48 Hours in Phnom Penh: The Ultimate Guide for First Time Travelers
Phnom Penh is such a vibrant city with a lot of history to share. If you are visiting for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of your short stay.
After spending some time in Siem Reap exploring Angkor Wat, we went to Phnom Penh. Personally, I was very excited to visit this city. Looking back now, I wish I had made the most of my time by visiting more spots. If you are visiting for the first time, I hope this guide helps with your trip planning. If I ever go back, this will be the exact itinerary I’ll follow for my next visit to the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
⏳Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the dry season (November to March) when temperatures are not too hot, and rainfall is minimal. Avoid the peak summer months (April to May) as the heat can be intense.
I visited Phnom Penh in August, and the weather was okay for me. It wasn’t raining, so I had a good experience exploring the places without rain stopping me.
💰Money:
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
ATMs dispense both Riel and USD. Carry small denominations for local transactions.
They also mostly give you change in Cambodian Riel (KHR), even when you are paying in US dollars, so just keep that in mind.
Cards are also widely accepted in most restaurants and establishments. I prefer paying by card.
🗣️ Basic Phrases & Language:
Hello: “Suḥ sdei”
Thank you: “Or-kun”
How much?: “Bpon-maan”
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Khmer phrases goes a long way. Locals also appreciate it.
🦺 Safety:
Phnom Penh was generally safe for me when I was visiting there. Of course, always stay vigilant, especially at night.
Use tuk-tuks with ride-hailing apps like Grab for secure transport.
Planning Your Trip to Phnom Penh
🛂 Visa:
Most travelers can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa online.
Cost: $30 for a 30-day tourist visa.
✈️ Transport:
From the airport: Take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or ride-hailing app. Tuk-tuks cost around $10 to the city center.
Within the city: Tuk-tuks and motorbikes are affordable and efficient.
If you travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh or vice versa, you can book a bus or a van via 12.go. This is also what we booked during our travel and it was surprisingly convenient.
⛑️ Travel Insurance:
- Safety Wing
- If you are a Filipino, you can buy using GCASH which is a much cheaper option
🏨 Accommodations:
Reserve your accommodation ahead of time. I usually booked using Booking.com or Agoda, but there are plenty of great options on Airbnb as well.
Booking.com🛜 How to stay connected?
I bought a sim card at the airport when we were in Siem Reap but eSims are easier to avail.
Klook.com🎡 Tours & Activities:
I personally like to book my tours ahead of time. So if you want to have a guided tour exploring Phnom Penh here are some of the tours you can book.
And of course, you can explore each destination on your own.
Things to Do in Phnom Penh
➡️ Day 1: Cultural and Historical Journey in Phnom Penh
Book a tour similar to this itinerary: Classic Phnom Penh Tour
Morning:
Royal Palace
Start your day early at the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks. The palace is beautiful and has great architecture. You can explore the throne hall, the Silver Pagoda, and the gardens.
Unfortunately, during our visit, the palace was still closed, but I think right now it is open again to the public.
Silver Pagoda
Located within the Royal Palace grounds, the Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures, including a solid gold Buddha and a statue made of baccarat crystal. Take time to admire the intricate details and the serene atmosphere.
Wat Phnom Daun Penh
Head over to Wat Phnom Daun Penh, the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh. It’s located on a small hill, giving you great views of the surrounding area. Take in the tranquil surroundings and the historical significance of the temple.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Take a solemn visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned into a Khmer Rouge detention and torture center. This museum provides a sobering look into Cambodia’s tragic history, with exhibits that honor the victims and survivors.
TIP: Pay for the admission fee with audio!
Afternoon
National Museum of Cambodia
Visit the National Museum to dive deeper into Cambodia’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The museum houses a vast collection of sculptures and artifacts from the Angkorian period, providing insight into the ancient civilization.
Champey Academy of Arts
After lunch, head to Champey Academy of Arts, a non-profit organization that promotes traditional Cambodian arts. Depending on the schedule, you can catch a short performance or take a tour to learn about the crafts they teach, such as traditional dance and music.
Wat Botumvatey
Conclude your day with a visit to Wat Botumvatey, one of Phnom Penh’s oldest temples. This peaceful temple is set in a serene environment, ideal for winding down after a day of exploring the city.
Evening
Phnom Penh Night Market
Head to the Phnom Penh Night Market along the riverfront. It’s a vibrant spot to explore, offering a mix of local street food, clothing, souvenirs, and live entertainment. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, sample some Cambodian street food like grilled meats or fried noodles, and shop for handmade crafts to take home.
Cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers
If you prefer a sunset cruise and dinner while sailing along the river, this is a wonderful option to end your day and enjoy a relaxing meal.
➡️ Day 2: Colonial Charm and City Exploration
Book a tour similar to this itinerary: Phnom Penh Heritage Tour
Morning
Post and Telegraph Office
Start your day at the Post and Telegraph Office, a beautiful French colonial building. It’s a great spot to admire the architecture and learn a bit about Cambodia’s postal history.
Former Indochina Bank
A short walk from the post office, visit the Former Indochina Bank, which showcases more colonial architecture. Though no longer a bank, it stands as an elegant testament to the French era in Cambodia.
Manolis Hotel
Continue to the Manolis Hotel, another French colonial-era building. It’s an important landmark in Phnom Penh, offering insights into the city’s historic development.
Former Police Station
Visit the Former Police Station, a charming historical building. It provides a glimpse into the city’s past and is relatively quiet, so it’s perfect for a quick stop.
Governor General’s House
Head to the Governor General’s House, a grand structure that once housed the French Governor. The architecture is stunning, and the area around it is perfect for a short walk.
Chinese House
Visit the Chinese House, a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese architecture, featuring intricate carvings and detailing. It’s a peaceful spot to take in the culture.
Hokkien Temple
Walk over to the Hokkien Temple, an important religious site for the local Chinese community. Admire the temple’s vibrant architecture and intricate carvings.
Naga Bridge
Stop by the Naga Bridge, an iconic bridge that spans the Tonle Sap River. It offers great views of the river and is a nice place for photos.
Afternoon
Country Club
After lunch, head to the Country Club for a brief stroll or, if you prefer, a relaxing moment in a more serene, upscale environment.
National Library
Visit the National Library, a historic building that houses many of Cambodia’s national archives. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for those who enjoy exploring culture through books.
Royal Raffles Hotel
Continue to the Royal Raffles Hotel, an iconic luxury hotel. If you have time, take a peek inside at the stunning colonial architecture or grab a coffee at one of their cafes.
The Royal Railway Train Station
A visit to the Royal Railway Train Station allows you to experience a colonial-era station, with its nostalgic ambiance and classic architecture.
Central Market
Spend some time at the Central Market, a large market offering a wide variety of goods from clothing and jewelry to local handicrafts. This is the perfect spot to pick up some souvenirs.
Royal University of Fine Arts
Visit the Royal University of Fine Arts, where you can witness traditional and modern arts education in action. The university grounds are peaceful and ideal for a brief exploration.
Sisowath Riverside Park
Sisowath Riverside Park in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a popular spot by the river with beautiful views. You can walk, enjoy local food, watch street performances, or join in with the locals for some exercise in the late afternoon.
Evening
UNESCO Office
A quick stop at the UNESCO Office can be a great way to reflect on the city’s cultural heritage and its preservation.
Street 240
End your day with a stroll down Street 240, a charming street known for its galleries, boutiques, and cafes. It’s a lovely area to relax and unwind before dinner.
Cost of Travel in Phnom Penh
Accommodation: $10–$150 per night
Food: $3–$20 per meal
Transport: $1–$10 per ride
Attractions: $5–$30 per entry
Daily Budget: $30–$100, depending on preferences.
Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Always carry small cash for markets and street vendors.
- Stay hydrated, especially if visiting during warmer months.
- Bargain politely at local markets.
Enjoy your 48 hours in Phnom Penh, immersing yourself in its history, culture, and culinary delights!
Watch my Phnom Penh Vlog!
My Travel Faves!
🌎 Safetywing: For travel insurance
✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals
🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels
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☀️ Klook: For tours and activities
📷 Canon G7X Mark II: My travel camera
🧳 Luggage: My favorite luggage
