the city, and there are plenty of free activities, including window shopping at Central Market and strolling around Sisowath Quay.

Yes, Phnom Penh is a relatively safe city, although travelers are advised to be on the lookout for opportunistic crimes like pick-pocketing and bag snatching. As with most cities, keeping your valuables out of sight and your wits around you is best, especially after dark, when you might be best off taking a tuk-tuk or taxi rather than walking.

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are very different cities offering very different experiences. While most travelers don’t want to miss Siem Reap and the spectacular temples of Angkor, the benefits of visiting Phnom Penh include the history, the museums, the palace, and the riverfront. Phnom Penh is also a much more cosmopolitan city than Siem Reap.