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Discover Phnom Penh

Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Phnom Penh.

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Phnom Penh
Next prayerDhuhr 11:46 AM
Weather now25°C Cloudy
CurrencyCambodian Riel
Best time to visitSee city guide

Must-see attractions in Phnom Penh

From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 14 standout sights to build into your time in the city.

Phnom Penh has turned into the central economic, industrial, commercial, and historic point in Cambodia. It is home to several Pagodas, religious joints, cultural settings, and historic markets like Russian Market and Central market. Its wide Boulevards give way to crazy SUV drivers to rush past bicycling children and youth.

Halal restaurants in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 23 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.

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K West

Set in the lobby of Ajmayna Hotel, this French owned restaurant serves the finest food in town. The ambiance is chic and elegant, perfect for a romantic date or a business dinner. Delicious pastas are cooked at order and the pleasant salads are the biggest temptation! Palatable and fresh sea food is also available on order along with a wide range of Khmer dishes and side snacks. The desserts at K West are hard to resist. So, don’t forget to savor your taste buds with their mouth-watering sweets.

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Riverhouse

This restaurant mainly caters the high-clientele with their mouthwatering Thai, French and American food delicacies. It is established in a reconstructed French colonial building and gives an overview of the Mekong River while you savor the delectable food. It gives you the option to either relish your meal while enjoying the scenic views of the Mekong River or settle yourself in an air-conditioned hall to ensure maximum privacy. The restaurant is packed at most nights hence making a reservation is a smart choice!

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Topaz

Located on the Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, this restaurant serves the most succulent steaks in town! It is contemporary French styled building is soothing to eyes and the perfect ambiance makes eating out at Topaz absolutely great. The French and Thai cuisine is served with outstanding presentation. Besides food, Topaz has a name for its divine French wines. So for all food and exotic wine lovers, this is the place for you to crash in!

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Bai Thong

The elegance of Bai Thong is perfect for a much awaited romantic dinner or even a long pending business meeting. The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxed and from the white table cloth to the food served, every feature is top-notch. Fully air-conditioned rooms and the extensive menu, now including Laos, Vietnamese and Khymer cuisines as well, is a rare combination especially if topped up with excellent timely and wifi services.

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Chow Restaurant

It is an elite posh restaurant with a beautiful riverfront, featuring a chic setting, and detailed contemporary décor. The mouthwatering Asian food is served with intricate dressing details and an incredible selection of wine is offered to the customers. Special deals for the great happy hours are available. It is better to make the reservations in advance at Chow to save yourself the disappointment of house-full later on.

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Amber Garden Terrace

Situated on the busy 57th Street, this airy hotel is not just affordable but serves the finest Khymer food. The breezy environment gives a casual and serene touch to your meals and sets a light mood. If your taste buds crave for something beyond Khymer delights then you’ve the choice to select from a wide range of International delicacies. While you wait for your order, you can always catch up on recent facebook updates or emails while utilixing their free wifi services.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.

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InterContinental Phnom Penh

This hotel is located in the business center of the city’s downtown, only a few minutes from the popular Russian market. Though it’s located in the capital of the country, the hotel has a considerably peaceful ambiance in contrast with the hustle bustle of Phnom Penh. It has 346 rooms and suites along with ballrooms and halls for small events. The hotel is located about 8km from the airport and is only a 15-20 minutes taxi ride away. One way taxi fare to the airport is about US$10.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh

The roots of this hotel date back to 80 years hence it’s a living legend of French colonial elegance and sophistication. It is situated at the heart of city, especially close to the elite shopping centers and beautiful tourist locations. The beautiful sunset over the Mekong River could be observed from Raffles Hotel. Its boutique has an extensive cultural heritage collection and the restaurants serve the Asian and global delicacies.

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Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

Sofitel Phnom Penh is positioned riverside surrounded by exotic gardens. The gorgeous 17 story building of the magnificient hotel stands in the old quarter of the city, and is close to several tourist attractions, embassies, and business capital. It has a total of 201 rooms and offers all the luxuries to its customers from spa to bars and sports club.

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Naga World

Ever since 1995, Naga world is attracting a wide range of clientele, from the casino lovers to the business elite and families! It is acknowledged as one of the best casino-hotels in Indo China and offers you their exquisite services from a relaxing spa, gaming halls, karaoke lounges, and spacious deluxe rooms and suites. At Naga world you will discover, love, and invigorate exotic beyond the trend.

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Himawari Hotel Apartments

Settled on the beautiful Tonle Sap River, this stunning hotel with gorgeous interior is provides you with their excellent services. Not just Himawari is close to business centers and embassies, but also it soothes your sight with the scenic views of Royal Palace and Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in the harmony of this haven. A few of their facilities include gym, swimming pool, 24 hours room service, programs of physical fitness like Yoga and Aerobics, tennis court, Jacuzzi, steam room, meeting halls and rooms, etc. The list of Himawari’s hospitality and services doesn’t end there; to satisfy your appetite, a restaurant and two bars are ready to serve you.

History and today in Phnom Penh

Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.

Phnom Penh Today

Phnom Penh Today

It is home to several Pagodas, religious joints, cultural settings, and historic markets like Russian Market and Central market.

City Information

Phnom Penh History

Phnom Penh became the permanent seat of the King in 1866. Royal Palace was built in the city for honor. Later French colonists established schools, hospitals, courts, heath centers, offices, prisons, etc to turn a partial village into a capital city. Soon in the 1870s the city’s picture changed into a modern metropolitan.

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City Information

Visa Information

A visa is essential for entering Cambodia and it can be obtained from the Cambodian Embassy in your country. Exemption is given from providing proofs of return tickets. And it takes three days to obtain visa from the date of application if dropped off and picked in person. Whereas it takes seven to ten days if a courier service is used.

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City Information

When to go

It’s ideal to tour the city in October to January, generally, because the intensity of humidity and temperatures are lower compared to all other months. Also, two of their major festivals, water festival and Pchum Ben also take place during these months so it’s a great chance for tourists to absorb the culture of the city in a pleasant weather.

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City Information

Fast Facts

-Location: Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is situated in South-central region of the country. The metropolis is located on the intersection of the banks of Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. -Dialing code: +855(023) -Emergency numbers: 1. Police: 117 2. Fire: 118 3. Ambulance: 119 4. Airport Inquiry:

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City Information

Exchange Rates

The Cambodian currency is called Riel.

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City Information

Public Holidays

January 7th: Victory over Genocide Day. January 19th: Meak Bochea Day/Magha Puja Day. March 8th: International Women’s Day. April 14, 15th, and 16th: Khmer New Year’s holidays. May 1st: Labor Day April 17th: Visaka Bochea June 18th: Birthday of the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. September 24th: Cambodia’s Constitution Day September 26th, 27th, and 28th: Pchum Ben Day. November 9th: Independence Day November 10th, 11th and 12th: Water Festival

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City Information

Annual Temperature

January Avg Low: 23° Avg High: 30° February Avg Low: 24° Avg High: 31° March Avg Low: 25° Avg High: 32° April Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 32° May Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 32° June Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 30° July Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 30° August Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 29° September Avg Low: 25° Avg High: 29° October Avg Low: NA Avg High: 30° November Avg Low: 24° Avg High: 30° December Avg Low: 23° Avg High: 30°

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Shopping in Phnom Penh

Explore 19 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.

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Central Market

Distinguished with its historic yellow dome, central market is home to several shops. It is not just a traditional landmark, but also an epitome of Khmer architecture. The central point of the market sells a beautiful range of gems and jewelry. Whereas the central entrance walk is cramped with several vendors and stalls, selling souvenirs, handicrafts, silk fabrics, karmas, cravings, statuary, and tee shirts, etc.

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Sayon Silkworks

As the name suggests, this shop excels in the flowing silk material and designs for women over the world. They possess a wide variety of silk cushions, clothing, handbags, patchwork quilts and other miscellaneous silk products. To get a customized article made, they have tailors and designers available for facilitation.

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Assasax Gallery

This alluring art gallery is located opposite to the Royal Palace and features the art and paintings of Assasax, an artist. The artist’s style is contemporary and he has tried to pain landmarks of Cambodia with intricate details to please the viewers’ eyes. For jewelry lovers, the gallery features a limited collection of silver jewelry.

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Silk & Pepper

This shop deals in stunning Cambodian handicraft products. From flower necklaces to silk scarves and name cardholders, every gift will surprise you out of your wits with it’s detailed beauty. Personalized gifts and packaging is also available in many different designs and styles.

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Bliss

Bliss possess trained craftsmen who design latest fashion trends into women’s dreams. From stock furnishings to beaded and embroidered cushions and house wares, Bliss deals in everything that revolves around its fashion statement. Wearable fashions come in all varieties; from cotton to silk, nightwear to daywear, and formal to casual.

Signature sights in Phnom Penh

A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.

Festivals and events in Phnom Penh

Plan around 14 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

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New Year

New Year isn’t an official festival in Phnom Penh, but in the past few years the celebrations for the New Year has been taken to a new level with lots of enthusiasm, fireworks, etc. And even though it’s not a public holiday, most offices and shops close down on the 1st of January in Phnom Penh.

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Victory Day

This day is marked to celebrate the victory of the regime over the fall of Poll Pot’s on January 7th, 1979.

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Bonn Chaul Chhnam – Khmer New Year

It is similar to songkran in Thailand and phimai in Laos, marking the climax of the harvesting season in Cambodia. Cambodians clean and decorate their houses, splash each other and streets with water to express joy, and attend offerings at temples. Exquisite lights are arranged on the streets, and various sport events and cultural programs are organized in the city as a part of the celebrations. It normally comprises if three days, 14th-16th April.

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Bonn Visak Bochea

This is one of the very significant festivals of Cambodia, celebrated by every person in the country. Bonn Visak Bochea signifies the birth, enlightenment, and death of the God Buddha. It happens during the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar for one day only, usually in mid-May. A cortege of people with lit candles, sermons, and religious chanting is a part of its commemoration.

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Bonn Chrat Preah Nongkol - Royal Ploughing Ceremony

This ceremony goes back to the times when the King inaugurated the harvesting season. In this century, the ritual is performed at the inception of rainy season in Cambodia. Representatives of the King take place of the King and the Queen. A procession revolves around the field thrice and then stops at the Shrine when Brahmins provoke God. Sacred cows are brought and several items are put in front of them for e.g rice, beans, alcohol, water, etc. It is assumed that it the cows eat rice or drink water then the rice will be good. However, cow’s inclination towards alcohol or beans is considered as an alarm.

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Phnom Penh travel guide sections

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