Phnom Penh, Cambodia 6 Day Itinerary

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Settling In

  • Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport. You can get a Visa on Arrival for most countries (check before you go).
  • Check into your hotel. Recommended: Riverside Boutique Hotel, centrally located and offers great river views.
  • Freshen up and grab lunch at Friends the Restaurant. It’s a social enterprise that provides training to underprivileged youth in Cambodia.
  • Rest and get acclimated to the city. In the evening, stroll around the Riverside area and enjoy a traditional Khmer dance show at one of the riverside restaurants.

Day 2 - Historical Exploration

  • Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or at Baker’s Delight, a popular café in Phnom Penh.
  • Visit Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake temple, built in 1372.
  • Head to The National Museum of Cambodia to learn about the rich Khmer history and culture.
  • Lunch at Phnom Penh Noodles. Try their famous ’num pang sach moan’ - grilled pork on baguette.
  • In the afternoon, explore Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, to understand the darker chapters of Cambodia’s history during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Day 3 - Royal Palace & Central Market

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local bakery. Try Bong Thom Bakery for some delicious baguettes.
  • Visit the Royal Palace, home to the King of Cambodia, and Silver Pagoda.
  • Lunch at Treasure - a modern Khmer restaurant offering dishes with a contemporary twist.
  • Spend the afternoon shopping at Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei) or Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Pong), both great places for souvenirs, local food, and clothing.
  • Dinner at Malis, one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Phnom Penh, serving contemporary Khmer cuisine.

Day 4 - Peaceful Escapes

  • Breakfast at your hotel or try a local café like Daily Roast.
  • Visit Wat Ounalom, the headquarters of Buddhism in Cambodia, and the adjacent Hun Sen Park.
  • Head to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre for a day trip. It’s a sanctuary for rescued animals, including sun bears, gibbons, and tigers.
  • Return to Phnom Penh for dinner. Try Kampong Khmer, which serves dishes from Cambodia’s flooded forests.

Day 5 - Leisure & Relaxation

  • Breakfast at your leisure around the city.
  • Visit the Royal University of Phnom Penh and take a stroll along Sisowath Quay, enjoying the river views.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing at a riverside café or getting a traditional Khmer massage at a local spa.
  • Dinner at Mali Stieng, another fine dining restaurant offering authentic Khmer dishes in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

Day 6 - Farewell Phnom Penh

  • Enjoy your final breakfast in Phnom Penh, perhaps at a café you discovered during your stay.
  • Depending on your flight time, squeeze in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to the airport for your journey home.