How attractive will Phnom Penh be if you come here for the first time? Discover its hidden charm! (Part 2)
Is it worth visiting Phnom Penh? Do you fancy sailing the Mekong or afternoon tea at Raffles (or even gin tasting) or exploring the King’s official residence? If the answer is yes then Phnom Penh is for you!
We asked ourselves if we should include Phnom Penh but our kids told us that it is great so it made the cut. We spent four busy days in the city and our only regret was that we couldn’t add another.
Read on for Part 2, and we’ll share our favorite reasons why Phnom Penh is worth a visit!!
3. Phnom Penh Markets
3.1. Central Market (Phsa Thmei)
Central Market (Phsar Thmey) (Photo: Collected)
There are a few markets in Phnom Penh; each offer something different. Phsa Thmei or Central Market (also sometimes called New Market) was established in 1937 and we were attracted to it because we’d read about the art deco building.
Inside the giant central dome you’ll find jewellery, watches and glasses. Head off in any direction and find every kind of item you could ever wish to find; food, clothes, household goods, flowers, hair dressers, dress makers or nail bars.
3.2. Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung Market)
Beyond Phnom Penh’s Russian Market (Photo: Collected)
The Russian Market, or Toul Tom Poung Market, so named from the 1980s when Russian expats shopped there. It doesn’t have the Art Deco of the Central Market but it does have a huge array of souvenirs, arts and crafts.
Like the Central Market, there are several jewellers and gold-sellers, and this is said to be the best market to buy fabric. You can also buy food and drink and just as in Central Market, the meat stalls might be a little challenging for some (aka me!)
3.3. Old Market (Phsar Chas)
Phsar Chas, or the Old Market, as the name suggests is one of the oldest markets in Phnom Penh. This is a local market and retains much of its traditional atmosphere. You can find fresh produce, seafood, meat, and everyday household items.
Old Market provides a glimpse into the daily life of Phnom Penh residents and is much less touristy.
4. Responsible Travel – Two Amazing Places To Visit In Phnom Penh
4.1. Daughters of Cambodia
Women Trailblazers: Ruth Elliott, Daughters of Cambodia (Photo: Collected)
This isn’t a tour but the Daughters of Cambodia is a great organisation and well worth supporting. The Daughters of Cambodia is a charity created to “empower those trapped in the sex industry to walk free and start a new life, with healing, dignity, and the means to prosper.”
Their visitors centre offers glorious little boutique shops and a spa; to support them just drop in and buy something!
>>> See more: Learn about Phnom Penh Travel Guides
4.2. Pour Une Sourir d’Enfant : For the Smile Of A Child
Pour Une Sourir d’Enfant : For the Smile Of A Child (Photo: Collected)
This is a very special charity and it is possible to arrange a private visit to their school where hopefully, if you visit, they’ll gently encourage you to support their cause.
Founded by Christian and Marie-France des Pallières 25 years ago after they discovered the Phnom Penh rubbish dump where thousands of children were working and living, the association PSE For a Child’s Smile has already saved 12,000 children from misery! (from their website)
For the Smile Of A Child is invaluable and continues to help children in need. If you are looking for a way of giving something back to Cambodia then take a look at their website and contact them directly. You can visit their school, learn about their ongoing projects and enjoy lunch in their restaurant. You must book ahead but contact them for more information.
5. What To Do In Phnom Penh At Night
I’m pretty sure that our idea of a good night out may not be the same as our kids but no matter, if you only have a few nights in Phnom Penh, we certainly recommend at least one or two of the following :
5.1. Bassac Lane
Once a leafy residential area, this is now home to many trendy bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for night life in Phnom Penh this is said to be the place to come. The narrow street is lined with bars and the sound of music from each bar clashes as you walk along.
This is definitely the domain of the young and trendy, not quite as large as Pub Street in Siem Reap, but we enjoyed a quick visit. Bassac Lane comes really alive after dark so if you go early evening it’s going to be quiet.
5.2. Food Tour : Explore By Tuk Tuk
Phnom Penh Tuk Tuk (Cambodia) (Photo: Collected)
I can’t stress enough how great this tour is! It’s more than food, it’s also a city tour. You get to enjoy LOTS of delicious Khmer cuisine and soak up the crazy atmosphere of the city at night.
If you’re nervous about trying the street food or you have food sensitivities then this is the perfect tour you. Trust us it books very quickly so book ahead and bring your appetite.
5.3. Mekong River Sunset Tour
Victoria Mekong Cruises (Photo: Collected)
I love a boat trip, I love sunsets and I don’t like to spend a fortune on tours. This Mekong Cruise was like a match made in heaven for me!
A tuk-tuk collected us from our hotel. We sailed out from the Tonle Sap into the mighty Mekong and once on board they kept us topped up with drinks and fresh fruit. We watched the sun slowly sink behind the skyscrapers of modern Cambodia and loved every minute.
5.4. Phnom Penh Night Market
Phnom Penh’s Night Market (Cambodia) (Photo: Collected)
Head to the riverfront on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 5pm and 11pm and you’ll find the Phnom Penh night market; very much like a Cambodian version of Walking Street Night Market in Hanoi.
You’ll find an array of goods (including a lot of ‘fake’ designer goods). You’ll also find food and street food vendors, clothing and arts, craft and souvenirs. The Market is popular for locals and tourists alike and is a great opportunity to try a little street food, listen to local live Cambodian music and just soak up the atmosphere.
>>> See more: The Mysterious Smiling Faces of Bayon Temple in Cambodia
5.5. Soro Sky Bar| Vattanac Capital
Soro Sky Bar| Vattanac Capital (Photo: Collected)
We enjoy a nightcap in a Sky Bar. For me it feels a little special, a little opulent and you get to enjoy amazing views. Vattanac Capital Tower is a modern skyscraper, complete with shopping mall and home to one of Phnom Penh’s most prestigious hotels; the Rosewood. It’s also home to the glass-walled Soro Sky Bar.
If you don’t make it to Soro then try Eclipse Sky Bar on the 23rd floor of Phnom Penh Tower. It offers award winning dining as well as the sky bar so you could book a table, have dinner, enjoy the views and have a night cap!
5.6. Tuk-Tuk Ride Across The City
We asked a Tuk Tuk to take us on a tour of the city at night. We had no plan, but we had used this Tuk Tuk previously and he had been recommended by our hotel so we felt confident that he’d be good.
He drove us around the city, whizzing through the streets was great fun and we got to see the main sites all lit up and we really loved the ambiance of late night Phnom Penh. This is a really great way to spend an hour and it costs just a few dollars.
6. Day Trips From Phnom Penh
If like us, you travel at a slower pace, then you may have time to take a day trip out of the city; here are a couple of worthwhile tours that we’d recommend :
6.1. Silk Island | Koh Dach
Koh Dach (Silk Island) & Preak Bang Kang (Photo: Collected)
See a totally different, more traditional side to Phnom Penh on Koh Dach, or Silk Island (so named because of the silk-weaving communities that live here). This little island on the Mekong has modern Phnom Penh on its skyline but offers a perfect contrast to the city.
After a short cruise we landed at Koh Dach and wandered into the main village square. Our guide talked about village life, took us to visit the local primary school and we met a young family creating their own silk weaving business.
The bike ride isn’t difficult as the island is so flat. You get to visit a few different local communities, learn about the life cycle of the silk worm and watch the silk being woven. This is a really charming day and in total contrast to the bustle of Phnom Penh; we highly recommend this trip.
6.2. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) (Photo: Collected)
I’m often reluctant to recommend animal centres but after some research I do believe Phnom Tamao is doing good work in difficult conditions. It’s no secret that we loved our days with the elephants at Mondulkiri but if you’re not travelling north then today might be a great alternative.
The tour starts from Phnom Penh and whilst it isn’t cheap (adults 150$) it does include transport and lunch and you are making a donation to help this charity. You can only book from the centre’s own website.
If you take the Behind the Scenes Tour, you’ll be with guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about the animals and they’ll explain the struggles they face. The sanctuary isn’t perfect but without the work of the Wildlife Rescue Centre these animals would probably die. It’s a worthy cause and an interesting day.
6.3. Khmer Cooking Class
Khmer Cooking Class (Photo: Collected)
Oh how we love a cooking class. Sadly we didn’t have time for this one (but we did book a similar class when we visited Siem Reap). If you have a spare half day this is a great way of learning more about Khmer culture and enjoying the fabulous fruits of your labour. This was the best class we found; with the highest ratings across all platforms.
7. Best Hotels In Phnom Penh
Pavilion, Oasis Heritage Hotel – Phnom Penh (Photo: Collected)
I did so much research before we left home about where to stay in Phnom Penh. I changed my mind several times mainly because there are some excellent choices! In the end, I booked Pavilion and we LOVED it. It was the right mix of small and personal and if you’re heading to Phnom Penh for a few days this is a great place to stay.
Top Tip : I recommend staying within a reasonable walking distance of the river and downtown but if you aren’t don’t worry, just use GRAB and let tuk-tuks take you around.
I spent hours on finding hotels so here’s my short list; it will save you a ton of research!
>>> See more: 14+ journey-worthy photos of Cambodian daily life
7.1. Luxury Hotels In Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh (Photo: Collected)
If there was ever a city to choose totally luxury and world class opulence then it’s Phnom Penh; Raffles Phnom Penh and The Rosewood. Treat yourself! You know you’re worth it!
7.2. Great Hotels In Phnom Penh
This is an easy choice for a comfort stay. There are lots to choose from but don’t bother searching because these are both fabulous. The Pavilion felt like a little oasis in the city and Plantation has the same reputation.
7.3. Budget Hotels In Phnom Penh
La Chronique Hotel, Phnom Penh (Photo: Collected)
We’re not looking for bunk beds but if your budget is tight the best hotel for you will be the beautiful La Chronique. It has consistently high ratings so look no further! If you do want bunk beds, a lively hostel in a great location then you’ll want Mad Monkeys; a guy on our Silk Island cruise raved about it.
8. Where To Eat In Phnom Penh
Malis Restaurant (Photo: Collected)
Phnom Penh has great restaurants. It has a growing reputation as a foodie destination and review sites will wax lyrical about many options, but these are the ones we personally tried and recommend.
If you want to experience the amazing street food culture in Phnom Penh then here’s another shout for the amazing Tuk Tuk Food Tour. It’s a great way to try local cuisine (and crickets and bugs) and a great way of ensuring that I eat gluten free.
9. When To Visit Phnom Penh
Cambodia has two seasons; wet and dry. The most popular time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season. We were there in January and February and had no rain. If you don’t mind the daily downpour, we are reliably informed that April through to September tends to be quieter with less tourists.
If you arrive at the end of the rainy season you have the advantage of seeing the Tonle Sap (the worlds largest freshwater lake) at its fullest. And you could find yourself some great travel deals as it’s the low season.
When Is Monsoon Season?
75% of Cambodia’s rainfall arrives between May and October. One of our guides told us that it doesn’t rain all day, it’s more of a huge torrential (windy) down pour and then it clears. He also said the rain also brings relief from the hot temperatures too.
10. Important Festivals and Events in Cambodia
We were in Vietnam for Tet and the national holiday certainly impacted on our travels. There are a few similar festivals in Cambodia that you should consider.
10.1. Khmer New Year – April (Also known as Choul Chnam Thmey)
Khmer New Year (Photo: Collected)
This is a 3 day national holiday and, just like Christmas or Thanksgiving, everyone moves across the country to be with family. Expect a strange mix of closed shops and restaurants whilst temples and attractions, transport and hotels will be extremely busy.
There are lots of celebrations and in Phnom Penh they may be centred around the Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Wat Botum and Wat Phnom. During the celebrations, revellers typically throw water at each other and passers-by and sometimes coloured powder. All very harmless but you should be aware of the potential.
10.2. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony – May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Photo: Collected)
This is an ancient celebration which takes place at the start of the rice growing season, where local priests foretell the outcome of the coming harvests. This festival is highly regarded in Cambodia but unlikely to cause much disruption to your travel plans.
>>> See more: Top 5 places to visit in Cambodia
10.3. Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) – November
Bon Om Touk in Cambodia (Photo: Collected)
This festival corresponds with the end of the Monsoon season. This water festival is a huge celebration and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. You’ll find traditional boat races, overcrowded streets, food markets, street vendors, fireworks, illuminated boat parades and general jollity and making merry.
11. Getting Around Phnom Penh
We found travelling around Phnom Penh (and Cambodia) very easy and there are transport choices for every budget. Gerry’s written a fabulous post about Getting Around Phnom Penh which offers a more details and options for a first time visitor.
12. Is Phnom Penh Safe for Tourists?
Yes. However, it would be foolhardy to say that there is no crime. We had read that ‘bag-snatching’ was prevalent but we never experienced it and we heard of pick-pockets but again never saw or knew of anyone impacted by this. But nonetheless, we took precautions.
In short, take the same measures that you would in any busy city and don’t let it ruin your experience. We never felt any more at risk in Phnom Penh than at home in France.
Road Safety and Trip Hazards
I would say that the biggest hazard we faced was on the pavements and the roads. The pavements are uneven, the roads have pot-holes and pedestrian crossings and traffic lights can be advisory. Traffic is crazy and cars, tuk-tuks and bikes jostle for their place on the road. Cars park in pedestrian areas which means that at times you are walking in the road. You have to be alert.
We love to walk around cities and Phnom Penh is no exception, we felt safe at all times but do keep an eye on where you’re walking and be alert when crossing the road.
A visit to Cambodia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the nation’s capital. I would also say go with an open mind. Look beyond the chaos and embrace the friendliness of the local people and just enjoy the moment.
