{"id":8993,"date":"2023-04-27T17:20:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T17:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/?p=8993"},"modified":"2023-06-15T15:00:48","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T15:00:48","slug":"phnom-penh","status":"publish","type":"travelguides","link":"https:\/\/www.geckoroutes.com\/fr\/cambodge\/phnom-penh\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Phnom Penh Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n <\/i>Exploring Phnom Penh<\/span><\/a> \n <\/i>Where to stay<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Where to eat<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>How to get around<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>How to get there<\/span><\/a>\n <\/i>Favourite stays<\/span><\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re visiting Phnom Penh soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this busy capital city of Cambodia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to expect in Phnom Penh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no such thing as rush hour in Phnom Penh. The capital city of Cambodia is always busy, packed with tuk-tuks, motorbikes, people and street food. It\u2019s part of Phnom Penh\u2019s charm and adds to the excitement of exploring this city. It\u2019s the epitome of hustle and bustle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the busy streets, Phnom Penh offers a glimpse back in time through its 1920\u2019s French colonial architecture, a culinary journey with its plethora of restaurants and a thought-provoking history lesson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people visiting Cambodia have heard of Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields. For Angkor Wat, you\u2019ll need to head to Siem Reap<\/a>, but to explore one of the most devastating sites in history, the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh is where to go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Phnom Penh worth visiting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Colourful
Memorial for the children killed in the Killing Fields<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a quote written in Auschwitz referring to the holocaust that greatly applies to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Museum), both of which can be visited from Phnom Penh \u2014 \u2018Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between 1975 and 1979, almost a quarter of Cambodia\u2019s population died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge and communist dictator Pol Pot. The Killing Fields and S21 Museum played a central role in this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both of these sites force us to remember a gruesome and catastrophic time in Cambodia\u2019s history, but it\u2019s one that we have to face in order not to repeat it. That\u2019s why visiting Phnom Penh and these sites is so important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t worry, your visit to Phnom Penh isn\u2019t all doom and gloom, the liveliness and vibrancy of the city is guaranteed to lift your spirits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many days should you spend in Phnom Penh? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phnom Penh is an excitingly chaotic city that can get slightly overwhelming after a while, so you need to find the perfect amount of time to visit Phnom Penh for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend spending three days here. This way you have enough time to see all of the main sites and get to know the city without having to rush. Though, It can be squeezed into two days if need be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you make the most of your time in Phnom Penh, we\u2019ve put together a list of the top things to do in Phnom Penh. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Phnom Penh <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"View
Ariel view of Phnom Penh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, split into a number of districts that each offer something different. It\u2019s important to choose the right one for you, so here are our the favourite places to stay in Phnom Penh:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location #1: Daun Penh \u2014 the centre of the city <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> exploring the historic centre of Phnom Penh. Daun Penh<\/a> is where you\u2019ll find the royal palace, government buildings and the most colonial architecture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is it for:<\/strong> those that want to be close to a number of the top things to see in Phnom Penh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss: <\/strong>Wat Phnom, a 14th-century Buddhist temple. Plus, the cool contrast between the new and the old in this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biggest downside:<\/strong> It\u2019s one of the busier districts. If you still want to be close to everything but with a more relaxed vibe, we recommend staying on the Riverside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation in Daun Penh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In Daun Penh you can find anything you want \u2014 hostels, guesthouses and cosy hotels that are tucked away from the chaos of the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a ton of places to choose from, which drives down prices. Private rooms start at around $10 a night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location #2: BKK1 \u2014 home to nightlife and expats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> a vibrant and lively atmosphere. BBK1<\/a> is close to the centre of the city without being as hectic. Right on your doorstep you\u2019ll have plenty of hipster cafes and fun restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is it for: <\/strong>those looking for nightlife. BBK1 is home to some of the best nightclubs and bars in Phnom Penh. But it\u2019s not just for party-lovers, this neighbourhood is where you\u2019ll find a lot of expats and digital nomads who are calling Phnom Penh their home for now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss: <\/strong>the rooftop bar at Top Banana Guesthouse<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biggest downside:<\/strong> some people might prefer to be at the centre of the hustle and bustle. BKK1 has a more residential feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation in BKK1 <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

BKK1 is where most of the high-end and boutique hotels are located. If you\u2019re looking for a splash of luxury, we recommend staying in this area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also being the area for expats and digital nomads, this is a good area to find long term rentals and nice Airbnbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private rooms start from around $12 a night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location #3: Riverside \u2014 the best place for river views <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Cruise
Enjoy views like this staying on the Riverside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> waking up to views of the river and enjoying delicious meals with this view too. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as street food that line the riverbank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is it for:<\/strong> almost everyone! On the Riverside<\/a> you\u2019ll find accommodation for all budgets and things that are of interest to almost everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> some of the key monuments in Phnom Penh such as Wat Ounolom, the National Museum and the Central Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation on the Riverside<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019d probably expect to find some of the most expensive accommodation in the city here. Sure, there\u2019s some pricier places, but you can also find some of the cheapest places too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sisowath Quay in particular has a lot of budget friendly options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private rooms with a river view start from around $15 per night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best places to eat in Phnom Penh<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is an exciting food hub. Here you\u2019ll find everything from upscale Cambodian restaurants, local family-run spots and cuisine from all around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so many restaurants to choose from, we\u2019ve narrowed it down to our three best places to eat in Phnom Penh:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malis Restaurant \u2014 upscale Cambodian restaurant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Malis<\/a> is an upscale Cambodian restaurant looking to showcase and preserve Cambodia\u2019s spectacular flavours and dishes. They have a number of set menus to choose from, taking you on a culinary journey through Cambodia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set within a stunning courtyard thriving with tropical plants, the ambience is perfect! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backyard Cafe \u2014 healthy food to make you feel good<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re travelling, the food (and drink) that you\u2019re putting in your body isn\u2019t always the healthiest, so it can be nice to put some goodness into your body for once. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backyard Cafe<\/a> is the place to do that with their fresh juices, vegetable bowls, healing teas and brunch dishes. If you\u2019re vegan or vegetarian then you\u2019ve found your haven in Phnom Penh! We will warn you that it is pricier than other places that you\u2019ll find in Phnom Penh, but we guarantee that your body will thank you after a meal here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eleven One Kitchen \u2014 delicious and traditional Cambodian cuisine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for traditional Cambodian dishes at a Cambodian price, head to Eleven One Kitchen<\/a>. Walking into this restaurant, you feel like you\u2019re entering the jungle with the amount of plants that have taken over the dining area. With some of the food being served on banana leaves, the jungle theme continues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to try the stir fried beef with red tree ants! It\u2019s unique and delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get around in Phnom Penh <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Busy
Busy street packed with motorbikes, tuk-tuks and people<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By foot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately for those of us who like to use our own two feet to get around, this isn\u2019t the best option for moving around Phnom Penh. It\u2019s not a very pedestrian-friendly city with its lack of pavements. And when there are pavements\/sidewalks, someone\u2019s usually parked on it, blocking your way anyway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, we recommend hopping in a tuk-tuk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By tuk-tuk <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’ll see these three-wheeled speed machines whizzing about all over Phnom Penh. To flag one down, all you need to do is stick out a hand and within seconds one is likely to stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way to hail a tuk-tuk is using the Grab app or PassApp \u2014 note that you’ll need a Cambodian number to be able to use PassApp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantage of using an app to get a tuk-tuk is that you’ll be guaranteed that you’re paying a fair price. You won’t have to haggle like you do with the ones on the street. To give you an idea of fair tuk-tuk prices in Phnom Penh:<\/p>\n\n\n\n