Phnom Penh 4 Day Itinerary
Phnom Penh 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Royal City
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Baker’s Delight or Croissant D’Or.
- Visit The Royal Palace, home to the King of Cambodia and featuring beautiful Khmer architecture, and the adjacent Silver Pagoda. (Entrance fee: $6)
- Walk to the National Museum to learn about the rich history and art of Cambodia. (Entrance fee: $5)
Afternoon:
- Head to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake temple, for a peaceful respite.
- Explore the bustling Central Market (Phsar Thmei) for unique souvenirs and local snacks.
Evening:
- Savor traditional Cambodian cuisine at Friends The Restaurant or Romdeng Restaurant.
- Take a sunset boat ride on the Tonle Sap River to see Phnom Penh’s riverside attractions, such as the Foreign Ministry and Independence Monument.
Day 2: Discover Darker History
Morning:
- Begin with breakfast at Café de la Poste or The Little Red Fox Espresso.
- Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned Khmer Rouge prison, to understand Cambodia’s recent history. (Entrance fee: $5)
- Proceed to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek for another important but sobering site from the Khmer Rouge era. (Entrance fee: $3)
Afternoon:
- Take a break at a local restaurant for lunch, such as Phnom Penh Baking School or Mali Restaurant.
- If time allows, explore the nearby Wat Ounalom and Wat Langka.
Evening:
- Dine at The FCC Phnom Penh or Khmer Kitchen by Marum.
- End the day with a drink at Eclipse Sky Bar or The Garden Restaurant & Lounge.
Day 3: Uncover Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Start the day with breakfast at a local café, such as Daily Roast or Sister Srey Cafe & Bakery.
- Visit the National Library, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Southeast Asian books. (Entrance fee: Free)
- Explore the nearby Independence Monument and Village de Khmer.
Afternoon:
- Savor a Cambodian-style burger or pizza at Pizza Cafe or Burger joint by L’instant Précieux
- Head to the Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) for shopping and snacking.
Evening:
- Dine at Cuchara Cantina Mexicana or The Hive.
- End the day with a performance at Phare, The Cambodian Circus or Boeung Kak Lake’s Street Performers.
Day 4: Relax and Depart
Morning:
- Spend your last morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast at Eggs ’n’ Things or S sister Srey Bakery.
- Visit the Tuol Tompong Market for last-minute shopping.
Afternoon:
- Check out from your accommodation and store luggage, if possible.
- Take a relaxing cruise on the Mekong River with Phnom Penh Eye Cruise or Little Candle Boat Tour.
Evening:
- Have a final meal at your preferred restaurant before departing Phnom Penh.
Things to Know:
- Tuk-tuk is the primary means of transportation in Phnom Penh, with fares starting around $1 for short distances.
- Bargaining is expected when shopping at markets.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Always carry small bills as change can be hard to come by.
- Drinking tap water is not recommended; stick to bottled or filtered water.