Itineraries for Your Trip to Phnom Penh
1 Day in Phnom Penh for First Timers
Phnom Penh may not have the beauty or buzz of Bangkok or the awe of Ho Chi Minh City, but Cambodia’s capital city has plenty of charms of its own—as long as you approach it with an open mind. Balancing out visits to historical sites like the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) is key—even if you only have one day in Phnom Penh.
They’re important places to see, especially for first-time visitors, but the Phnom Penh I know and love is far more than the sum of its past—where shiny skyscrapers and rooftop bars meet Buddhist temples, opulent palaces, and bustling street markets once favored by Anthony Bourdain.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a tuk-tuk ride around the city—there’s no better way to go sightseeing.
Phnom Penh is hot and humid, but many of the city’s main attractions call for modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees.
Understanding Cambodia’s past is one of the best ways to appreciate its present. The somber sights of the Killing Fields and S-21 aren’t the easiest places to visit, but they’re two of Phnom Penh’s must-see attractions for a reason. Including hotel pick-up and drop-off and transport out to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, a guided group tour offers a gentler introduction than going alone. Along with showing you around the sites, they’ll also answer any questions, leaving you with a much deeper understanding of the 1970s genocide and how far Cambodia has come since.
This afternoon is dedicated to putting the wonder back into the Kingdom of Wonder. Despite everything Cambodia—and Phnom Penh—have been through over these past few decades, the city is full of beautiful sites and attractions, from the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to Wat Phnom and the Art Deco-style Central Market (Phsar Thmey). Joining a private tour means you get an insider’s perspective on the city and can tailor the itinerary to suit your interests.
Enjoy dinner and entertainment in one fun package with an evening market and BBQ food tour around the city. While Phnom Penh can be a little overwhelming—especially if you only have one day in the city—a food tour is a fun and safe way to experience some of the capital’s best street food and local delicacies. Along with all your food, drinks, and a guide, most also include hotel pick-up and drop-off as standard, making it extra easy to have a stress-free night on the town.
