Overview
Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts — French colonial architecture sits alongside modern high-rises, ancient pagodas neighbor bustling markets, and the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers converge at its heart. It's chaotic, charming, and endlessly fascinating.
Key Neighborhoods
BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)
The expat hub. Packed with Western restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and co-working spaces. Safe, walkable, and the most comfortable area for tourists. Accommodation: $30-80/night for good hotels.
Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
The tourist strip along the Tonle Sap river. Great for an evening walk, sunset drinks, and people-watching. More touristy and slightly pricier than other areas.
Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)
Named for the Russian expats who once shopped here. Now a sprawling market selling everything from silk scarves to electronics. The surrounding streets have excellent street food and budget accommodation.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
The iconic Art Deco dome building. Good for souvenirs, jewelry, and experiencing a traditional Cambodian market.
Koh Norea (New Riverside District)
A newly developed island east of Koh Pich, connected by a bridge that opened in late 2023. Modern, clean, family-friendly — the city's most photogenic riverside stretch at dusk. Free to enter, liveliest from Friday to Sunday. See the dedicated section below.
Must-See Attractions
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda — $10, stunning Khmer architecture, dress code enforced
- National Museum — $10, the world's largest collection of Khmer art
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) — $5, sobering but essential visit
- Choeung Ek Killing Fields — $6 (includes audio guide), 15km from the city
- Wat Phnom — The temple that gave the city its name, hilltop views
- Chamkar Sne Cruise (Koh Norea) — short sunset cruise on the Mekong, 5,000 KHR / $5 (see below)
Getting Around
- PassApp is the best way to get around. Tuk-tuk rides within the city: $1.50-4
- The city is flat and bikeable — many hotels rent bikes ($2-3/day)
- Walking is pleasant in BKK1 and Riverside but sidewalks are often occupied by parked motorbikes
- Big Bus Angkor runs an open-top double-decker city tour — see below
Big Bus Angkor — Open-Top City Tour
Phnom Penh's first hop-on hop-off operator, despite the misleading "Angkor" name. Open-top double-decker buses with audio commentary in multiple languages, free WiFi on board, and a single starting point at AEON Mall Phnom Penh, Gate 8B. Foreigner pricing below; Khmer-resident pricing is lower.
| Tour | Foreigner | Duration | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hop-On Hop-Off (24h) | $9 | 24 hrs unlimited | 10:15 AM · 11:15 AM · 2:15 PM |
| Sunset Tour | $9 | 2 hrs | 4:30 PM · 5:30 PM |
| Night Tour | $9 | 2 hrs | 6:30 PM · 7:30 PM |
| Happy Night Tour | $11 | 3 hrs | 8:30 PM (DJ + 2 drinks) |
| Hotel Pickup Tour | $15 | 3 hrs | 9:00 AM · 2:00 PM · 6:00 PM |
- Best fit: a relaxed half-day overview of the city if you don't want to negotiate tuk-tuks. The 24-hour pass pairs well with a sunset cruise on the Mekong afterwards.
- Worth knowing: the route covers the Royal Palace, Riverside, and central landmarks — it's a sightseeing loop, not a substitute for visits to Tuol Sleng or Choeung Ek (both off-route).
- Booking: online at bigbusangkor.com, Telegram, or walk-up at AEON Mall Gate 8B
- Contact: +855 85 222 720 · [email protected]
Food Scene
- Street food: Concentrated around Russian Market, Central Market, and Night Market on the riverside
- Restaurants: BKK1 has the widest range — Khmer, Japanese, Italian, Korean, French
- Budget meals: $1-3 at local eateries
- Mid-range restaurants: $5-15 per person
- Night Market: Open evenings on the riverside, great for sampling lots of dishes cheaply
- Foodmarks at Koh Norea: long Cambodian street-food strip along the Parkway — see below
Nightlife
- Bassac Lane: The main bar street — craft cocktails, live music, tapas. A good starting point
- Street 308: Backpacker bars and hostels
- Riverside: Tourist-oriented bars with river views
- Closing time: Most bars close by midnight on weekdays, later on weekends
Koh Norea — Phnom Penh's New Riverside
A recently developed island east of Koh Pich, reached via a bridge that opened in late 2023. Modern, clean, and family-friendly — a striking contrast to the old tourist strip, with free parking and wide pedestrian boardwalks along the Mekong. Free to enter, liveliest Friday to Sunday. Best visited from late afternoon onward for the sunset, dinner, and an evening cruise.
- Getting there: 10-15 min by PassApp from BKK1 or Riverside ($2-4). Free parking along the Parkway
- Payment: USD and KHR both accepted; ABA KHQR / Bakong QR accepted at nearly every stall and restaurant
Chamkar Sne Cruise
A short sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, with skyline views of Phnom Penh.
- Departures: every 30 minutes, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Tickets: 5,000 KHR for locals, $5 for foreigners
- On board: food and drink menu available; outside food and drink are not permitted
- Booking: walk-in or via Telegram @Chamkar_Sne_Boat
- Website: chamkarsnecruise.com
Foodmarks
A Cambodian street-food strip along the Koh Norea Parkway — stall after stall of grilled meats, Khmer noodles, seafood, skewers, and desserts, alongside permanent restaurants and cafes. Expect $1-4 per item. Ideal pairing: dinner at Foodmarks before or after the Chamkar Sne Cruise.
