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.
Curated by locals · 13 places · Updated June 2026
Activities · Riverside
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.
riversideculturemuseumActivities · Daun Penh
Explore Phnom Penh's iconic Art Deco Central Market, a bustling hub of local commerce offering everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and jewelry
culturebudget-friendlyActivities · Tonle Bassac
Iconic landmark commemorating Cambodia's independence from France, located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
riversidecultureActivities · Riverside
Embark on a memorable journey along the Mekong River aboard a traditional wooden vessel
riversidecultureActivities · Russian Market
Discover the fascinating world of pepper at the Peppermill Museum, showcasing the history and cultural significance of Kampot pepper.
culturemuseumbudget-friendlyActivities · Meanchey
A life-changing NGO offering education, training, and care to Cambodia’s most vulnerable children.
culturebudget-friendlyActivities · Riverside
A scenic promenade along the Tonle Sap River, perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying Phnom Penh's vibrant atmosphere.
riversidecultureActivities · Royal Palace
Step into Cambodia's regal heritage at Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, a stunning complex of golden spires and traditional Khmer architecture
riversideculturebudget-friendlyActivities · Tuol Tom Poung
Phnom Penh's most iconic local market, famous for souvenirs, street food, and affordable shopping.
culturebudget-friendlyActivities · Silk Islands
Discover the traditional silk-weaving communities of Koh Dach (Silk Island), just 30 minutes from Phnom Penh
artisanlocal-craftcultureActivities · Royal Palace
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
cultureActivities · Riverside
Learn the secrets of authentic Khmer cuisine in hands-on cooking classes led by expert chefs, featuring market visits and traditional cooking techniques
riversidecultureActivities · Wat Phnom
Perched atop a 27-meter artificial hill, Wat Phnom is the spiritual heart of Phnom Penh and the temple that gave the city its name
culturebudget-friendly
Why trust The Map Cambodia
The Map Cambodia is built on the ground, not from a search ranking. Our team lives in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and visits the places we list. We work with 220+ local partners and our city maps are distributed in hotels across Cambodia, so the picks here are the same ones we'd give a friend stepping off the plane — independent, current, and answerable to the people who use them.