Phnom Penh Cambodia 7 Day Itinerary

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport.
  • Check into your hotel (recommendations below). Familiarize yourself with the surroundings and rest.
  • Evening: Explore Riverside area, enjoy a sunset view, and have dinner at FCC Phnom Penh or The River House Lounge & Restaurant.
  • Things to know: Tuk-tuk is the primary mode of transportation in Phnom Penh. Negotiate the price before hopping on.

Day 2 - Explore Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda & National Museum

  • Morning: Visit the Royal Palace, home to the King of Cambodia and the stunning Silver Pagoda.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum featuring Khmer art and sculptures dating back centuries.
  • Lunch at Mali Restaurant, serving authentic Cambodian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along Street 178, known for its vintage shops and cafes.
  • Evening: Dine at 20,000 Vegans, a popular vegetarian restaurant, or Le Jardin Secret.

Day 3 - Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields

  • Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that served as a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This is an emotional but important experience to understand Cambodia’s history.
  • Dinner at The Charcoal Kitchen, serving traditional Khmer dishes with a modern twist.

Day 4 - Discover Wat Phnom & Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

  • Morning: Visit Wat Phnom, the capital’s namesake temple, and learn about its interesting history.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs and sample local street food at Central Market (Phsar Thmei).
  • Evening: Explore the lively Street 278 & Street 136, filled with bars, cafes, and local eateries. Try Friends Restaurant, a social enterprise supporting street children.

Day 5 - Explore Toul Tom Poung (Sihanouk Boulevard) & Russian Market

  • Morning: Visit the Toul Tom Poung area, known for its art galleries and bookstores.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Russian Market, where you can find everything from clothes to handicrafts.
  • Lunch at Phoeung Kleng, a local Khmer eatery.
  • Evening: Enjoy a show at Cambodian Living Arts or relax at Eden II rooftop bar with panoramic city views.

Day 6 - Day Trip to Koh Dach (Silk Island)

  • Morning: Take a boat trip to Koh Dach (Silk Island), famous for its silk production. Spend the day learning about the process and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Lunch on the island at a local restaurant, or pack your own picnic.
  • Evening: Return to Phnom Penh and have dinner at The Secret Garden or Khmer Surin.

Day 7 - Departure

  • Spend the morning at leisure, shopping for last-minute souvenirs or revisiting your favorite spots.
  • Check out from your hotel and head to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

  • Raffles Hotel Le Royal - Luxury experience with rich history.
  • The Plantation Urban Resort & Spa - Mid-range, tropical oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Hostel - Budget-friendly, lively hostel with a social atmosphere.

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 1: Arrival & Royal Palace Complex

  • Morning: Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport. Check into your hotel (recommendations below). Freshen up and have breakfast at your hotel or a local cafĂ© like Foundation Coffee House or The Yellow House.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace Complex, Silver Pagoda, and Throne Hall. Explore the National Museum to learn about Cambodia’s rich history and Angkor period artifacts.
  • Evening: Relax at Riverside area with a riverside dinner at Foreign Correspondents Club or Bistro Molie. Enjoy live music and the stunning sunset view over the Mekong River.

Day 2: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Killing Fields

  • Morning: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school that was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
  • Afternoon: Head to the infamous Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Spend time reflecting and learning about this tragic chapter of Cambodia’s history.
  • Evening: Explore local night markets, such as Night Market Phnom Penh or Phsar Reatrey. Savor street food delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

Day 3: National Museum of Phnom Penh & Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei)

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum again to explore its vast collection in more detail, as well as temporary exhibits.
  • Afternoon: Explore Central Market (Phsar Thom Thmei), where vendors sell everything from clothing and jewelry to electronics. Inside, visit the Lucky Mall Food Court for local cuisine.
  • Evening: Take a cyclo tour around the city, or explore the streets on your own to experience Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife at venues like Eden II or Heart of Darkness.

Day 4: Wat Phnom & Toul Tompoung (Russian Market)

  • Morning: Climb the hill to visit Wat Phnom, the namesake temple of the city, and enjoy panoramic views of Phnom Penh.
  • Afternoon: Visit Toul Tompoung (Russian Market), where you can find a variety of goods, including souvenirs, textiles, electronics, and jewelry.
  • Evening: Indulge in delicious Cambodian cuisine at Malis or Hanuman. Don’t forget to try dishes like Amok, Nom Banh Chok, and Nom Srok.

Day 5: Silk Island (Koh Dach) & Phnom Penh Zoo

  • Morning: Take a boat trip to Silk Island (Koh Dach) to learn about the silk weaving process and explore beautiful landscapes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Phnom Penh Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals representing more than 150 species.
  • Evening: Enjoy a peaceful riverside dinner at Le Jardin du Roi or Tropicana.

Day 6: Day trip to Kampong Chhnang & Tonle Sap Lake

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the scenic town of Kampong Chhnang, known for its pottery, bamboo work, and silk weaving. Explore the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake.
  • Afternoon: Return to Phnom Penh and spend your evening at leisure, perhaps exploring more local markets or trying new street food dishes.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend the morning at your leisure, allowing time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Check out from your hotel and head to Phnom Penh International Airport for your departure.

Hotels to consider:

  1. Raffles Hotel Le Royal - A historic luxury hotel with a rich history dating back to 1929.
  2. Mandarin Oriental, Phnom Penh - Offers luxurious accommodations and stunning riverside views.
  3. The Sarovar Hotel by Anura - A more budget-friendly option, but still offers comfort and convenience.
  4. Solana Phnom Penh - Modern hotel with a rooftop pool and panoramic city views.