Phnom Penh-7-day-itinerary
7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Phnom Penh
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City
- Morning: Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace (open from 7:30 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, entrance fee: $10) and explore the surrounding streets.
- Evening: Head to Street 60 for a lively night market with street food, souvenirs, and bars.
- Accommodation: Stay at The Plantation Urban Resort & Spa or similar hotels in the city center.
- Dining: Try traditional Khmer cuisine at Romdeng Restaurant.
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the S21 Museum (open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, entrance fee: $5), a former prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Cambodia (open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, entrance fee: $10).
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Cambodian dance performance at The National Dance Company.
- Dining: Savor modern Khmer cuisine at Malis Restaurant.
Day 3: Markets and Shopping
- Morning: Visit the Central Market (open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm) for a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, and local products.
- Afternoon: Explore the Russian Market for a more laid-back shopping experience.
- Evening: Enjoy cocktails at The Foreign Correspondents’ Club.
- Dining: Try international cuisine at La Brioche.
Day 4: Day Trip to Tonle Bati
- Morning: Take a day trip to Tonle Bati (approximately 30 km south of Phnom Penh), a scenic lake with floating villages and traditional fishing communities.
- Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants near the lake.
- Evening: Return to Phnom Penh and explore the nightlife around Street 278.
- Accommodation: Stay at The Kabiki or similar hotels.
Day 5: Food and Drink
- Morning: Take a cooking class at Frangipani Cooking School.
- Afternoon: Visit the Phnom Penh Brewery for a tour and tasting.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Fisherman’s Village, a waterfront restaurant serving seafood.
- Dining: Try street food at Night Market.
Day 6: Mekong River and Sunset
- Morning: Take a [Mekong River Cruise](https://www mekongrivercruise.com/) (approximately 1-hour cruise, $20-$30) to see the city from a different perspective.
- Afternoon: Visit the Wat Phnom (open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, entrance fee: $1), a historic temple in the heart of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset view at Sisowath Quay.
- Dining: Savor BBQ at The Red Apron.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market.
- Afternoon: Depart for Phnom Penh International Airport and head back home.
Things to Know
- Cambodia uses the US dollar as its official currency, but you can also use local currency (KHR).
- Be respectful of Cambodian culture and customs, especially when visiting temples or attending traditional performances.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hot weather.
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7:00 am - 9:00 am and 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.
Transportation
- Tuk-tuks are widely available, but make sure to negotiate the price before you start your journey.
- Motorbike taxis (remorques) are also an option, but wear a helmet for safety.
- For longer trips, consider hiring a private car and driver for the day.
Tips
- Learn some basic Khmer phrases to show respect for the local culture.
- Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or markets.
- Bargain when shopping at markets, as it’s part of the local culture.
- Try to support local businesses and communities by choosing authentic experiences over touristy ones.
Other Things of Interest
- Kirirom National Park (approximately 100 km southwest of Phnom Penh), a scenic national park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife.
- Silk Island, a peaceful island in the Mekong River with traditional fishing communities.
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, a rescue center for endangered animals and a great spot for nature lovers.
Remember to stay safe, be respectful of local customs, and enjoy your time exploring Phnom Penh!