←Cambodia travel guide
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh
A riverside capital where past and present meet
CultureFood & DrinkHistory & Heritage
Phnom Penh occupies the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, anchored by the gilded spires of the Royal Palace and the striking Silver Pagoda on its riverfront promenade. The city holds the country's major national museums and memorial sites that document Cambodia's complex twentieth-century history, making it an essential stop for understanding the nation.
Check Cambodia visa requirements →
Best time to visit
November to February (dry season)
Region
Phnom Penh
Main airport
Phnom Penh PNH (PNH)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Phnom Penh
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
A former secondary school in central Phnom Penh, Tuol Sleng served as Security Prison 21 under the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979, detaining an estimated 17,000 people. Opened as a museum in 1980, it preserves prison cells, photographs, and records that document the regime's systematic violence, offering visitors a carefully curated account of one of the twentieth century's darkest episodes. The museum is the principal memorial site in Cambodia dedicated to the preservation of this history.
Culture
Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
The gilded spires of the Royal Palace and the adjoining Silver Pagoda are the highlight of Cambodia's riverside capital. Manicured courtyards and the emerald Buddha give a sense of the monarchy's enduring role.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Cambodia. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Cambodia.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cambodia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Cambodia page at Yoogo.
Cambodia's official currency is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely used and accepted for most transactions, especially in tourist areas. Prices are often quoted in dollars. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in cities. Carry US dollars in cash for everyday use and smaller establishments.
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in main destinations. Petty theft, bag-snatching from motorbikes, and scams targeting visitors occur in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Unexploded ordnance remains a hazard in rural areas; stick to marked paths. Traffic is chaotic and road accidents are a significant risk. Take normal urban precautions and avoid walking alone at night.
Buses and minivans connect major cities at low cost. Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are the main urban transport. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab operate in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Internal flights link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Boat services operate on rivers and to some lake and coastal destinations.
November to March is the best time to visit, with cooler temperatures and low rainfall. The dry season peaks in December and January. April and May are extremely hot. The wet season from June to October brings rain and humidity but also lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices, and the temples are accessible throughout.
Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. French is understood by some older Cambodians. A few words of Khmer, including the respectful greeting 'chum reap suor', are warmly received.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are commonly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for rural areas outside major cities and the Angkor temples region. Dengue fever is present; use insect repellent. Consult a travel health clinic before departure.
Tipping is not obligatory but is greatly appreciated, as many service workers earn low wages. In restaurants, leaving a dollar or rounding up the bill is welcome. Guides and tuk-tuk drivers expect and appreciate tips. A dollar or two for porters and housekeeping staff at hotels is a kind gesture.
Cambodia has reasonable 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas, provided by Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard. Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and available at the airport and phone shops. Registration requires your passport. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in tourist destinations.