Top 20 Phnom Penh Attractions (2023)
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vibrant capital city and is rice with ancient history. This city exudes a unique charm that encompasses the old and new of Cambodia; enabling visitors to perceive and understand the country and its cultural values. There are just so many things waiting to be discovered here, so let us explore the best 20 attractions in the beautiful Phnom Penh.
1. Bear Care Tour
The Bear Care Tour is located within Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, just 1-hour drive away from the Phnom Penh city. This non-profit organisation was started by an Australian, Mary Hutton, to stop unethical and illegal bear activities in the world. This Bear Care is home to 120 Moon and Sun Bear; both are now endangered species. In this tour, you will get to participate in caring for the bears such as feeding, creating sensory enrichment, cleaning and repairing the bears’ dens. This is not your usual tour; with the Bear Care Tour, you will be able to see the real works that are being done to save these animals.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
2. Cambodian Living Arts
It is founded in 1998 by Arn Chorn-Pond, who is a respectable human rights activist that is currently residing in Cambodia. The aim of setting up this Cambodian Living Arts is to continue to develop and create a breakthrough through arts. Within this space, you will be able to enjoy traditional music and arts through vibrant performances in a modern theatre hall. One will also get to immerse themself in the culture as Dance Workshops are available to everyone who is interested in trying, regardless of your age.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to show rates.
3. Central Market
This Central Market is one of the famous landmarks in Phnom Penh that you must visit. The structure is completed in 1937 and is home to the largest dome in Asia standing at 85 metres high. The market is divided into two sections; you can get fresh produce and fruits at the outdoors, while in the indoors you can get food, clothes and also precious stone such as diamonds. The items are not priced too high but remember to haggle before buying anything.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Diamond Island
Diamond Island is a futuristic town and is a new district in Phnom Penh. Diamond Island is the country’s attempt to urbanised the capital by creating modern lifestyle hub and luxurious home. Not only that, Diamond Island boasts stunning skyscrapers, posh restaurants and a renown Casino complex. In recent years, Diamond Island has become more popular among tourist in search of the finer things in Cambodia; providing all visitors with a chance to experience the old and the new of Cambodia.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Independence Monument, Phnom Penh
This is an iconic monument that was built in 1958 to symbolise Cambodia’s freedom from the French colonisation. Located in the heart of the capital, this monument stands at 37 metres high. Vann Molyvann built this monument, a Cambodian artist, that combines both religion and modern architecture into the design. Under the instruction of Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the stupa architecture resembles a blooming lotus flower with many layers.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Koh Dach
Koh Dach is an island situated upstream of Mekong River in Phnom Penh. Koh Dach or Silk Island is a serene attraction away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. This place not only possesses a picturesque small beach that is perfect for relaxation but garment factories where silk is weaved using traditional methods. It is fascinating to get a chance to see how silks are being harvested from silkworms to the final weaved product that is always sporting beautiful and colorful designs.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
7. National Museum of Cambodia
Located next to the Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s leading archaeological and historical museum. Not only is the museum one of the largest museums in Cambodia, but it also houses the most extensive collection of Khmer sculptures. The museum was completed in 1920 and was built in an impressive Khmer architecture. This place is home to 14,000 ancient artefacts originated from the Khmer Kingdom and Angkor Wat. One of the highlights of this trip will have to be the bronze Vishnu sculpture that was uncovered in a temple not too far from Angkor Wat.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – $10 | Child – $5
8. Orussey Market
Orussey Market is a marketplace that is always frequented by locals. Housed within a beige building, you will find items from souvenirs, handmade products, electric gadget and many more in this three-storey market. It is always bustling with people and can be a confusing maze to navigate around, so it will require you to spend more time here to discover all there is. Orussey Market is also a great place to taste local foods as stalls will be selling grilled seafood, soup hu tieu and the infamous crispy insect delicacies.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
9. Phnom Baset
Phnom Baset is a famous place among tourist to enjoy the best of Cambodian rich culture and heritage. Situated 32km away from the Phnom Penh city, this 18th century Phnom Baset is a mystical place surrounded by pre-Angkorian temple remnants and intricately designed religious stupas. Touring around the grounds, you will also be able to find the famous reclining Buddha that is 21 metres in length that is made of granite stone.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
10. Phnom Penh Night Market
Phnom Penh Night Market is the highlight of Cambodia and is a must-visit attraction when you are here. Situated by the riverside, this place is always bustling with people and gives out a festive atmosphere. It is an open-air market that sells everything from local products, clothes, fruit and a variety of local food. Some of the top snacks that you should try here are the Cambodian sausages, vegetable spring rolls and the flavourful grilled meats.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Phocea Mekong Cruises
Cruising through the infamous Mekong River will be the best way to explore Phnom Penh. Phocea Mekong Cruises is a two hours all-inclusive exclusive tour that is available for bookings on-ground. There are a few packages available, but why not opt for the sunset cocktail cruise with your dinner served on-board the ship. It is a very wonderful way to enjoy the sunset away from the traffic in the city.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
12. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is one of the most iconic building in Phnom Penh that was constructed in 1866. Located by the riverside, this Palace is the resident of the King of Cambodia. Some part of the Palace is ground open for the public to visit. There are plenty of things to explore here such as the royal garden, pavilions and the spectacular throne room where the tower stands at 59 metres high. All visitors will have to be appropriately dressed if they want to visit this Palace. The length of the bottom has to cover the knees, and the blouse will have to cover the elbows.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): $6.50
13. Silver Pagoda
Just located on the same vicinity as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is another magnificent Khmer architecture building that is worth visiting. This Silver Pagoda got its name from the silver coating that covers the temple floors. Within the temple, you will find a variety of jewelled and gold Buddha sculptures. The two main highlights of the Silver Pagoda will be the Emerald Buddha of Cambodia that is made from crystal and a gold Maitreya Buddha that is don in 9584 diamonds.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): $3
14. Skybar at Lumiere
Located in Level 14 in the Lumiere Hotel, is a Skybar that will allow you a beautiful panoramic view of the Phnom Penh city. The Skybar operates throughout the day, offering a stunning indoor and al-fresco area. This is a quiet place for you to dine-in and is a wonderful option especially during nightfall. They serve an excellent cocktail selection and a nice relaxing ambience with soothing background music.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is located in the Independent Square of Phnom Penh. This statue of the former King Norodom Sihanouk is a reminder of his contributions in liberating the country in 1953. The 4.5metres tall statue is housed under a candi that is 27 metres high. The monument is lit up at night exuding a different charm.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. The Russian Market
The Russian Market is one of the top must-visit attractions in Phnom Penh that you must include into your travelling itinerary. Located in a more urban neighbourhood, this market place exudes a different appeal compared to Central Market. There are plenty of things to see and buy here such as souvenirs, clothes, local products but the highlight of this place will have to be the cafes here. A variety of unique cafes, bar and boutiques mushroomed here to appeal to a more hip and younger crowd.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Located in the centre of the capital, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was formerly a secondary school before converting to an S-21 prison in 1975. This prison is now preserved as a genocide museum to tell the stories of the painful history and serves as an advocate for peace. An English audio tour is available and takes approximately 2 hours to cover the entire museum. You will be able to see the interrogation rooms, torture rooms accompanied by pictures of what happened then and also the victims.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): $3.50
18. Wat Ounalom
Established in 1443, Wat Ounalom is an important Buddhist headquarter in Cambodia. Located in the centre of Phnom Penh, it is home to the country’s head of Buddhist brotherhood and a large community of monks. Within the temple grounds, you will be able to see 44 holy structures and the main building, where you will be able to see the Buddha of Burmese in a glass case on level 3. It is also fascinating to know that Buddha’s eyebrow hair is kept in a stupa just located behind the main building.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Wat Phnom
Perch on the hill in the heart of Phnom Penh town, Wat Phnom is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in 1372. Here you will be able to see temples, stupas and smaller shrines around this sanctuary that each represent Confucian, Hindu and Taoist beliefs. It is fascinating to be able to go through paintings that tell of the story of Buddha’s reincarnations and his enlightenment within the temple wall; just beside the large bronze Buddha statue.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): $1
20. Wildlife Alliance
Situated 36km away from the capital, Wildlife Alliance is an international non-profit organisation known for its wildlife protection and conservation efforts. In partnership with Cambodia, Wildlife Alliance Phnom Penh is a place where you will be given an opportunity to play a part in saving these creatures. Donors to this wildlife organisation can get up close and personal with some of the animals that live in this area. You will be able to see leopards, elephants, tigers and also the endangered hairy-nosed otter. The tour will enable you a chance to visit the animal nursery, where you will get a rare look at these cute animal pups.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – $5 | Child – $2
Phnom Penh is an exotic capital that allows visitors to take a glimpse in the country’s past through the many historical and ancient sites that are preserved here. It is also interesting to see another part of Phnom Penh in Diamond Island where it features a more upscale and modern lifestyle. Why not come and discover all the charms Phnom Penh has to offer the next time you travel here.