Incredible Phnom Penh Itinerary for 2 to 3 Days
If you’re like many other travelers to Cambodia, you’re probably searching for the perfect Phnom Penh itinerary.
Even though the capital city of Cambodia is full of activities, you can still create an itinerary for just 2 to 3 days to see all the top spots. Be prepared for a lot of walking, though, since there is so much to do and see!
Phnom Penh is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. It has a dark history because of the Khmer Rouge Regime, but you can see how the locals and the communities are moving toward the future and slowly rebuilding their city.
Make sure to save this Phnom Penh itinerary before boarding your flight to Cambodia so you have it handy during your few days in the city!
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Phnom Penh Itinerary
Day 1
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields
- The Royal Palace
- Silver Pagoda
- Independence Monument
- Dinner and Nightlife
Day 2
Day 3
If you only have two days, I recommend visiting the Central Market rather than the Russian Market on Day 2. You can also add in the night market after your food tour if you don’t mind staying out late!
Day 1
Start your Phnom Penh itinerary by spending the first day doing all the major tourist attractions. These are major bucket list items, allowing you to learn more about the culture and history of the city.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields
Although this might not be the happiest way to start your time in Phnom Penh, learning more about the Khmer Rouge Regime is important while in Cambodia.
Knowing what happened and why it happened gives you great insight into the local people and what they have been through.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a former school that was turned into a prison during the regime. More than 20,000 people were kept here, and less than ten survived.
You can go inside many of the rooms and see the faces and stories of those that lost their lives there. The prison is left almost exactly like it was, so you will see some torture devices and blood stains on the walls.
After going to the museum, head to The Killing Fields. Many tuk-tuks outside the museum only take people to the fields, so you shouldn’t have a problem hopping from one place to the next.
The Killing Fields was a place where hundreds of thousands of people were executed. Their bones are now in mass graves here.
Royal Palace
After spending the morning learning about the Khmer Rouge Regime, head to the Royal Palace. The king of Cambodia still lives in the palace, but you can go inside and tour certain parts of the complex.
Along with being a beautiful royal residence, the palace complex also has golden temples you can visit. You must have your shoulders and knees covered to enter any part of the temples.
The most popular part of the palace is the Moonlight Pavilion. It’s a place where the royal family comes to watch Aspara dances. They even host parades for their family here sometimes.
Silver Pagoda
This Silver Pagoda temple is part of the Royal Palace complex but deserves its own spot on your itinerary because it’s absolutely stunning.
You can see impressive Buddhist statues and other artifacts the royal family uses in Buddhist ceremonies.
Independence Monument
France colonized Phnom Penh until 1953 when Cambodia finally won independence. The monument was built five years later, in 1958.
The Independence Monument is in the middle of a small park, so you can go for a leisurely walk and take photos. By the time you get here, it will probably be coming to evening or may already be dark, so you can watch the monument as it lights up for the night.
Dinner and Nightlife
After a long day of walking around the hot city, you’re probably ready to relax. For your first night in the city, I recommend trying some traditional Khmer food to bring you closer to the culture and the people.
Here are the top places for trying Khmer food:
- Eleven One Kitchen: Like many other Asian countries, many places in Phnom Penh use MSG in their food because it’s cheap and flavorful. I’m unfortunately allergic to MSG, but thankfully not as severe as others. I love Eleven One because all the ingredients are seasonal, and there is no MSG. The menu changes every month. They also have a vegetarian menu and a smoothie menu.
- Romdeng Restaurant: If you want traditional Khmer street food in a safe and clean environment, head to Romdeng. If you’re too scared to try some of the street food favorites (crickets and pork belly), don’t worry. They also have a seafood menu, curries, and vegetarian options.
If you’re not too tired, you can head into various parts of the city for nightlife. Phnom Penh has a huge nightlife selection, from bars to markets to clubs.
For a full guide on Phnom Penh nightlife, check out my blog post here.
If you’re feeling too tired on day one, feel free to do the nightlife portion of the itinerary on another day.
Day 2
Now that you have all of the most common tourist attractions, you can spend day two shopping, seeing the old French Quarter, and, of course, enjoying Cambodian cuisine.
Russian Market
Start your day off by shopping at the busy Russian Market. While it tends to be busy most of the day, coming when it first opens around 6 or 7 in the morning means you’ll encounter far fewer crowds.
The market hardly sells anything Russian, but it got its name because mostly Russian ex-pats shopped here in the 70s and 80s.
You can find great Cambodian handmade items and cheap clothes here. If you’re staying at an apartment or hostel and want to cook a bit, you can also get fresh produce and meat here.
Take a Tour Around the French Quarter
Like all places that used to be French colonies, Phnom Penh has a part of town called the French Quarter.
Almost all the buildings in the area have typical French Colonial architecture. Unfortunately, many of the buildings are not in good shape since the Cambodian government has left them without renovations.
The National Library and the Cambodia Post Office are worth checking out and going inside.
Do a Food Tour
I’ve always found it very intimidating to head off into a new city looking for food. In Southeast Asia, it’s tough because you want to try all the amazing street food, but you also worry about safety and getting food from the wrong vendor.
A food tour allows you to follow a seasoned guide and sample the best food around the city. Most food tours offer a good sampling of restaurants and street food vendors.
Make sure to do a food tour with a local guide. They can take you to all the best Cambodian places, including some off the beaten path.
Here is a great one to check out! Or this one looks drool-worthy!
Day 3
If you have a third day, I recommend doing other lesser-known activities or taking a Phnom Penh day tour.
If you want a full list of recommendations for Phnom Penh day trips, you can check out my full guide here.
I’ll also list a few of the best ones below!
Central Market
Even if you went to the Russian market the day before, it’s still worth checking out the Central Market. They have two completely different vibes.
The building it’s in was built in the 1930s. At the time, it was the largest indoor market in Southeast Asia.
The dome-shaped building is definitely one of a kind. Many tourists come just to see the building rather than to do shopping.
However, if you’re in the mood to shop, the Central Market has everything you could dream of.
Wat Phnom
While Wat Phnom is a stunning temple, what really draws people here is that it’s one of the only green spaces in the city. The temple is surrounded by huge trees, making it a nice place to cool off from the intense Cambodian sun.
You can walk up the hill to see the temple and the four Buddha statues that surround the temple.
Night Market
Since Phnom Penh’s main night market is open until 11 p.m., you can head here whether you decide to continue with a tour of the city or take a day trip.
The night market is the best place to get souvenirs at a very cheap price. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the vendors as they raise the price when they see tourists.
You can also find all your favorite Khmer dishes here. Head to the grassy part of the market once you have your food as they lay mats down in the shade where you can relax and eat.
In the middle of the open-air market, there is also a stage where performers come to sing and dance as people shop and eat.
The market is also located right along the river, so you can get perfect views of the Sisowath Quay and the Mekong Delta.
Take a Day Trip
If you’ve decided to get out of the city rather than do more exploring, here are some day trips that can help you escape the craziness of Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center: If you’re interested in rescued wildlife and seeing how they’re rehabilitated, this is an amazing place. It’s just under two hours away and has tigers, bears, elephants, and monkeys.
- Chi So Mountain: This mountain is about two hours from Phnom Penh, and you’ll find the temple of Phnom Chisor. The temple complex is huge, and many of the temples look like the famous ones you’ll find in Angkor Wat.
- Oudong Temple: A little over an hour away from Phnom Penh, this temple is stunning. There is also a Buddhist Meditation Centre here. While there are many ways to get to Udong temple, I recommend a boat tour that takes you up the Tonle Sap River.
How to Get to Phnom Penh
The best way to get to Phnom Penh is to fly into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). The airport is much smaller than in neighboring countries like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Most airlines flying directly into Phnom Penh come from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. There are also some coming from South Korea and Singapore.
No matter where you are coming from, unless it’s another Asian destination, you will have to connect once or twice to get to Phnom Penh.
How to Get Around Phnom Penh
The best way to get around Phnom Penh is by tuk-tuk. Make sure you ask the price before they start driving, and feel free to negotiate if you feel the price is too high. These three-wheeled rickshaws can be found on just about every street around the city.
Not all drivers speak English, so you might need to use Google Maps on your phone to show them where you’re going.
Even drivers who don’t speak English know the words for common tourist destinations like “Royal Palace” or “Central Market.”
When to Visit Phnom Penh
Like other places in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh has a dry season and a rainy season. Visiting during the dry season is always better, so you have more freedom to walk around the city without getting drenched.
Phnom Penh’s dry season is from November through May. The temperatures are also slightly less humid during this time, but it’s still pretty hot overall.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Budget—Sla Boutique Hostel: This is by far the best hostel in the city and has a great location right behind The Royal Palace. They have single-sex dorm rooms and private rooms. They also have a few shared spaces, including a kitchen, bar, and patio.
Mid-range—Blue Lime: Want to be walking distance to all the main attractions? Blue Lime should be your go to while in Phnom Penh. They have free breakfast, an outdoor saltwater pool, and a lovely garden you can lounge in during your free time.
Luxury—The Bale Phnom Penh: If you want to stay in the Riverside district in luxury, this is the best place to be. The suites are incredible, all equipped with private courtyards. There is also a pool right in the middle of the grounds, perfect for relaxing and sheltering yourself from the harsh Cambodian sun.
Need more recommendations? Check out my full Phnom Penh accommodation guide here.
Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting: The Perfect Phnom Penh Itinerary
Phnom Penh is a city that’s hard to ignore. Rooted in a dark history, the city has had some drastic changes in the last few decades, making it one of Southeast Asia’s best tourist destinations.
If you’re heading to Cambodia, this Phnom Penh itinerary is a great starting point for your travels. What would you add or change?
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- 6 Incredible Day Trips from Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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