Whats in the Article?
Cambodia’s capital city has a lot to offer, so if you’re wondering what to do while you’re there, here are some of the best places to eat and some must-do excursions to check out in Phnom Penh.
Audio Narration 
Cambodia has long been one of my favourite places, so returning to Phnom Penh instantly felt fondly familiar. I plan on visiting Cambodia for about a month, working as I go, and my starting point has been three days in Cambodia’s capital.
I first came to Cambodia way back in 2017, and have returned several times since; there’s something about the country that just keeps calling me back. Phnom Penh Airport is the most common entry point to the country and is usually much cheaper than flying to the alternative international airport in Siem Reap, so this is likely where you’ll find yourself arriving.
My First Top Tip for Visiting Phnom Penh: Get an eSIM
Trust me!! Before the invention of eSIMs, I used to get a Cambodian SIM card, but signing up for one can be a real hassle for foreigners. Navigating, conversing, bartering, and getting tuk-tuks are so much easier when you can use your phone! I used Airalo, which has brilliant coverage in Phnom Penh and most of Cambodia.
My Second Top Tip for Visiting Phnom Penh: Use a Tuk-Tuk App
The roads aren’t for the fainthearted and I don’t quite have the guts to hire a motorbike or scooter in Phnom Penh, however getting tuk-tuks is inexpensive and much less risky. To get around easily, you’ll want to use a transport app such as PassApp, Grab, or TADA. These are essentially the same as Uber—you can call a tuk-tuk or car to just about anywhere, you don’t need to worry about giving directions or getting lost, and there’s no chance of the driver trying to sneak a few extra dollars out of you, as the price is calculated beforehand. As a solo female traveller, I can’t stress how important it is to use a transport app, it could save your life! I’ve compiled a list of more top tips for female travellers here.
For this visit to Phnom Penh, I opted to stay at Bliss & Beats Hostel in the heart of the trendy Boeng Keng Kang 1 area (known as BKK1). BKK is one of the best areas to stay in Phnom Penh, with a good number of vibrant bars and eateries within walking distance, so I can easily find somewhere to get some good grub, grab a cocktail, or chill with a coffee.
Bliss & Beats Hostel has brand-new private rooms that were renovated only last year, and comfy shared dorms that have well-thought-out privacy. During the day there’s a relaxed, chill vibe, perfect for just hanging out by the pool. In the evenings, the hostel gets a lot more lively and sometimes has pool parties, a DJ, bar games, and so on. My favourite part about Bliss & Beats, however, is the bar manager Tola, who is the epitome of Khmer (Cambodian) hospitality, the perfect example of how lovely and welcoming Khmer people can be!
Day 1: A Poignant Visit to the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields
My first full day was dedicated to reminding myself about Cambodia’s poignant and tragic history. I firmly believe when visiting any country, it is important to have some knowledge of its past in order to understand its present. Knowing more about what happened here can be hard to stomach, since it was only in 1979, less than 50 years ago, that the country escaped a crippling genocide and a long civil war.
I visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge era. Walking through the haunting corridors, seeing the faces of the men, women, and children who were sent to their deaths there, I was hit by the stories of resilience and the stark reminder of the atrocities committed. The harrowing history is so stark in contrast to the loving, gentle Khmer people you encounter these days; evidence that the hardships Cambodian people faced during that time could not crush the Khmer spirit.
Later, I travelled to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located just outside the city. As you’d expect from the name, this is a place where some of the war’s worst atrocities were carried out, but the serene surroundings and gentle beauty of the area make it hard to imagine the secrets hidden there, making it a haunting place that offers a reality check and forces you to reflect.
Though there is definitely something morbid about going to places like these, they also help you reframe your own life with gratitude. The country is still healing from its not-so-distant past, and it is important to remember this when visiting.
I will point out here though, that while I do believe that going on tours that help you understand the country is important, be aware that some tours are exploitative of the local people. DO NOT go on tours to orphanages, schools, or children’s homes! These facilities often use children as an attraction and actively allow strangers with no background checks to spend time with kids unsupervised, causing an obvious danger to the children they are supposed to be protecting. Likewise, be aware of tours that may take you to poorer areas—only go if you are with a licensed Khmer tour guide who has a relationship with the residents and has permission for you to visit. These are people’s homes—poverty tourism is not okay!
Dumpling Delight at Mama Wong’s
In the evening, I headed for dinner at Mama Wong’s, a traditional Chinese dumpling and noodle restaurant. Mama Wong’s is famous as one of the top places to eat in Phnom Penh, thanks to them having easily the best dumplings in the city. One of my favourite parts about eating here is the street seating, where I sat and people-watched for a couple of hours while I ate. Mama Wong’s is in the Bassac Street area, known for its trendy bars, unique restaurants, and dynamic nightlife, so it is a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.
Day 2: Breakfast at Lot 369, Shopping at the Russian Market & Cruising the Mekong
For breakfast, I headed to Lot 369, a charming café with balconies overlooking the patchwork tin rooftops of the famous Russian Market. They serve an incredible vegan breakfast bowl with secret recipe hash browns that will blow your mind! I’d also recommend their traditional Khmer frozen coffee—a sure-fire way to gear you up for the rest of the day! This was the perfect opportunity to sit and work for a while, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the market below.
Post-breakfast, I dipped into Russian Market, locally known as Toul Tom Poung. This bustling market is a treasure trove of goods, from handcrafted souvenirs to clothing and electronics. Navigating the narrow aisles to the souvenir area of the markets, the splashes of colour, traditional crafts, hand-made jewellery, and stunning paintings made the place buzz with unique charm.
A handy tip for visiting the Russian Market would be to get to grips with the bartering system. Though it’s fun to haggle and you can almost always shave a few dollars off the original asking price, don’t get carried away. The people working at the market often earn very little, so while it seems like an exciting experience for you to bring the price down and try your hand at haggling, you could also be taking more than a day’s food budget from their family, so be reasonable with how much you expect the vendors to lower their prices.
Giving Back: Donating Blood at the Local Blood Bank
One thing I often try to make time for when visiting countries that are less privileged is to donate blood. In Cambodia, the healthcare infrastructure is still recovering from the Khmer Rouge’s attempts to destroy it, so blood supplies are often so low that family members have to donate directly to their loved ones in an emergency. Adding my blood to their reserves was a simple and easy process. I went to The National Blood Transfusion Centre (NBTC) and simply gave them my insurance details, had a few health checks, and then relaxed while the donation process took place. It only took around half an hour to finish and without further ado, I was on my way with a box of mini pastries and a fizzy drink as a thank you from the hospital. Another good place to donate blood in Phnom Penh is Kantha Bopha Hospital, which is a children’s hospital that focuses on free healthcare for children from low-income households who can’t afford to pay for treatments. Donating blood is such a small, simple way to save lives in less than an hour, and is something I am passionate about encouraging.
Donating blood is such a small, simple way to save lives in less than an hour, and is something I am passionate about encouraging.
Cruising the Mekong at Sunset
One of the highlights of my trip was a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. I opted for a tour that offered unlimited beer and soft drinks, along with a fresh fruit platter, sailing out from the Riverside area of town at 5 pm in order to catch the sunset at 6:30. As the boat gently navigated the waters, I watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Phnom Penh’s skyline. The cool breeze and picturesque views made it a unique, unforgettable way to see the city from another perspective.
Day 3: Exploring Silk Island
On my final morning, I took a boat trip to Koh Dach, commonly known as Silk Island. We cruised along the Mekong River for about 45 minutes until we reached Koh Dach, a nature-kissed island renowned for its traditional silk-weaving communities. Visiting local workshops, I watched artisans meticulously crafting silk scarves and garments and learned about the
After my visit to the silk workshop, I hired a bike and explored the island on two wheels, spending the afternoon cycling through the brilliance of rural Cambodia, stopping off at a street market I stumbled across to get some lunch before making my way back to the ferry port.
As I’ve been visiting Cambodia for many years and speak some of the Khmer language I am comfortable exploring alone, but If you’re not familiar with Cambodia, I would recommend booking a full cycling tour of Silk Island rather than going alone.
A Skyline Sunset at Juniper Gin Bar
Sunsets in much of Southeast Asia are a magical experience. The sun transforms into a huge red ball and slips out of sight so quickly that you can literally track its movement. The whole thing only takes about 20 minutes, but the stunning pink skies it leaves last for much longer, making the city glow radiantly.
I found the perfect place to watch this from: Juniper Gin Bar. This rooftop bar has an art-deco vibe, serves unique signature cocktails and classic pizzas, and offers an unbeatable view of both the Phnom Penh cityscape and the Tonle Sap River as the sun disappears and is replaced by city lights.
And just like that, my three days in Phnom Penh are over. Tomorrow, I’ll be heading southwest to explore Koh Kong and get a bit of beach time.
Top Tips for Visiting Phnom Penh
Do not visit an orphanage: It is widely known that orphanages often exploit children by making them tourist attractions and allowing complete strangers to access the children without supervision, putting the children in incredible danger. Avoid funding any establishments that offer this kind of trip.
Download a Transportation App: Life is much easier and travel is much safer if you use an app such as Grab, PassApp, or TADA. You won’t get scammed on the price and you will be able to track your journey.
Cash is King: Though some bigger establishments may take an international card, many will turn it down and often market stalls and food stands only accept cash. Cambodia uses US Dollars and Khmer Riel for their currency, but Riel is a better option economically for the Cambodian people. Be prepared with cash and don’t forget to leave a tip!
Use Sensible Bags: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are not uncommon issues in crowded areas and markets. Use a bag with a cross-body strap and decent zippers/fastenings and hidden compartments, under-clothing money belts, or a small two-strap backpack worn on your chest rather than behind you. Do not use a bumbag with an easy-to-access clip fastening or a tote bag that could easily be snatched.
Final Thoughts
My 3-day stay in Phnom Penh has been a blend of history, culture, food, and meaningful experiences. From the haunting yet essential visits to the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields to the vibrant energy of Bassac Lane and the peaceful retreat of Silk Island, every moment was filled with discovery.
One of the things I love most about Phnom Penh is its resilience—the city has endured so much, yet its people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming I’ve ever met. Whether it was chatting with locals at the Russian Market or learning about the inspiring work of local NGOs, I felt a deep connection to the place and its stories.
For those considering a trip here, I’d highly recommend balancing the historical and cultural sites with some relaxed exploration of the city’s markets, food spots, and riverside views. Take time to give back where you can—whether that’s through supporting ethical businesses, joining an NGO-led tour, or even something as simple as donating blood. Every little bit helps, and Phnom Penh is a city where you can truly see the impact of positive tourism.
Phnom Penh is a place of contrasts, of past and present, of hardship and hope, but most of all, it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left — I got my trip, now get yours! Anna xx
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