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World Travel Guide > Guides > Asia > Cambodia > Phnom Penh

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Things to see in Phnom Penh

Attractions

Wat Ounalom

This is one of Phnom Penh's original and most important pagodas, dating from the 15th century and located close to the Royal Palace. It was once home to hundreds of monks and an extensive religious library, but suffered greatly at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Many of the religious artefacts were thrown into the river during the Khmer Rouge years, but a few were eventually retrieved. The temple was built to house an important religious relic: an eyebrow hair from the Buddha.

Address: , Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 17 363 391.
Opening times:

Daily 0600-1800.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Royal Palace

This stunning complex of buildings, built in traditional Khmer style, includes a Throne Hall and the intriguing iron house, which was donated by the French to King Norodom in 1876. The Throne Hall was used most recently in 2004 for the coronation of the new king, Norodom Sihamoni. Several pavilions have been added over the years. During the Khmer Rouge years, the former king, Sihanouk, was held prisoner in the palace. The royal family still reside in part of the complex.

Address: , Samdech Sothearos Boulevard (between Streets 240 and 184), Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 23 223 724.
Opening times:

Daily 0800-1100 and 1400-1700 (closed during official functions).

Website: https://www.canbypublications.com/phnompenh/pproyalpalace.htm
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Silver Pagoda

This delightful pagoda, next to the Royal Palace, gets its name from the 5,000 silver tiles on its floor that weigh a formidable 6,000kg (6 tonnes). It’s home to several priceless Buddhas, including the Emerald Buddha, Wat Preah Keo, and a life-sized gold Buddha decorated in thousands of precious gems. The wall surrounding the temple is covered in murals depicting the epic tale of the Ramayana, although damaged in places. In the grounds are a number of stupas containing the ashes of former kings as well as a model of Angkor Wat.

Address: , Samdech Sothearos Boulevard (between Streets 240 and 184), Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 23 223 724.
Opening times:

Daily 0730-1100 and 1430-1700.

Website:
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Wat Phnom

Located on the top of a small hill, reached by a flight of steps with nagas (mythical serpents) on either side, this temple marks the spot where Phnom Penh was founded. It is one of the most important landmarks in the city, drawing a constant stream of visitors who come to pray for good luck. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Buddha, and the story of the Ramayana.

Address: , Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 0700-1800.

Website: http://www.watphnom.net
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

National Museum

This pseudo-Khmer style building, constructed by the French in 1917, houses an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures from the pre-Angkorian period (7th century) to the post-Angkorian period (14th century). In addition, there are bronze objects depicting religious activities, ancient Khmer ceramics and wooden statues. The art is displayed in chronological order and the English-speaking guides can help identify the subtle changes in style.

Address: , Street 13, Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 23 217 643.
Opening times:

Daily 0800-1700.

Website: http://www.cambodiamuseum.info
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide

A notorious prison under the Khmer Rouge, Tuol Sleng (known also as S-21) is a harrowing but essential stop off in Phnom Penh. Originally a high school, thousands were tortured and killed here in the 1970s under Pol Pot’s brutal regime. The school was surrounded by barbed wire and the classrooms were used to house manacled prisoners in crudely built cells. Other rooms contain a single bed frame and graphic photo of occupants left to die when the Khmer Rouge fled with the Vietnamese army approaching in January 1979. Most chilling are the photos of unidentified prisoners that cover the walls.

Address: , Street 113, Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 933 88988
Opening times:

Daily 0700-1130 and 1400-1730.

Website: http://www.tuolslenggenocidemuseum.com/
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Phnom Penh Tourist Information Centre

Address: , 262 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh,
Telephone: +855 23 218 585.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0800-1700.

Website: http://tourismcambodia.com

Tourism Cambodia has an office located in the centre of Phnom Penh, above the Mittapheap Tours office. Head here to find a wealth of information on transport, accommodation and sights within the city. It also covers destinations across the country, allowing you to plan trips to Siem Reap, Battambang and beyond.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Cozyna Hotel

It's the location of this hotel that makes it such a winner. Right on the main quay, with great access to sights and the city's best nightlife, it's perfect for those on a tight budget. The rooms are simple, but clean, and the staff friendly.

Sunway Hotel

A longstanding favourite, the Sunway Hotel has an excellent location in an upmarket part of Phnom Penh, close to Wat Phnom. The 138 rooms are all large and stylish, some with balconies. The restaurant serves local and international cuisine with special themed nights and there is a patisserie in the lobby. With its own fitness centre and spa, this hotel remains popular.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

This is a beautifully restored French colonial hotel featuring a blend of Khmer, art deco and French styles. Established in 1929, it boasted an impressive guest list in its heyday including Charlie Chaplin and Jacqueline Kennedy. This sophisticated Phnom Penh hotel has 208 rooms, five restaurants and bars, a pool and spa. The Raffles high standards of service are combined with modern comforts throughout.

Villa Langka Hotel

This good value boutique hotel sits in lush tropical gardens in central Phnom Penh. Close to the Independence Monument, and overlooking Wat Langka, the hotel is spread over two converted houses. All 43 rooms are spacious and colonial in style. The hotel's restaurant offers local and international cuisine using the freshest ingredients and meals are either served on the terrace or indoors.

Juliana Hotel

This long-established, resort-style hotel is located at the heart of the city, making it a great base for exploration as most of the major sights are just a few minutes away. The 97 rooms are contemporary in design with Khmer silks and textiles accenting the décor throughout. The swimming pool is surrounded by lush gardens and the hotel's Vanda restaurant serves Asian and Western food and is famed for its barbecued seafood buffet.

InterContinental Hotel

Located in the new business centre of the city, the InterContinental is the first 5-star business hotel in Phnom Penh. With 346 rooms, it's the ideal place for those visiting for work as it has a range of meeting rooms. Its good selection of restaurants offer pan-Asian, Western and Chinese cuisine as well as a popular patisserie.