Overview
Take a trip to Phnom Penh on your Cambodia Vacation
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Situated on the banks of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is the country's commercial, economic and political hub and a city that should be experienced on Cambodia tours.
Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ in the 1920s, after French colonialists developed and beautified the city, Phnom Penh continued its rapid growth and modern infrastructure.
However, in 1975 during the Vietnam War, Cambodia was used by North Vietnam as an army base, and many refugees flocked to Phnom Penh. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge, and all of Phnom Penh’s residents, including the wealthy and educated, were evacuated from the city and forced to do labour on rural farms as "new people".
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, previously a high school which was converted to a prison and torture chamber (Prison S-21) under the Khmer Rouge regime, features various grim displays, photos, and skulls of the 20,000 tortured prisoners that passed through these walls. The Killing Fields, about 15kms away, is now a memorial to those prisoners who were marched to the area to be murdered and buried in shallow graves. On Cambodia trips, this should be experienced.
In 1979 when the Khmer Rouge was driven away by the Vietnamese, people slowly returned to Phnom Penh, and a period of reconstruction began with both the help of a stable Cambodian government, and new foreign investment and aid.
Phnom Penh has a steep history many centuries old and offers various cultural and historic sites. Newly developing for tourism, Phnom Penh is becoming established as a chic destination with newly built bistros, boutique hotels, galleries, and bustling nightlife on your Cambodian tours.
In 1979 when the Khmer Rouge was driven away by the Vietnamese, people slowly returned to Phnom Penh, and a period of reconstruction began with both the help of a stable Cambodian government, and new foreign investment and aid.
Phnom Penh has a steep history many centuries old and offers various cultural and historic sites. Newly developing for tourism, Phnom Penh is becoming established as a chic destination with newly built bistros, boutique hotels, galleries, and bustling nightlife on your Cambodian tours.
At a Glance
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Cambodian Riel (KHR)Trending Trips
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3 Trips Found
Classic Cambodia: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & Kep
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor WatUncover Cambodia’s wonders on this private-guided journey, from the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh’s poignant past and Kep’s tranquil coastline.
9 days
From US$2,141/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Vietnam & Cambodia
Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and HanoiSet off on an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia, where each landmark unveils rich history and cultures. Private tours and luxurious stays await.
17 days
From US$7,436/p.p.
Request a Quote
Classic Cambodia: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & Kep
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor WatUncover Cambodia’s wonders on this private-guided journey, from the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh’s poignant past and Kep’s tranquil coastline.
9 days
From US$2,141/p.p.
Request a Quote
Ultimate Vietnam & Cambodia
Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and HanoiSet off on an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam and Cambodia, where each landmark unveils rich history and cultures. Private tours and luxurious stays await.
17 days
From US$7,436/p.p.
Request a Quote
What do the experts say?
Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a local favourite with very inexpensive drinks. It's also a great place to try the local delicacy, BBQ frog.
Going to Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise may have become a touristy thing to do, but you'll be surprised to see how many locals enjoy it, as well.
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is a great photo...
The National Museum
Two buddhist monks in a temple in Phnom Penh
Monks on their daily walks in Phnom Penh
Beautiful gardens at the National Museum
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
Phnom PenhOccasional Showers
34°C / 93°F
69mm / 2.7"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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