Itinerary Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh in December is an excellent choice: the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortable, making it one of the best times to explore Cambodia’s vibrant capital.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	950 USD
🏨 Accommodations	120 USD
🧳 Gear	40 USD
🗺️ On-site	350 USD
Total	1460 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇰🇭 Phnom Penh - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Cambodia’s most iconic site, with golden spires and the famed silver-tiled pagoda. Arrive at opening (8am); dress modestly.

• [ ] 🏛️ National Museum of Cambodia ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Stunning Khmer statues and artifacts; peaceful courtyard. Free guided tours in English several times daily.

• [ ] 🏛️ Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Sobering memorial of the Khmer Rouge era. Guided electronic audio tour recommended. Not suited for sensitive visitors.

• [ ] 🏛️ Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Reflective site outside town. Go in the morning; audio guide included. Taxi/Grab needed.

• [ ] 🌳 Wat Phnom ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • The city’s namesake temple on a small hill. Great for local atmosphere and city views.

• [ ] 🏙️ Sisowath Quay & Riverside Promenade ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Busy riverfront with colonial buildings, bustling life–perfect for a stroll, people-watching.

• [ ] 🏛️ Central Market (Phsar Thmey) ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Art Deco market hall; shop for souvenirs, electronics, jewelry.

• [ ] 🏛️ Independence Monument & Norodom Sihanouk Memorial ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Landmark monuments commemorating Cambodia’s independence and the late king.

• [ ] 🎨 Street Art on 93 Street ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • See murals and contemporary art in one of Phnom Penh’s creative quarters.

• [ ] 🛕 Wat Ounalom ⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Important Buddhist center and tranquil urban temple.

• [ ] 🛕 Wat Langka ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Local temple popular with monks and expats; peaceful spot near Independence Monument.

• [ ] 🏙️ Phnom Penh French Quarter ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Spot colonial architecture and grab a coffee at a classic café.

• [ ] 🎨 Sa Sa Art Projects / Romcheik 5 ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Contemporary Cambodian art spaces; check opening times and exhibitions.

• [ ] 🏛️ Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument ⭐ (~0.25h)

  • Imposing socialist-era statue in Hun Sen Park.

• [ ] 🌳 Wat Botum Park & areas around Royal Palace ⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Relax in small parks; good urban green space for a break.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 FCC Phnom Penh (Foreign Correspondents’ Club) ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Classic riverside colonial bar with terrace, historic feel–try happy hour.

• [ ] 🍸 Le Moon Rooftop Bar ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Riverside cocktails with city and river views.

• [ ] 🍸 Bassac Lane ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lively laneway of bars and eateries popular with locals, expats.

• [ ] 🍸 Oskar Bistro ⭐ (~2h)

  • Stylish riverside bar and grill.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) Food Stalls ⭐⭐⭐

  • Street food haven; try kuy teav (noodle soup), fried noodles, freshly made juice—$2-5.

• [ ] 🍜 Romdeng Restaurant ⭐⭐

  • Social enterprise with traditional dishes in a colonial setting; famous for fish amok—mains $7-10.

• [ ] 🍜 Friends the Restaurant ⭐⭐

  • Tasty tapas, social enterprise supporting local youth—mains $6-10.

• [ ] 🍜 Sorya Mall Food Court ⭐

  • Casual, modern mall; local and Asian quick eats—$3-7.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Aeon Mall Phnom Penh (~1h)

  • Shopping/AC break; not essential unless you’re into malls.

• [ ] 🏛️ Cambodia Living Arts Traditional Performances (~2h)

  • Attend a show at the National Museum; best to book in advance.

• [ ] 🏛️ Silk Island (Koh Dach) (~3-4h)

  • Mekong island with traditional silk weaving; ferry ride and tuk-tuk needed.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇰🇭 Phnom Penh

• [ ] 🎬 The Killing Fields (1984) — ⭐ 7.8 — Moving drama on the Khmer Rouge era. — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 First They Killed My Father (2017) — ⭐ 7.2 — Cambodian genocide through a child’s eyes. — Netflix
• [ ] 🎬 City of Ghosts (2003) — ⭐ 6.0 — Crime thriller partly set in Phnom Penh. — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Cambodia (2013) — ⭐ 8.8 — Food and culture trip in Phnom Penh. — HBO Max

🍜 Local specialties

🇰🇭 Phnom Penh

• [ ] Fish Amok (traditional steamed fish curry with coconut)
• [ ] Beef Lok Lak (peppery stir-fried beef, lime dip)
• [ ] Kuy Teav (aromatic pork/beef noodle soup)
• [ ] Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodle breakfast)
• [ ] Prahok Ktis (fermented fish dip with fresh veg)

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇰🇭 Phnom Penh

1. 🌤️ Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
2. 🌙 FCC Phnom Penh
3. 🛍️ Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
4. 🏨 Onederz Phnom Penh Hostel
5. 🍽️ Russian Market food stalls

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Phnom Penh
• [ ] ✈️ Phnom Penh → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Phnom Penh	3	Onederz Phnom Penh Hostel	120 USD
Total	3		120 USD