Global · Cambodia

Phnom Penh Travel Guide

Flights, places to stay, and the best things to do in Phnom Penh for travelers flying from Vietnam.

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Phnom Penh Travel Guide
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR) / US Dollar (USD)
Language
Khmer (English and French widely spoken)
Timezone
UTC+7 (same as Vietnam)
Flight Time
45 minutes from HCM / 1.5 hours from Hanoi

Overview

Phnom Penh, the spirited capital of Cambodia at the junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, is a city undergoing dramatic renaissance. Blending classic French colonial avenues and the glittering Royal Palace with poignant Khmer Rouge memorials, bustling riverfront promenades, and vibrant rooftop bars, Phnom Penh is a quick and culturally enriching neighbour for Vietnamese travellers.

Where to stay

Budget$15–30/night

Sisowath Quay

Lively riverside promenade lined with cafes, rooftop restaurants, street food stalls, and scenic sunset boat cruises.

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Mid-range$35–75/night

BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1)

Leafy expatriate and diplomatic neighborhood filled with specialty coffee roasters, boutique hotels, and international bistros.

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Luxury$80–250/night

Daun Penh / Central

Heritage quarter near the Royal Palace and National Museum featuring historic colonial 5-star properties like Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

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Things to do

Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Admire traditional Khmer palace architecture, manicured royal gardens, and a floor paved with over 5,000 solid silver tiles.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) & Choeung Ek

Gain somber historical insight into Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime through deeply moving memorial sites.

Mekong & Tonle Sap Sunset Cruise

Board a traditional wooden riverboat at Sisowath Quay to watch the sunset over the Phnom Penh city skyline.

Best time to visit

November – February

Cool dry season with pleasant 22–30°C temperatures and low humidity, the most comfortable window for walking tours.

November

Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) with exhilarating traditional dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap river.

Travel tips

  • 1

    US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted everywhere alongside Cambodian Riel (KHR); change less than $1 is usually returned in Riel.

  • 2

    Use the PassApp or Grab app to hail three-wheeled auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) with transparent, metered fares.

  • 3

    Dress respectfully when visiting the Royal Palace: shoulders and knees must be fully covered.

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