Phnom Penh city guide & audio tour
Top attractions in Phnom Penh
Wat Phnom
Perched like a crowned jewel on the modest hill that kisses the banks of Phnom Penh’s river confluence, Wat Phnom rises 46 metres (about 150 feet) into the sky—a true “mountain pagoda.” Legend shoots us straight back to 1372, when the kindly Lady Penh fished a drifting Koki tree from the flood‑tossed waters and…
Royal Palace
The gilded roofs of ព្រះបរមរាជវាំង—the Royal Palace of Cambodia—rise like a phoenix from the banks of the Mekong, their shimmering tiles catching the mid‑morning sun at 11.56° N, 104.93° E. From this very spot you can trace the silhouette of the traditional Cambodian “yon kor” roofing, each tier narrowing tighter…
National Museum of Cambodia
Standing before the sweeping façades of the National Museum of Cambodia, you’re really looking at a piece of history re‑imagined as architecture. Designed by the French‑Khmer historian George Groslier and lifted from the stones of ancient temple bas‑reliefs, the building’s tiered rooflines and ornamental lintels…
Central Market
At first glance, the soaring glass dome of Phsar Thom Thmei—the iconic Central Market—looks like a silvery lotus poised over the bustling heart of Phnom Penh, and legend has it that the building’s mirror‑like façade was designed to “reflect the city’s soul back onto itself.” Built in 1937 under the direction of…
Silver Pagoda
Gazing up at the gleaming roofs of the Silver Pagoda, you’re actually standing on the very spot where a 20th‑century monarch—King Norodom Sihanouk— ordered a shrine unlike any other in Cambodia. Officially called Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot (the “Temple of the Emerald and Gold”), this temple was erected in 1963 to…
Independence Monument
Wat Ounalom
Wat Botum
Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
Olympic Stadium
FCC Phnom Penh (closed)
National Bank Of Cambodia
Vattanac Capital Tower
Al-Serkal Mosque
Sosoro
Museum of Economy & Money
ព្រះទីនាំងច័ន្ទឆាយា
រូបសំណាក ក្រមង៉ុយ
រូបសំណាកដូនពេញ
space four zero & wang dang doodle
ផ្សាររាត្រី
Self-guided walking tour of Phnom Penh
This one-day itinerary explores the historical and cultural heart of Phnom Penh, focusing on the city's iconic royal and religious landmarks. The tour emphasizes a logical flow through the central area along the riverfront, minimizing travel time while allowing 6-8 hours for visits, including breaks. It covers must-see sites like temples, palaces, and museums for a balanced introduction to…
- Wat Phnom – Begin at Wat Phnom, Phnom Penh's highest point and founding site, offering panoramic city views and a serene temple atmosphere. Climb the hill for 30-45 minutes; watch for monkeys and feed them respectfully. Best in the morning for cooler…
- Royal Palace – Head south to the Royal Palace, a stunning 19th-century complex symbolizing Khmer royalty. Explore the grounds and architecture for 1-1.5 hours; photography restricted inside some areas. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); closed…
- Silver Pagoda – Adjacent to the Royal Palace, visit the Silver Pagoda, known for its silver-tiled floor and emerald Buddha. Spend 30-45 minutes admiring the artifacts; it's part of the palace grounds but requires separate entry (~$10 USD combined…
- National Museum of Cambodia – Walk to the nearby National Museum of Cambodia, housing the world's largest collection of Khmer art. Allocate 1-2 hours to browse sculptures and artifacts. Air-conditioned indoors; entry ~$10 USD. Great for history buffs, but skip if…
- Central Market – End at Central Market, a bustling Art Deco hub for shopping and street food. Spend 45-60 minutes wandering stalls for souvenirs and local eats. Haggle politely; watch for pickpockets in crowds. Ideal for lunch break with affordable Khmer…
Explore Phnom Penh with the GuideX app
Audio stories for every place, an interactive map and personal walking routes. Free to download on iOS and Android.