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Picture of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Travel Guide for
Phnom Penh

Cambodia

Tropical, hot, wet and dry seasons

Introduction

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. Once the “Pearl of Asia,” its history blends Khmer heritage with French colonial charm, seen in bustling markets and riverside cafés. March brings warm, dry weather—perfect for exploring city parks or working from open-air coffee shops.

Digital nomads enjoy affordability and a growing café culture with reliable Wi-Fi for remote work. After hours, discover cultural sights like the Royal Palace and art galleries, or join fellow travelers at rooftop bars to catch sunset views. Phnom Penh’s welcoming vibe, tasty street food, and lively coworking spaces make it an ideal base for work and play.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates06-13 March 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuresfestivals and eventssightseeing and toursvolunteeringgastronomy

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Picture of Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Itinerary

Settle into the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, familiarizing yourself with its dynamic atmosphere and balancing your digital work with relaxing explorations of local surroundings.

Morning Coffee and Co-working at The Desk

Ease into Phnom Penh’s pace with a local coffee at The Desk, a popular co-working spot for digital nomads. Get some remote work done while mingling with fellow travelers in a modern, friendly atmosphere.

Riverside Stroll Along Sisowath Quay

Take a leisurely walk along Sisowath Quay. This lively riverside promenade is ideal for stretching your legs, people-watching, catching sunset views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, and orienting yourself in the city.

Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

Unwind from your journey with a scenic sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River. See the city skyline light up, enjoy the cool breeze, and perhaps meet other travelers while taking in a fresh perspective of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour Included All Admission Tickets

Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tour Included All Admission Tickets

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Embark on an adventure through Phnom Penh with this full day private tour and best tours choice in Phnom Penh of the most popular attractions as Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Wat Oudnaloum, Independence Monument, Cheung Ek Genocide Center at Killing Field and Central Market. - Private tour from Phnom Penh with professional English speaking tour guide - Informative commentary of Cambodia’s past from an insightful personal guide - Explore the magnificent Phnom Penh of all most popular attractions - Travel by private comfortable air-con vehicle

4.9 (614 reviews)

From $97 USD

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Key Facts

Location

Southeast Asia

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Religion

Theravada Buddhism

Population

2,273,000

Language

Khmer, English, French

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, types A/C/G

Time zone

UTCICT (UTC+7)

Country code

+855

Internet access

Good 4G/5G, widespread Wi-Fi, affordable

Climate

Tropical, hot, wet and dry seasons

See More Cambodia Facts

Language:

Khmer

  • hello

    សួស្តី (soo-uhs-day)
  • goodbye

    លាហើយ (lee-ah-hay)
  • yes

    បាទ (baht)
  • no

    ទេ (teh)
  • how much

    ថ្លៃប៉ុន្មាន? (tlay pohn-man)
  • please

    សូម (sohm)
  • thank you

    អរគុណ (aw koon)
  • excuse me

    សូមទោស (sohm tohss)

Map

Logistics

Phnom Penh is easily reached by air, with Phnom Penh International Airport connecting to major Asian hubs. Affordable flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City are popular among digital nomads. Visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities, but check requirements before you travel.

For overland journeys, buses run from Vietnam and Thailand, offering scenic and budget-friendly trips. Trains from Sihanoukville or Kampot are another affordable option, though less frequent. River ferries from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh are available, but schedules may vary in March due to unpredictable water levels after the dry season.

Overall, travel from March 6-13 is generally smooth, but prepare for warm weather and occasional dust. Staying connected is easy with widespread Wi-Fi in cafes and guesthouses.

Weather

Phnom Penh has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 24°C to 35°C (75°F–95°F). The city experiences two main seasons: the wet season (May to October) brings heavy afternoon showers, while the dry season (November to April) offers sunny days and lower humidity, ideal for sightseeing and festivals.

From March 6 to March 13, you can expect hot, dry conditions, with daytime highs near 34°C (93°F). Rain is unlikely, so it’s perfect for outdoor adventures, bustling nightlife, cultural events, and city tours. No extreme weather events are expected, making this period great for exploring open-air markets, sampling Cambodian cuisine, and enjoying local festivities.

Food & Drink

Phnom Penh’s cuisine reflects Cambodia’s rich heritage, featuring dishes like fish amok (curry-steamed fish), beef lok lak, and kuy teav (noodle soup). Popular drinks include iced coffee with sweet condensed milk and local Angkor beer. For vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, most places are accommodating, especially around tourist hubs.

For tasty, affordable local fare, visit Romdeng or Malis, while Backyard Café offers health-conscious, vegetarian options. Brown Coffee is a go-to for digital nomads, and Bassac Lane is perfect for evening drinks. The Russian Market is great for sampling street food. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary.

Cultural respect is important—dress modestly when dining in traditional settings. The city offers varied options and free Wi-Fi in many venues, making it perfect for remote work and socializing.

A picture of Fish Amok

Fish Amok

A flavorful dish made of fresh fish, coconut milk, and a fragrant blend of spices, Fish Amok is...

A picture of Bai Sach Chrouk

Bai Sach Chrouk

A popular breakfast option, Bai Sach Chrouk consists of thinly sliced pork, marinated in coconut milk and garlic,...

A picture of Num Banh Chok

Num Banh Chok

Made from fine rice noodles and an assortment of fresh herbs, Num Banh Chok is a traditional Cambodian...

A picture of Kuy Teav

Kuy Teav

Kuy Teav is a classic rice noodle soup commonly enjoyed as a breakfast dish or a light meal....

A picture of Trey Chien Chrouk

Trey Chien Chrouk

A delectable Cambodian delicacy, Trey Chien Chrouk features marinated pork grilled over charcoal. The pork is often accompanied...

Accommodation

Phnom Penh offers a range of centrally located hotels ideal for digital nomads. The Riverside and BKK1 neighborhoods are popular, with cafés, coworking spaces, and easy access to main sights. Mid-range hotels like Plantation Urban Resort & Spa, Aquarius Hotel, and PATIO Hotel fill quickly in March, so early booking on Hotels.com is recommended.

As March is a busy season, book accommodation in advance to secure good deals and reliable Wi-Fi. Many hotels cater to business travelers and offer work-friendly lobbies or rooftop lounges. For extra convenience, look for hotels around Independence Monument or Russian Market, which balance a vibrant atmosphere with quieter streets.

Experiences

Volunteering at the Greenway School in Cambodia
teaching

Volunteering at the Greenway School in Cambodia

Minimum 1 week

Cambodia

$430/week

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Volunteer Construction in Cambodia
volunteering

Volunteer Construction in Cambodia

Minimum 1 week

Cambodia

$370/week

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Attractions

4.9 (15 reviews)
Cambodia 7 Days Tour from Siem Reap to Battambang and Phnom Penh

Cambodia 7 Days Tour from Siem Reap to Battambang and Phnom Penh

INSTANT

Cambodia 7 Days Tour is very popular destination in Cambodia that we arrange in 3 deference main city of Cambodia in this tours package as Siem Reap is the third largest city and it is popular destination of the Angkor temple for the world heritage site of UNESCO and Battambang is the second largest city of Cambodia with famous attraction as Bamboo Train with beautiful city and Phnom Penh is the largest capital city of Cambodia, it has many attractions as Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. - Learn about the history and culture of Khmer civilization from a professional tour guide - Informative commentary of Cambodia’s past from an insightful personal guide - Tour in private comfortable a luxury air-conditioned vehicle - Stay at 3 stars, 4 stars or 5 stars Hotel with daily breakfast

From $999 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Phnom Penh Instagram Day Tour In Cambodia

Phnom Penh Instagram Day Tour In Cambodia

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join the Phnom Penh Instagram Day Tour and capture stunning shots of Cambodia's capital. Visit the iconic Independence Monument and the historic Wat Phnom Daun Penh. Snap photos of the majestic Statue of King Norodom and explore the bustling Central Market. Enjoy breathtaking views of Naga 1 and Naga 2, and marvel at the beauty of Diamond Island. This tour offers perfect opportunities to experience and share the vibrant culture and landmarks of Phnom Penh.

From $40 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Cambodia Shooting Experience & Phnom Penh Tour

Cambodia Shooting Experience & Phnom Penh Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience a one-day tour of Phnom Penh City and Phnom Penh outdoor shooting range experience Phnom Penh is the biggest commercial and economic city in Cambodia. Our guides are able to explain the important details of the place. You will learn the history of Cambodia histories with our local guide and drivers Our English-speaking taxi driver also you local guide will bring you to see all the events. Enjoy your days in Phnom Penh and also around Cambodia.

From $15 USD

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4.6 (42 reviews)
Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour & Killing Field

Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour & Killing Field

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Admire the stately columns of the Cambodian king's residence, visit a temple home to bejeweled Buddhas, and learn about the country's past on this fascinating full-day tour. Stop at the hilltop Wat Phnom before glimpsing in to the tragic recent history of Cambodia at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeng Ek. With an private experienced guide to lead you between stops, you can also visit a vibrant market and grab lunch (own expense) at a locally loved cafe.

From $122 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Day1: Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour

Day1: Full-Day Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh is filled with historic monuments, moving memorials. On this private tour, see the highlights in one day, and enjoy plenty of personalized attention from your guide. Visit Royal Palace, and the National Museum, browse stalls at the Russian Market, and learn more about Cambodia’s dark history with a tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields.

From $97 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Full-Day Sightseeing and Historical Tour of Phnom Penh

Full-Day Sightseeing and Historical Tour of Phnom Penh

INSTANT

Join the evening tour to discover the real flavors of Cambodian cuisine. This journey around Phnom Penh, Dinner is included at all locations. In addition to taking in some of the most well-known attractions, you'll also receive a comprehensive introduction to Khmer cuisine. Enjoy carefully chosen authentic dishes that represent Cambodian tastes. The guest will choose this experience because they will get the history about the dishes which gives them a big insight into Cambodian cuisine which they cannot do it on their own. They will also learn about the rich cultural history of Cambodia through sightseeing activities

From $129 USD

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4.0 (1 reviews)
Cambodia 6 - Day Phnom Penh To Angkor Tour

Cambodia 6 - Day Phnom Penh To Angkor Tour

MANUAL

Visit Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom. Travel across Cambodia’s countryside by bus to Siem Reap. Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the iconic Ta Prohm temple. Visit a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake and Artisans d’Angkor Silk Farm. Experience Cambodia’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

From $499 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Phnom Penh Private City Tour

Phnom Penh Private City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Phnom Penh is the national Capital of Cambodia and has grown to become the nation's economic, industrial, and cultural center. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia," it was considered one of the loveliest French-built Cities in Indochina in the 1920s. The Tour Guide and a Driver will pick you up from your hotel to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. We’ll move to the National Museum and then you’ll wander Wat Phnom. Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. It is a Buddhist pagoda, that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh, and a historical site that is part of the Khmer national identity. Then you’ll visit The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, It was the Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Next up, We’ll visit the Choeung Ek is a former orchard, in Phnom Penh, it was used as a Killing Field between 1975 to 1979 by the Khmer Rouge in perpetrating the Cambodian genocide. It was attached to the Tuol Sleng detention center.

From $60 USD

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4.3 (4 reviews)
4-Day Cambodia Highlights Tour from Phnom Penh with Angkor Wat

4-Day Cambodia Highlights Tour from Phnom Penh with Angkor Wat

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

This tour has been specifically tailored to take us from the bustling city of Phnom Penh to the unique cultural heritage in Siem Reap in a leisurely and comfortable fashion that ensures nothing of interest is missed. With a short trip, we still can see Cambodia’s most spectacular historical sites whilst staying in the region’s finest hotels and enjoy stunning views on Tonle Sap Lake.

From $466 USD

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5.0 (19 reviews)
Cambodia 5 Days Tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

Cambodia 5 Days Tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

INSTANT

Discover the heart of Cambodia on this 5-day private tour from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, exploring the ancient wonders of Angkor and the historic highlights of the capital. From majestic temples and spiritual sites to sobering museums and royal landmarks, this journey offers a balanced and immersive cultural experience. - Siem Reap Highlights: Dive into the spiritual and architectural marvels of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, with time to witness a stunning sunset over the ancient ruins. - Cultural Insight: Travel with a professional English-speaking guide who provides rich commentary on Khmer history, culture, and architecture. - Phnom Penh Discovery: Conclude your journey in Cambodia’s capital, visiting the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to understand the country’s modern history. - Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotels of your choice, with daily breakfast included.

From $587 USD

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