ActivitiesDaun PenhFree
Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
What to know
Explore Phnom Penh's iconic Art Deco Central Market, a bustling hub of local commerce offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and jewelry
The Map Cambodia · Phnom Penh
Things to Do in Phnom Penh
Build the day by neighbourhood and subject. The palace area, the Russian Market and trips outside the centre need different amounts of travel. Keep some space after a difficult historical visit rather than treating every site as another stop to tick off.
Selected by The Map editorial team · 16 places
A shortlist, not a ranking. Places are listed alphabetically.
Choose for the day you want
Choose your historical angleRoyal Palace · Silver Pagoda · National Museum of Cambodia · Sosoro Museum
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda belong to the same complex; count them as one area of the day. The National Museum focuses on the collections, while SOSORO approaches Cambodia through money and economic history.
Keep the outing flexibleRussian Market · Peppermill Museum · Central Market (Phsar Thmey) · Riverside Walk
Pair the Russian Market with the Peppermill Museum in its neighbourhood. Central Market and Riverside offer other walks; pick the area that fits your day rather than crossing the city between every stop.
Set aside a dedicated slotChoeung Ek Memorial · Silk Island Tour · Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE) · Factory Phnom Penh · Meet The Province
Choeung Ek calls for a considered visit and time afterwards. Silk Island, PSE and Meet The Province involve an organised outing or visit; Factory is best chosen around something in its programme.
What matters when making the plan
A river cruise, a guided outing and entry to a monument have different inclusions. Check the starting point, transport and return arrangements before combining them. For the palace complex, confirm the access conditions for your visit date.
Photo credit
CultureDangkaoChoeung Ek Memorial
What to know
A memorial on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, connected to the history of the former S-21 prison.
Photo credit
CultureChak AngreFactory Phnom Penh
What to know
A creative campus with art-filled lanes, workspaces, food venues and an events programme.
- Before you go
- Check the programme before crossing town for an exhibition or event.
Consider it for its creative spaces, murals and places to eat. Pick something in the current programme that interests you.
ActivitiesTonle BassacFreeIndependence Monument
What to know
Iconic landmark commemorating Cambodia's independence from France, located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
ActivitiesAreyksatMeet The Province
What to know
Khmer cooking, essential-oil workshops and overnight experiences in Areyksat.
ActivitiesRiverside$$Mekong River Sunset Cruise
What to know
Embark on a memorable journey along the Mekong River aboard a traditional wooden vessel
Photo credit
CultureRiversideNational Museum of Cambodia
What to know
Khmer art and sculpture beside the Royal Palace, with galleries around a garden courtyard.
- Time to allow
- Allow 1–2 hours
- Budget
- US$10 for foreign visitors aged 18 and over
- Before you go
- Daily, 8 am–5 pm; last ticket sales at 4:30 pm.
Combine the museum with the Royal Palace neighbourhood. Photography is allowed in the courtyard, but not in the galleries.
Photo credit
CultureOlympicOlympic Stadium Phnom Penh
What to know
Vann Molyvann’s central sports complex, a landmark of New Khmer Architecture.
ActivitiesRussian MarketFreePeppermill Museum
What to know
Discover the fascinating world of pepper at the Peppermill Museum, showcasing the history and cultural significance of Kampot pepper.
- Time to allow
- Allow 30–45 minutes
The peppermill museum is upstairs at La Plantation’s shop. Pair it with a walk around the Russian Market neighbourhood.
ActivitiesMeancheyFreePour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE)
What to know
A life-changing NGO offering education, training, and care to Cambodia’s most vulnerable children.
- Before you go
- Book a visit with PSE; visitors are accompanied by a guide on campus.
This is a school and vocational training centre. Visits fit around its work and do not include improvised activities with children. Cover shoulders and knees.
ActivitiesRiversideFreeRiverside Walk
What to know
A scenic promenade along the Tonle Sap River, perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying Phnom Penh's vibrant atmosphere.
ActivitiesRoyal Palace$10Royal Palace
What to know
Step into Cambodia's regal heritage at Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, a stunning complex of golden spires and traditional Khmer architecture
ActivitiesTuol Tom PoungFreeRussian Market
What to know
Phnom Penh's most iconic local market, famous for souvenirs, street food, and affordable shopping.
ActivitiesSilk Islands$$Silk Island Tour
What to know
Discover the traditional silk-weaving communities of Koh Dach (Silk Island), just 30 minutes from Phnom Penh
ActivitiesRoyal Palace$10Silver Pagoda
What to know
Known as Wat Preah Keo Morokat (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Silver Pagoda houses national treasures including the Emerald Buddha and life-sized golden Buddha encrusted with diamonds
ActivitiesRiversideSosoro Museum
What to know
Discover Cambodia's fascinating monetary and economic history at the Sosoro Museum, featuring interactive exhibits on ancient trade, traditional commerce, and the evolution of Khmer currency.
- Time to allow
- 1–3 hours
- Budget
- KHR20,000 foreign visitor; KHR32,000 with audio guide
- Before you go
- Tuesday–Sunday, 9 am–6 pm. Closed Monday.
Understand Cambodia through its money and economic history. Leave time for the films and interactive displays.
Why trust The Map Cambodia
The Map Cambodia is edited in Cambodia using local knowledge and documented public information. Every inclusion is editorial; places are displayed alphabetically, not ranked.