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
Phnom Penh rewards visitors who push past the obvious itinerary. The National Museum and the Royal Palace are worth your morning, but the city's texture comes from its markets, the riverfront at dusk, the streets of the French quarter off Norodom, and the neighbourhood restaurants where the city actually lives. This list covers what's genuinely worth your time beyond the guidebook checkboxes: cultural sites that put Cambodia's recent history in honest context, markets that work better at 7am than 10am, and experiences that don't exist anywhere else in the country. Opening times and neighbourhoods are noted so you can string a full day together without backtracking across town.
Selected by The Map editorial team · 15 places
A shortlist, not a ranking. Places are listed alphabetically.
Photo: Timgray200 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and converted to WebPCultureDangkaoChoeung Ek Memorial
What to know
A memorial on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, connected to the history of the former S-21 prison.
Photo: Wunderman.txt · CC0 · Resized and converted to WebPCultureChak AngreFactory Phnom Penh
What to know
A creative campus with art-filled lanes, workspaces, food venues and an events programme.
ActivitiesTonle BassacFreeIndependence Monument
What to know
Iconic landmark commemorating Cambodia's independence from France, located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
ActivitiesRiverside$$Mekong River Sunset Cruise
What to know
Embark on a memorable journey along the Mekong River aboard a traditional wooden vessel
Photo: Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebPCultureRiversideNational Museum of Cambodia
What to know
Khmer art and sculpture beside the Royal Palace, with galleries around a garden courtyard.
Photo: EAKHFootball · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and converted to WebPCultureOlympicOlympic Stadium Phnom Penh
What to know
Vann Molyvann’s central sports complex, a landmark of New Khmer Architecture.
ActivitiesRussian MarketFreePeppermill Museum
What to know
Discover the fascinating world of pepper at the Peppermill Museum, showcasing the history and cultural significance of Kampot pepper.
ActivitiesMeancheyFreePour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE)
What to know
A life-changing NGO offering education, training, and care to Cambodia’s most vulnerable children.
ActivitiesRiversideFreeRiverside Walk
What to know
A scenic promenade along the Tonle Sap River, perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying Phnom Penh's vibrant atmosphere.
ActivitiesRoyal Palace$10Royal Palace
What to know
Step into Cambodia's regal heritage at Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, a stunning complex of golden spires and traditional Khmer architecture
ActivitiesTuol Tom PoungFreeRussian Market
What to know
Phnom Penh's most iconic local market, famous for souvenirs, street food, and affordable shopping.
ActivitiesSilk Islands$$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
ActivitiesRiverside20000 KHRSosoro 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.
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.
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