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The Ultimate Phnom Penh Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Ultimate Phnom Penh Travel Guide, exploring the captivating heart of Cambodia’s capital city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary adventurer, or simply seeking vibrant cultural experiences, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover the best ways to get around the busy city, find the perfect accommodations to suit your style and budget, and uncover the top attractions that showcase Phnom Penh’s rich heritage. Indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene with our handpicked restaurant recommendations. Plus, we’ve crafted expert travel itineraries to make the most of your time here. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Phnom Penh, guided by our insights and recommendations. Your adventure begins here!
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the peak season, which spans from November to February. This period offers cooler and drier weather with temperatures between 21°C to 30°C (69°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s top attractions.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Phnom Penh? Before you set foot in Phnom Penh, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
When traveling to Phnom Penh we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Phnom Penh trip we purchased a reliable SIM card.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In the Phnom Penh:
The best place to purchase a SIM card in Phnom Penh is to visit a Cellcard phone store in the city. We found it super easy to top-up our phones using a credit card and by downloading the mobile app, it works like a pre-paid card.
Entry Requirements
Travel Requirements for Cambodia:
You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa for $30 USD upon arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance. You can extend it for two more 30-day periods for an extra fee. Proof of vaccination or test results are not required for entry.
Travel Vaccines
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Cambodia on the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
Outlet plugs, and adapters to get: The power plugs in Cambodia typically use Type A, Type C, or Type G sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. It’s advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with these outlets.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
In the heart of Cambodia’s vibrant capital, Phnom Penh, finding the perfect place to stay is so important to your overall travel experience. We’ll unveil the city’s best neighborhoods to stay in, offering insights on accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels, ensuring you find the ideal stay to suit your preferences and budget. We stayed in Phnom Penh for 4 months.
Offering picturesque river views and a lovely atmosphere, Riverside is a top choice because of its proximity to major attractions like the Royal Palace and National Museum. It’s a vibrant area with plenty of dining and entertainment options.
Budget: Villa Grange
A budget-friendly choice, Villa Grange offers comfortable accommodations in a charming setting, conveniently located near the riverside and key city attractions.
Mid-Tier: Amanjaya Pancam Suites Hotel
This hotel combines modern comfort with Khmer architectural elements. Its central riverside location and well-appointed rooms make it a top choice for mid-range travelers.
Luxury: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
This is an iconic luxury hotel in Phnom Penh. Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands out for its colonial-era elegance, lush gardens, and exceptional dining. It’s a top-notch choice for those seeking the ultimate luxury experience in the Riverside area.
Known for its upscale ambiance, BKK1 is a favorite among travelers seeking a more luxurious stay. It’s packed with boutique hotels, high-end restaurants, and trendy cafes, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a sophisticated environment.
Budget: Onederz Cambodia
Onederz Cambodia offers budget travelers a comfortable and stylish stay in the heart of BKK1. With modern amenities and a social atmosphere, it’s a top choice for those on a budget.
Mid-Tier: The Pavilion
This charming boutique hotel in BKK1 provides an oasis of tranquility in the city. With beautifully landscaped gardens and well-appointed rooms, it’s a popular mid-tier option.
Luxury: The Balé Phnom Penh
The Balé Phnom Penh is a luxurious riverside retreat in BKK1, offering spacious villas with private pools, impeccable service, and a serene ambiance for those seeking the ultimate luxury experience in the area.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Getting around Phnom Penh is an essential aspect of your Cambodian adventure. From navigating the journey from Phnom Penh International Airport to the best ways of getting around the city, we have you covered.
Upon landing at Phnom Penh International Airport, you’ll find several convenient options for reaching the heart of the city. The airport is located approximately 7 kilometres (4 miles) west of central Phnom Penh.
Here’s what you need to know:
Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport. It’s advisable to use the official airport taxi service, which has fixed rates posted at the taxi counter. The journey to downtown Phnom Penh takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tuk-Tuks: For a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, consider taking a tuk-tuk. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Tuk-tuks are open-air vehicles, that allow you to soak in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Our Recommendation): Popular ride-sharing apps like Grab operate in Phnom Penh, offering a convenient and transparent way to book rides from the airport to your destination. What we enjoy about this option is it’s cashless, rides can be cheaper and avoids having to negotiate a price.
We found there were limited public transportation options in Phnom Penh. The majority of the time we used the Grab App to take Tuk Tuks to get around the city for shorter distances, and when we were going longer distances we used a Grab car.
Exploring Phnom Penh by taxi, car rental, or scooter provides flexibility and convenience:
Taxis: Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-sharing apps like Grab. You can order Tuk Tuks using the Grab app or call a car depending on your preference and distance.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is an option if you prefer independent travel. International and local car rental agencies operate in Phnom Penh, and driving is on the right side of the road. However, traffic in the city can be chaotic, so be prepared for a unique driving experience.
Scooter Rentals: Scooters are a common mode of transportation in Phnom Penh. You can rent them from various shops, and they offer an efficient way to navigate the city’s narrow streets. Make sure you have the necessary license and follow local traffic rules.
Travel Itineraries for Cambodia
Discover Phnom Penh with our meticulously crafted Phnom Penh travel itineraries. Designed to be your passport to the city’s hidden gems and must-see attractions, these detailed travel guides will take you on a journey through the heart of Cambodia’s capital, taking the hassle of research and providing insider insights on the best places to visit, dine, and explore.
Top Attractions in Cambodia
Unlock the secrets of Phnom Penh! From the hauntingly touching Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a powerful testament to Cambodia’s history, to the dazzling beauty of the Royal Palace, and the tranquil oasis of Wat Phnom, you really get the unique architecture and history of the country. Check out the Ultimate Dinner Cruise in Phnom Penh.
Best Restaurant & Eats in Cambodia
When traveling to Phnom Penh, you are amongst incredible food culture and you can experience wonderful dishes that perfectly represent the best of Cambodian Cuisine! From aromatic street food stalls serving up fragrant bowls of Khmer noodles to chic restaurants dishing out innovative fusion cuisine, this city is a food lover’s paradise. Get ready as we explore the best restaurants and eats Phnom Penh has to offer, where every bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and mouthwatering flavors. Here are the Top 5 Foods To Try In Cambodia.
Our Thoughts on Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a special place to us for many different reasons. For us it starts with the beautiful people of Cambodia, you won’t go a day without running into someone who brightens up your day with their respect, kindness, and positivity. If you know us by now, we love food and trying different cultural foods from around the world. Phnom Penh is filled with some of the best street food across South East Asia, they also have an abundance of some of the best fruit, and an incredibly diverse food scene of international restaurants as well. Some of the best sushi we tried in our life was from a restaurant right here in Cambodia importing all their ingredients directly from Japan.
While Phnom Penh is the capital city and can be overwhelming to navigate at times, we recommend always when taking TukTuks to keep your bags inside and out of reach as they can be targeted. We stayed in Cambodia for 3 months and never had our stuff stolen once! We always used the Grab app to order TukTuks and Grab cars to get around. Cambodia is an underrated destination compared to other countries around the world and many beautiful things to do around Phnom Penh! Enjoy your trip to Phnom Penh!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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