The Silver Pagoda, in the grounds of the Royal Palace.

Phnom Penh, at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers, is the capital of Cambodia and its largest city.

Understand

Despite being liberated from the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese in 1979, Phnom Penh has long remained a bit rough. Things are improving, though roads remain shabby, traffic chaotic, and electricity strained.

The city is slowly gaining high rise buildings and traffic lights. The beauty that made it a "Paris of the East" before 1970 is unfortunately well hidden, though a few French colonial buildings remain. The wide boulevards and promenades envisaged by the French have become parking spaces and market stalls: pedestrians are not in favour.

The most pleasant strolling is to be done along the park-like river front, which hosts cafés and restaurants aplenty. Standard tourist sights are few, which makes the city a place to relax, watch the street life and absorb the local colour. Phnom Penh is a worthwhile destination for those who enjoy an "edgy" experience and can brave the downsides of reckless driving, noise, dust, and perennial theft.

Touts and beggars abound. A firm but polite refusal should work. Older or disabled beggars will be happy to accept 500 riel. Anyone old enough to have survived the Khmer Rouge has had a tough life. Generosity here is no bad thing. Some older people may even invoke a blessing on you for your gift. Cocky young kids demanding a dollar should not be encouraged.

The weather is hot and humid, with showers in the late afternoon in the rainy season.

The Buddhist Institute at Phnom Penh

File:NagaWorld (Phnom Penh).jpg

NagaWorld at Phnom Penh

File:National Assembly of Cambodia.jpg

The Cambodian Parliament

The Colonia Mansion at Phnom Penh

History

In 1975 Phnom Penh was choked with up to 2 million refugees from the war between the then US-backed government and the Khmer Rouge. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975, who completely emptied it of civilians and allowed it to crumble for several years. The city's small class of skilled or educated professionals was systematically murdered by Pol Pot, or driven into exile.

Cambodia's developing economy and institutionalised corruption have concentrated wealth into a new class of nouveau riche that now frequent Phnom Penh's new fancy hotels and restaurants. Increasing tourist numbers are also bringing about improving tourist infrastructure.

Orientation

All of Phnom Penh's streets are numbered. Some major thoroughfares also have names. The scheme is simple: odd-numbered streets run north-south, the numbers increasing as you head west from the river, and even numbered streets run west-east, increasing as you head south (with some exceptions, e.g., the west side of what was Boeung Kak Lake).

House numbers, however, are quite haphazard. Don't expect houses to be numbered sequentially on a street; you might even find two completely unrelated houses with the same number on the same street.

Get in

See Cambodia | Get in for general information on getting into Cambodia.

See Cambodia | Get in | Visas for detailed visa information.

By plane

• 1 Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH  ^IATA) (7 km west of the city). The largest airport in Cambodia.  

The terminal is a thoroughly pleasant and modern facility and features a post office, a bank with ATMs, restaurants, coffee shops, duty-free shops, a bookstore, a pharmacy, a tourist help desk and a business centre. A new international airport is expected to open by the end of 2021.

Taxis from the public taxi stand at the airport cost around US$12 and tuk-tuks cost around US$8. The drivers may tell you there's a fixed price, but that's not true – the fare is subject to haggling like most things in Cambodia. Grab taxis (via phone app) are now allowed into the airport and may cost about $7 into the city. If you are willing to lug your bags outside the airport fence you can catch a tuk-tuk into town for US$5 but have to haggle hard for that price. The ride into town can take about an hour or so and is full of car exhaust from all the traffic, so think twice about taking a tuk-tuk.

For a more budget-friendly transfer, you can take the relatively new Phnom Penh City Bus line 3. The stop is right outside of the airport on the main road. The line runs east through the city center to the banks of the Mekong. Fare is 1500 riel from the bus driver, no change available.

There is a shuttle train for US$2.5 (Jan 2020) that operates during the day and runs east from the airport into the city's main train station. Only one an hour; the trip takes about 35 min.

Duty-free shop prices in Cambodia are horribly inflated. Alcohol and cigarettes cost half as much at shops and supermarkets in the city, like the Lucky Supermarket, so stock up on alcohol (put it in your checked baggage due to liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage) and cigarettes before you come to the airport. For example, 1 L of Absolut Vodka is US$21 at the airport, and US$11 at supermarkets in the city. Electronics are also overpriced, but at least they're the genuine article.

By bus

Cambodia is improving its roads. Since around 2008, asphalt has been blazing trails into unexpected and remote places making for faster, year-round accessibility. The main highways that run on either side of the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Battambang, Sisophon and Poipet (for Thailand) are both well-paved and in good condition.

The quality of buses runs the gamut, with the less desirable buses being a few dollars cheaper than more comfortable options. Safety standards are low and crashes (not always reported) are common amongst both "quality" and "cheapie" buses.

• 1 bus station. This chaotic bus station at the southwest corner of the Central Market is the base for buses run by Mekong Express, Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Capitol Tours, and GST Express. 
• 2 bus street, St 106 riverside. This short stretch of street, along the north side of the Night Market near riverside, is the base for several buses such as Giant Ibis. 

Tickets are available at the bus station. Guesthouses and travel agents throughout the city will also arrange tickets for a US$1–2 commission.

Some passengers have experienced valuables being stolen from their luggage when stored out of sight.

International services

Borders are not open 24/7. Some night buses will wait at the border until it opens. If entering Cambodia, watch out for visa scams and avoid the Kumho Samco if coming in from Vietnam.

• Bangkok: The first buses directly connecting Bangkok to Phnom Penh (also Siem Riep) started in Feb 2013. The bus service from the Thai capital is run by BKS, The Transport Company. Buses leave Mo Chit Bus Station (buy your tickets at ticket window 22) at 05:00 and the 719-km trip takes 11 hours via Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo. You will do the standard border crossing formalities there. A 30-day tourist visa for Cambodia costs US$30 (2019). Bus fare to Phnom Penh is 900 baht (2013). Return buses to Bangkok leave Phnom Penh daily at 07:00.
• Ho Chi Minh City (US$10, around 6 hr) no change of bus.
• Pakse (around 14 hr)
• Vientiane (around 27 hr) A generally inconvenient and stressful trip. Contrived border procedures, multiple bus changes, tickets not being honoured, and nocturnal groping should all be expected. Travelling via Bangkok (theoretically also around 27 hr, but with tight connections) should be considered as the 20:00 Bangkok-Nong Khai (Laos border, 20 km from Vientiane) sleeper train (13 hr) will be safer and more comfortable than any overnight bus through Southern Laos.

Buses arriving from Pakse enter the city at night (around 19:30-20:00) via Monivong Ave, leaving tired and emotional travellers prone to being preyed on tuk-tuk touts. Watch out!

Domestic services

Phnom Penh is the domestic transport hub and direct buses run to just about every provincial capital, including far flung town like Pailin, Samraong, Banlung and Sen Monorom. The crowded peasant mover Paramount Angkor specializes in out-of-the-way towns. Avoid it for intercity travel as it's the same price as more genteel companies but does not guarantee a seat.

More frequently visited destinations include:

• Battambang (US$5, 4 hr)
• Kampot
• Koh Kong
• Poipet for Aranyaprathet in Thailand
• Siem Reap (US$5-10, 6 hr) Capitol Tours is the only company that runs buses to central Siem Reap. Other companies leave travellers at the mercy of tuk-tuk touts in an out of town bus station.
• Sihanoukville (US$4.5-10, 3-5 hr)
• Sisophon

By boat

Ferries connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and usually take 6 hr. Tickets for foreigners cost US$32. Many, but not all, of these ferries offer the option of sitting on the roof, which makes for a much more scenic, albeit less comfortable ride than the bus; take sun block, a hat, and enough water to last you for several hours just in case the boat gets stuck. The boat leaves at 07:30.

There are apparently several choices of boat between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc in Vietnam:

• Hang Chau Speedboat (tour guide, water, snack, insurance, no pick up). Leaves from the ferry pier on Sisowath Quay, and seems to be the main affordable option other than the mythical "slow boats" (see below). Check website for schedule. Takes 4 hr, US$27
• Mandarin Cruises, 5 hr, US$65
• Victoria Speed Boat, 5 hr, US$65

The relevant border crossing to Vietnam is called "Song Tien landport" on the Vietnam eVisa website, despite this place name not seeming to appear on any maps.

Many tour operators also include the Phnom Penh-Chau Doc route as part of 2-3 day Mekong Delta tours, often charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It might be cheaper to take one of the above ferries to Chau Doc and then arrange a Mekong Delta tour locally there. Tours offering "Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon" usually put you on a bus or van for the Chau Doc to HCMC leg of the journey, and possibly for other parts as well. It is apparently no longer possible to reach Saigon from Phnom Penh traveling only by boat.

By train

Travelling by train to/from Phnom Penh is a possibility, however trains are slow and infrequent. National railway company Royal Railways runs two passenger services from the 2 Phnom Penh Royal railway station. (updated May 2019):

Sihanoukville line

Phnom Penh - Takeo (2 hr, US$5) - Kampot (5 hr, US$7) - Sihanoukville (7 hr, US$8).

Trains leave from the capital at 07:00 on F-Su (occasionally also on M Tu, doublecheck on easybook) and 16:00 on Sundays.

In the other direction departures from Sihanoukville are at 07:00 usually on Sa-M and 16:00 on Sundays.

Poipet line

• Phnom Penh - Pusat - Battambong - Serei Saophoan - Poipet

This is a once-weekly service.

Get around

Phnom Penh's main streets are in good shape. Some smaller streets and footpaths are rutted and potholed, clogged with garbage, stagnant water, parked motorbikes, sleeping people, and building materials. Street signage is clear and Phnom Penh is logically laid out (see orientation) and navigating is not too difficult.

Tuk-tuk, sir? Not having a ride will necessarily entail your being pestered for one. Phnom Penh's lack of coordinated public transport gives jobs to many poor provincial immigrants, who badger any pedestrian in the city centre, particularly tourists. Agree a fare in advance. Be clear whether it is for one way or return and in total or per person. Drivers will try to avoid losing face by not admitting ignorance. Therefore, "Do you know where this address is?" will always be answered by "yes". Put it to the test and show a driver a recipe, while claiming it's an address. Be patient and expect the driver to pull over mid-trip to ask passers-by for directions even to the most obvious of destinations. Don't leave possessions exposed to snatchers. Women are often targeted. The tuk-tuk drivers outside the Foreign Correspondents' Club are notoriously pushy and aggressive. Avoid them: walk half a block and hire someone else. If you don't want a lift saying "no thanks" generally works. Better still, try it in Khmer: "otday awkunh".

By motorbike

Motorbikes (but not self-drive cars) can be rented for US$5–6 per day, sometimes through guesthouses. Traffic is chaotic and dangerous, even by SE Asian standards. Wear a helmet and drive carefully. Two rental shops are on Monivong Blvd: Lucky Bike Rental and New Bike Rental. Accept that paying US$1–2 police "fines" is part of driving. Theft is common: park in designated guarded areas and pay a small parking fee or use a lock and chain, which should be provided.

Motorbike-taxis (motodops or simply motos) should take you anywhere cheaply. A trip from Sisowath Quay to Central Market costs about 2,000 riel. Fares are higher at night and with more than one passenger. Often little English is spoken. No helmets are provided.

By taxi

Taxis are growing much more common, with more than 100 metered taxis now operating in the city. They can be found in tourist areas such as the riverfront and Street 51 bar area in the evening. Easier, call one of the taxi companies for pick-up. Non-metered taxis still run throughout the city and can be found along the riverfront tourist area and near major hotels. Fares must be agreed in advance. Fares vary; your accommodation provider may help.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks (aka remorque moto), consist of a motorcycle with a cabin for the passengers hitched to the back. They are cheap (Per tuk-tuk: US$2-3 for a trip in the city, US$8 to the airport) and plentiful. Driving standards vary. Drivers in tourist areas may speak some English. Drivers generally do not know their way around and may stop to ask for directions.

PassApp tuk-tuks are metered three-wheeler auto-rickshaws. Several companies have apps that allow you to order one, uber-style. PassApp is one of the front-runners and works very well for visitors. It works out to be much cheaper than tuk-tuks and since the app shows the price, there is no haggling. Many of the drivers are not able to read maps so may need your help finding your pick-up and drop-off locations. The app can be downloaded for Android and Apple phones.

By cyclo

Cyclos are three-wheeled pedal cycle-rickshaws. They are slow, scenic, and traditional, though waning in number.

By bicycle

Cycling can extend the horizons of the city. Ride slowly, be visible and predictable by avoiding quick turns. Bicycles can be hired for US$1-3 per day or if staying longer you can buy a cheap Chinese style bike for US$30-50, new or second hand. A good place to buy is in the area around the top of St105/St107, near St182. Perhaps give your bike to a worthy charity when you leave, such as Choice Cambodia, who will give it to a needy child as a means for getting to and from school. Having a bike greatly reduces the amount of annoying verbal ride offers by tuk tuk and moto taxi drivers. There are plenty of repair places in town to fix a puncture, pump up tires or do any repair work at cheap prices. A puncture repair costs US$1.

By car

Phnom Penh is notorious for its massive traffic jams, and rightly so. In addition, traffic is chaotic and motorcyclists seemingly suicidal. Therefore, most tourists consider driving in Phnom Penh a nightmare, and it is highly recommended that you stick to public transport and not try to drive yourself around.

By bus

As of 2018, the city's bus network has 13 lines, see route map. The buses provide a great way to get around during daytime (05:30-20:30):

• at 1500 riel per ride tickets are inexpensive
• it is safer than on motorbikes and tuk tuks, no risk of bag/phone snatching
• with air-conditioning you are screened from heat, noise, dust and smells of the city streets

Though all bus stops have the route map for that particular bus route displayed, the free App “Stops Near Me” (from Google Play and Apple App Store) comes in handy. Not only does it show the full route map with all bus stops in English, it also tracks buses live so that you know when the next one will be arriving.

On foot

Walking can be a challenge. Remember little gives way to big here, pedestrians come last, even on the now cluttered, once grand, wide, French-built pavements! To cross safely, judge gaps in the traffic and proceed with care. Give oncoming vehicles ample time to see and avoid you, or try to cross with the brightly coloured and revered monks. There is almost no street lighting off the major boulevards, and walking at night is not recommended. Traffic signals and pedestrian crossings are generally ignored by drivers.

See

France's Cambodian colony was acquired late and largely neglected. Historic colonial architecture was limited to start with and has largely decayed. The Grand Post Office Building, Central Market and Raffles Le Royal Hotel are notable exceptions. Generally any building in good condition, old or new, will be behind a big wall and security guards.

• 1 The National Museum of Cambodia, St 13, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Khan Daun Penh (Opposite the Royal Palace), ☏ +855 23 211753, +855 12 621522 (mobile), fax: +855 23 211753, museum_cam@camnet.com.kh. Daily, 08:00-17:00, last admission 16:30. Contains an excellent collection of art from Cambodia's "golden age" of Angkor, and a lovely courtyard at the centre. A main attraction is the statue of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1219) in a meditative pose. Other exhibits worth seeing include graceful statues of Hindu gods, ancient stelae (tablets) inscribed in Sanskrit and old Khmer, and artefacts from a prehistoric burial site. In the middle of the courtyard is the original statue of the "Leper King" (actually Yama, the Hindu god of death) from the terrace of the Leper King in Angkor Archaeological Park. The building itself is of some historic interest, designed in the early 20th century by a French scholar of Khmer culture to evoke traditional Khmer architecture. The pleasant little park in front of the museum is the site of the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, at which the success or failure of the coming harvest is determined. The gift shop has a small selection of books on Cambodian archaeology, art, culture, and history. US$10, youth US$5. (updated Jan 2020)

Royal Palace

• 2 The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Sothearos Blvd (one block to the west of Sisowath Quay). 08:00-10:00 & 14:00-17:00. The King of Cambodia still lives here, but much of the palace is open to the public. The manicured gardens are nearly as dazzling as the colorful glass tiles of the palace roof. The two magnificent pagodas in the Palace Grounds, the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are among the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing. They were built in the 19th century with French technology and Cambodian design, and have survived the traumas of the 20th century amazingly well. See them early in the day before it gets too hot. No photography is allowed inside the Silver Pagoda and some of the palace buildings. You're expected to dress decently (no bare legs or shoulders, and no scarves or shawls) - make sure you dress accordingly, because they'll happily sell you a ticket before informing you that your attire is inappropriate. Shorts that cover your knees are okay. The palace complex has a structured, formal, organised, and harmonious layout with a clear and specific architectural style. There are no information panels, so a guide hired at the gate (US$10) can give you a good explanation of the history of the palace and of the Cambodian monarchy. US$10. (updated Feb 2020)

Sisowath Quay as seen from FCC

• 3 Sisowath Quay (Riverside). Phnom Penh is a bite-sized town, and it's easy to combine sightseeing, shopping, eating and drinking into a single walk through the city. The key to connecting the dots is the town's riverside promenade, Sisowath Quay, which runs along the west bank of the Tonle Sap River. Every morning the Quay kicks off with a life affirming exercise session to some interesting music. It's fronted by a large, long open space with manicured lawns, palm trees and open pathways, all re-done as part of a Japanese funded project to upgrade the flood infrastructure along the river. The built-up side of the street is home to cafés and shops and the better class of bar, and is popular with tourists and expats prepared to run its gauntlet of touts selling drugs, girls, and tuk-tuk rides. The river front (once seen as Phnom Penh's "safe" area) is no longer entirely safe for tourists. Tourist police are supposedly present in plainclothes. The esplanade along the river is also popular with Cambodians, who come here in the cool of the evening to enjoy the quasi-carnival atmosphere. It begins at the river front park opposite the royal palace, and is perhaps best experienced in the early evening. Dawn at Sisowath Quay is also a busy time, with locals doing calisthenics in front of the royal palace, and the sun rising over the river. In addition to the recent brick attacks on foreigners, there are supposedly child gangs and pickpockets so extra caution is warranted.  

Tuol Sleng Prison

• 4 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison), St 113, Boeng Keng Kang 3, Chamkar Morn, ☏ +855 23 300698. 08:00-17:00. A school converted into Cambodia's most important prison in 1975. More than 14,000 people were tortured here before being killed at the killing fields; only 8 prisoners made it out alive. The museum is easily accessible and a must-see for everyone interested in Cambodia's horrific recent past. The beautiful courtyard with palm trees makes for an unsettling contrast with the horrors remembered in the museum: concrete cells, skulls stacked in cabinets, implements of torture and disturbing photographs of people dying. For an introduction and further reading, try David Chandler's Voices from S-21 (ISBN 0520222474). Documentary movie S-21 can be purchased in Phnom Penh for US$1.50-2. There is also a short movie screening featuring some survivors that plays at 09:30 upstairs in the far building. An audio tour (available in several languages) is enough to understand the place and lets you go at your own pace. Plan to spend about three hours at the museum if you do the audio tour. There are survivors who sell their books on site. Across from the museum (No 54 & 56, St 113, is a little shop called CHA (http://www3.online.com.kh/users/wthanchashop) that sells inexpensive handmade goods that are made by women disabled from polio and land mines. If you ask, you will also be able to tour the shop, meeting the female workers and seeing where they study English. US$5 entrance, US$3 for audio tour or guided tour.  

The Killing Fields

• 5 The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (about 17 km south of Phnom Penh, 40 min by taxi or motorbike or tuk-tuk). 07:30-17:30. This place is not for the squeamish. A former Chinese cemetery, this is where the Khmer Rouge killed many thousands of their victims during their four-year reign of terror. Today the site is marked by a Buddhist stupa packed full of over 8,000 human skulls. The sides are made of glass so the visitors can see them up close. There are also pits in the area where mass graves were unearthed, with ominous scraps of clothing still to be found here and there. It is a serene yet sombre place. Regularly throughout the day, a small museum screens a documentary with gruesome video images of human remains that were unearthed when the mass graves were found in 1979. As millions were killed during the traumatic genocidal regime of Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge, as a sign of respect, wear respectable clothing such as long pants and no sleeveless shirts or tops. Flowers and incense can be bought in front of the stupa. In 2005 the memorial site was sold to a for-profit private company. A tuk-tuk to the site should cost US$9-11 return (after haggling, of course), including stopping at the Genocide Museum on the way and waiting for you at both places. A tour bus to the site that also stops at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will cost US$16 or US$28 for 2 people, plus admissions. US$3, audio tour US$3.  

• 6 Independence and Liberation Memorials. Impressive Buddhist-style Independence Memorial, commemorating the departure of the French in 1953, dominates the centre of the city. Nearby is the Stalin-style Liberation Memorial, marking the Vietnamese capture of the city in 1979. The area is especially popular on weekend nights with locals when multi-coloured fountains are activated and communal music is played. 

• 7 Olympic Stadium. Built in the 1960s for the Asian Games that never happened, this interesting complex in the Modern-style has been sold off to the Taiwanese, in a murky deal by the Cambodian government. The new owners have renovated it and it has begun to be used once again as a venue. However in the evenings a walk around the top perimeter is worthwhile: you can see hundreds attending exercise and dance classes, and get a view of the abandoned track below. There is also an Olympic-size swimming pool and diving pool with a 10 m platform open to the public opposite the main building, across the track. 6,000 riel to get in, 500 riel to check your things.  
• 8 Wat Botum (about 3 km south of Wat Phnom, near the Royal Palace). Historically, the wat was favoured by royalty. In the 1930s, it housed a charming young novice named Saloth Sar, who "never caused anyone any trouble, never started fights - a lovely child". Later in life, he changed his name to Pol Pot.  

Wat Phnom

• 9 Wat Phnom (Hill Temple), Norodom Blvd at St 94 (on a hill at the centre of a small park near Sisowath Quay). 07:00-18:30. This hilltop pagoda marks the spot where the city was founded, and is always busy with pilgrims and fortune-tellers. The temple is notable more for its historic importance than physical structure, but the park is a pleasant green space and a popular gathering place for locals. A few monkeys keep quarters there as well and will help themselves to any drinks you leave unattended. Admission: US$1. (updated Jan 2020)
• 10 Wat Ounalom, Samdech Sothearos Blvd. 06:00-18:00. Dates back to 1422 and is one of the five original founding monasteries of Phnom Penh. Donations welcome. (updated Jan 2020)
• 11 Wat Langka. Offers free meditation session on Mondays and Thursdays at 18:00.  
• Sosoro Museum, #16 106 Preah Moha Ksatreiyani Kossamak Avenue. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00. Opened 2019, this is a modern museum about money. 2,000 years of Cambodia’s monetary history through display cases and panels enhanced by multimedia presentations, and interactive exhibits. Adult 20,000 riels, 32,000 riels with audioguide; child 2,000 riels, 14,000 riels with audioguide. (updated Jan 2020)

• 12 Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC), National Road No 2, Tro Pang Sap Village, Tro Pang Sap Commune, Ba Ti District (take Jwy 2 to zoo exit), ☏ +85595970175, WildlifeToursPT@wildlifealliance.org. 8AM-5PM Daily. This is the largest zoo in Cambodia, and it's unique because it's made up of animals that have been rescued from illegal wildlife trade, sometimes for the final purpose of ending up on the dining room table. Among the residents are a number of sun bears and tigers. A full scale tour is rather pricey at ~$120, but may be worth it. Otherwise general admission is much less. (updated Jan 2020)

Do

River cruises

• 1 Mekong Cruises. Boats leave every evening for a river cruise. Many provide snacks or dinners at sunset. Be sure to visit Mekong Island to see rural life. US$8. 
• PhoceaMekong Cruises, Tourism terminal passenger, ☏ +855 12 221 348, info@phoceamekong.com. Phoceamekong Cruises operates river cruises from Phnom Penh. The trips are "all-inclusive," but their website notes that they actually do not include "personal expenses, tips, and other services not mentioned." 

Tours

• 2 Mekong Islands Bicycle Tour, 23 St 144. 08:00-12:30. Daily 20-km bicycle ride with Grasshopper Adventures, along small trails along the rivers and criss-crossing the islands (4 ferry hops) to explore the lush green countryside around Phnom Penh. US$29. 
• Backstreet Academy, #14, Street 360, Sangkat Boueng Keng Kong 1 (BKK1) (Khan Chamkarmorn (Same Building As Music Arts School)), ☏ +855 077793214, info@backstreetacademy.com. 09:00-18:00. An alternative tour experiences platform, they enable locals to offer authentic and unique activities to tourists such as fishing on the mekong like a local fisherman, coconut carving workshops, Cambodian Boxing, Apsara dance classes, even a fear factor challenge where you learn to cook insects which are sold by vendors along the streets in Phnom Penh. A social enterpise, they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will pick you up from your hotel and translate for you. These facilitators are usually young students looking for work to pay for their education or orphans looking to transition into society. Transport is provided for most activities in Phnom Penh. A great way to interact with local people and take in the culture and have something memorable to bring home. 
• 3 Veasna In The Kitchen (Veasna's Phnom Penh Cooking Classes), Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, ☏ +855 89392921, info@veasnainthekitchen.com. By appointment. Offers private customised cooking classes including market tours in a large kitchen overlooking the Phnom Penh riverside. Private dining experiences also available. Website includes large library of 'how to' cooking videos on classic Cambodian dishes, these are regularly updated. US$45. (updated Apr 2017)

Charity

• Help the Needy with Choice. A great way to help some of the local poor people in a positive and rewarding way is to help the expat-run charity called Choice. They help provide food and basic supplies to more than 200 extremely poor families, and medical assistance if needed. They also provide vocational training and feed and send many children to local schools and universities. Skilled volunteers especially teachers are welcome to help. 
• Orphanage Visit (ChildSafe International). If considering visiting one of the orphanages do be aware that they may be exploitative and poorly run. Your money may go to the owner rather than the children. There are few if any legitimate orphanages in Phnom Penh: almost all are scams. Also, accepting impromptu visits from unscreened foreigners is often a sign of a substandard orphanage which does not have the children's best interests at heart. If you really want to help, try contacting organisations like this one that run educational programs, and see if there is any way you can assist. 

Cinemas

Phnom Penh has plenty of modern cinemas such as Major at Aeon Mall and Sorya Center Point, and Legion at Exchange Square.

The remaining mini cinemas are:

• 4 The E11even independent cinema, #90, St 136 (near Feel Good Cafe within Happy 11 backpackers). Formerly Flicks 2, 32-seat mini cinema. US$3 all day ticket. 
• Institute Francais. Film screenings, with few English subtitles. 
• Meta House, 6, St 264, opposite Wat Botum. Art gallery, bar, mini-cinema and production house. Shows free, high quality foreign and Cambodian films Tu-Su nights at 19:00 in the bar-lounge on the roof. 

Entertainment

• Hash House Harriers. A running club that meets every Sunday at 14:15 at the railway station. US$5. 
• 5 NagaWorld Casino. The only casino in Phnom Penh. 
• Scuba Nation Diving Centre, 18Eo, St 3 (Close to the FCC), ☏ +855 12 715785, fax: +855 23 211850, info@divecambodia.com. M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 11:00-18:00. The pioneers of diving in Cambodia, providing comprehensive diving and snorkelling services, day trips, liveaboards, nitrox and a full range of PADI courses from beginner to instructor. Flexibility is the key: you can do training sessions while sightseeing in Phnom Penh, then finish with a liveaboard on the only custom made diving boat in Cambodia. 
• Thunder Ranch Shooting Range (Near killing fields of Cheoung Ek). Shooting range run by a unit of the Royal Cambodian Army. For a pretty hefty fee you can fire everything from pistols to machine guns at paper targets. Moto drivers, apparently oblivious of the reaction most visitors have, will try to include this in a trip to the killing fields and will take a nice commission for taking you there. Pistol, US$20; AK-47, (30 rounds) US$40; rocket launcher, US$350. 

Buy

Kravan House

Popular tourist buys include silk, silverware, handicrafts and curios (including Buddha figures), and made-to-order clothes (which are often of good quality). If you want to support businesses that are noted for supporting Cambodia's culture and heritage, look for the Heritage Friendly Business Logo from Heritage Watch, an organization that promotes the preservation of Cambodia's cultural legacy.

About money

The Cambodian riel is not used for large purchases. Prices for anything more substantial than a plate of rice will be quoted in US dollars. The Cambodian Central Bank maintains the riel at approximately 3,900–4,100 to the dollar. Be wary if rates are outside this range. Money changers are plentiful near the central market and display their rates on boards.

Only upmarket places will accept credit cards (normally with a 3% surcharge). Changing dollars into riel is generally unnecessary, though the parsimonious will notice a small benefit. Small purchases with notes above US$20 can cause problems, though vendors will manage. Do not worry if a vendor runs off with your large note, they are finding change not robbing you. Torn, damaged, or old series US currency may not be accepted.

There are plenty of ATMs. They dispense US dollars and accept international cards. MB Bank (St 93 cnr St 214) doesn't charge and allows up to US$1,000 withdrawal (July 2016). Otherwise typical charges are US$5 regardless of amount withdrawn, typically US$400 is the maximum. ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank charge US$5 per transaction, maximum single withdrawal US$400. For safety reasons, it's a good idea to use ATMs at actual bank branches when they are open so any problems can immediately be reported and there is often a security guard on duty too. It also gives the opportunity to ask for smaller notes, such as 20s or 10s which are much easier to spend and get change back from and little risk of picking up counterfeit notes. The Mekong Bank at 220 Sisowath Quay are happy to change big notes to smaller ones or change damaged notes.

Cashing traveller's cheques can be problematic. Even major banks may refuse to exchange traveller's cheques above US$100.

• 2500 riel shops, St 51. If you like dollar, euro or pound shops then you will enjoy the Cambodian versions, which are even cheaper at 2500 riel. They are also sometimes called 1000 or 1500 riel shops. There are a few along St 310. 
• 1 $1.9 shop, St 172 (cnr Monivong). Japanese almost US$2 shop. Full of different kinds of items. Similar shops can be found Aeon Mall. 
• Get a visa. Phnom Penh is a good place to get visas for neighbouring countries Vietnam and Thailand as well as for China. You can get these visas by going directly to the embassies, but that will take two visits, time filling in forms, potentially a lot of waiting and transport costs. For a few dollars extra a visa agent can be well worth it. Visas for Indonesia can only be obtained from the Indonesian Embassy. 
• 2 Worldwide Travel and visa agent, St 172 cnr St 19. Get your bus tickets and visas from this helpful and long running green coloured travel agent. 

Antiques

The Cambodia Antiquities Law (1996) bans the sale, purchase and export of Cambodian antiques, and since 1999 the US has banned their import. Consequently, most of the "antiques" sold in Cambodia are reproductions.

• Hidden Treasures, 9 St 148. Antiques, art, and curios from Cambodia's past and nearby SE Asian cultures. 

Books

The pirated books that children will try to sell you for US$5 can be haggled down (they buy them for US$1). Spend a minute or so leafing through before buying. Quality varies: pages can be in the wrong order or missing, or the book may not be the one described on the cover.

• 3 Bohr's Books, 5 Sothearos Blvd (St 3) (One block from the Royal Palace), ☏ +855 12 929148, bohrsbook@yahoo.com. A small store offering a large, diverse collection of books. Easy to find. A second store now operates on St 172, 400 m from Wat Unalom. 
• Boston Book Company, 8 St 240, Chaktomuk Duan Penh (Around the corner from Monument Books), ☏ +855 92 214452. A second-hand bookshop. Has a good collection of fiction and non-fiction, including texts for teachers and students. In an attractive building, it will eventually have a cafe. 
• D's Books, 79 St 240, and 363 Sisowath Quay (Near the Foreign Correspondents' Club). A chain of second-hand bookshops dealing mainly in mass market paperbacks. Uncommunicative, monosyllabic staff. 
• International Book Center, 154 Sihanouk Blvd (St 274, between Monivong Blvd and St 63); 250 Preah Monivong Blvd (near Central Market); 43-45 Kampuchea Krom Blvd (at the corner of St 215), ☏ +855 23 218352, +855 23 222822 (Sihanouk), fax: +855 23 721368, sales@ibc.com.kh. Large barn-like bookshops selling mostly textbooks and other educational works. Has a small classic literature collection. Also sells stationery, electronic devices, sporting goods and souvenirs. 
• Monument Books, 111 Norodom Blvd (near the corner of St 240), ☏ +855 23 217617, fax: +855 23 217618, info@monument-books.com. Has the most extensive collection of new books in Phnom Penh, including fiction and non-fiction, children's books, non-English-language works (in French and Khmer, for instance), magazines and newspapers. There is a particularly good collection of books from and about Cambodia, for instance, on Angkor Wat, the Khmer Rouge regime, and the history of Cambodia. Prices can be very high, often above the list price, and can be purchased cheaper elsewhere in town. However, you can also get a good tea or coffee and cake there, if the serving staff are awake and it's a nice place to sip and read without being pestered. Monument Toys upstairs has a collection of children's toys and games. There is a branch of the bookshop at the airport. 

Clothing and accessories

Throughout the city, but especially in the Russian Market, tailors make custom made clothes: A medium quality costs US$12 and a high quality costs US$15.

• Beautiful Shoes, 138 St 143, Boeung Keng Kong 3 (one street behind the Genocide Museum and about 10 min from Riverside). Good custom-made shoes. US$35–60. 
• Close Out Factory Outlet, #44A, St 289. Stock bargain priced clothes and large sizes. 

Electronics

• 4 Apple Computers. Cambodia is a cheap place to buy a MacBook, iPad or iPod: prices are in US dollars are similar to elsewhere, but without added tax. iPhones are available only by special import and from licensed Apple agents and so are not cheap. The best Mac retailer and repairer is Uniyoung near the Central Market. 
• 5 Huawei Phones (Monivong Blvd). Cheap and decent Android phones and Bluetooth speakers. 
• Samsung Phones. Cambodia is a cheap place to buy Samsung phones as there is no sales tax, but it's best to buy from one of only two authorised dealers in Phnom Penh. One near Central Market has closed and the other on Monivong Blvd. The Samsung one-year guarantees are only valid in the country of purchase. 

Handicrafts

St 178, just north of the National Museum, is known as Artist Street and has many interesting boutiques.

• Cambodian Handicraft Association (CHA), 54 & 56, St 113 (across from the Genocide Museum). Handmade silk goods, jewellery, accessories and clothing made by women disabled from polio and land mines. If you ask, you will also be able to tour the shop, meeting the female workers and seeing where they study English. The products are absolutely beautiful and the majority of the silk is sourced from a local village, where it is all hand woven. The costs of running the project are covered by selling the artists' work in the shop. They receive no grants or aid. 
• Colors of Cambodia, 373 Sisowath Quay. Specializes in handicrafts from around the country. 
• Kravan House, 13 St 178. Has a wide range of Cambodian silk products, including a wide range of ladies' handbags at a fraction of the price you would pay in a hotel gift shop. 
• Stef's Happy Painting Gallery, Sisowath Quay (Near St 178, directly under FCC). Features brightly-colored fun and funky paintings of Cambodian life - a welcome relief after visiting some of Cambodia's more heart-breaking attractions. This features some very famous "happy monk" paintings which you will see a lot around Phnom Penh. 

The Art Deco dome of the Central Market

Marketplaces

• 6 Central Market (Psar Thmei). The "New Market" is a beautiful 1930s Art Deco covered market near the Riverfront (Sisowath Quay) district. The market is well laid out, and sells everything from flowers to video games. Its architecture is worth admiring.  

Eating dinner at the Night Market

• 7 Night Market (between St 106 and St 108, riverside). Good for local food with many food stalls. Sells clothes as well but you need to haggle. Usually some live entertainment, but is primarily for the locals. Friendly neighborhood atmosphere; eat barefoot sitting on mats on the ground. US$2-4 for a decent dinner. (updated Feb 2020)
• 8 City Mall, Monireth Blvd (Near Olympic Stadium). The mall contains a large branch of Lucky Supermarket, as well as many fast food outlets and modern shops. 
• 9 Olympic Market (Psar Olympic). Olympic Market was built in 1994 and is a local favorite with shoppers looking for wholesale fabrics, everyday wear, religious paraphernalia and traditional Khmer dresses. Buyers can look forward to big discounts in this market especially if they are buying in bulk. The market is well laid out and is one of the more modern multi-story market complexes. Buyers should definitely give this market a visit. 
• 10 Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung). The Russian Market moniker dates to the Vietnamese occupation of the city in the 1980s. Real designer clothes at discount prices. A lot of the factories for Levis, CK, Ralph Lauren and many other brands are in Phnom Penh; however, a lot of the clothes sold here are deemed unfit to be shipped abroad due to very small faults and, therefore are sold at this market. You can also purchase fake Swiss watches and pirated software at low prices. It's away from normal tourist areas, but motodop drivers who cater to tourists will know it. 
• 11 Sorya Centre Point (formerly Sorya Shopping Center), St 63 (between St 154 and St 142 near Central Market). Renovated, renamed and made more upmarket in 2018. It is air-conditioned and contains a range of fast food outlets including Starbucks, Cafe Amazon, Asian Kitchen, Bonchon as well as the well-stocked Lucky Supermarket and Guardian pharmacy all on the ground floor. There is a multi-screen Major cinema on the 5th floor. On the 4th floor is a food court. 
• 12 Aeon Mall. Probably Phnom Penh's most modern shopping mall (opened mid-2014) with many brand name and Japanese stores. It has many restaurants and 7 screen, including one 4DX, Major Cineplex Cinema on 2nd floor. It has a small ice rink and laser tag on the 4th floor. Access via central escalators. 
• 13 Exchange Square, St 102. A multi-purpose development with upmarket shops and restaurants including a Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe and Legend cinema on the 2nd floor, above Hard Rock Cafe. (updated Jul 2017)

Supermarkets

• Aeon Supermarket, 132 street Samdach Sotheros Tonie Bassac Kan Chamkamon, ☏ +855-23-901091. 09:00-22:00. The biggest supermarket in Phnom Penh. (updated Feb 2017)
• Thai Huot Supermarkets, 99-105 Monivong Blvd, ☏ +855-23-724623. 09:00-22:00. There are three Thai Huot supermarkets in Phnom Penh. (updated Feb 2017)
• Lucky Supermarkets, 160 Sihanouk Boulevard. 09:00-22:00. Lucky Supermarkets is the biggest nationwide retailer in Cambodia. (updated Feb 2017)

Eat

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under US$5
Mid-range	US$5 - US$10
Splurge	Over US$10

FCC

Phnom Penh offers some interesting culinary treats not found elsewhere in the country. These include French-influenced dining and Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. Pizzas, banana pancakes, and fried rice are always easy to find.

The river front hosts everything from stand-up stalls to fine French bistros. Stalls likely lack hygienic practices: eating peeled fruit and vegetables and anything uncooked may have undesirable consequences.

Exotic treats

Duck embryo eggs are sold at the southwest corner of Sokun Mean Bun St (St 178) and Norodum Blvd (in front of the green SSN Bldg) inside a big high school compound, together with days old hatched chicks to frogs (everything is eaten, not just the legs) dipped in batter and deep fried. Skewered and grilled pigs ears, chicken claws, and gizzards are sold in the Central Market. Pig intestines are sold at US$1 per 100 g, cut into pieces and splattered with sauce. Grilled small crabs, lobsters, prawns are also sold in the market. Chicken feet are sold in the open-air restaurants as you turn to the right at St 154 as you go northbound from Monivong Blvd. Bugs and other insects, especially the grasshopper, spider/crab, and grubs and pupae stage are sold along Sothearos Blvd from 184 St to 178 St.

Budget

• 50 Cents Cafe, 105 St 19 (street behind Lux Cinema, close to the corner), ☏ +855 16 386094, +855 97 2226666. 08:00-22:00. Thai food, western food with affordable prices. Drinks such as cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks; fresh fruit salad, crepes, ice cream, quiet rest on cool sofa, artwork, and movie room. Free Wi-Fi. US$1.75-4.5. 
• 1 5555, St 154, near riverside - new location. If you like oysters come to this friendly local street side eatery. Also try the sambak fish. 20 oysters for US$3.5 either on ice or BBQ and jugs of Angkor beer for 6500 riel. 
• 2 Aroma Chef (St 172, opposite Sony Side Up). A great eating place in the middle of St 172. Khmer and International menu, nice staff and pleasant atmosphere. 
• Asian Spice Cafe Pub, 79 St 111 (50 m off Sihanouk Blvd opposite Sport Shop). Cafe established in 2006 with a pub upstairs. Owned by a Singaporean, a former Intercontinental Hotel chef. Very popular with expats and tourists. Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Western and some Khmer dishes. US$1.40-2.80. 
• Cafe Yejj, 170 St 450 (SE corner of the Russian Market, less than 15 m E of the corner of St 155 & 450). Indoor and outdoor seating both ground level and second floor. Pasta, panini, burritos and Cambodian food. Participates in breaking the cycle of poverty by training women-at-risk as employees. Service very good. Very clean bathroom upstairs. Most dishes less than US$4. Sit inside if you do not want to be bothered by beggars. 
• Camory Cookie Boutique, 167 Sisowath Quay (Between St 110 and 118), sales@camoryfoods.com. 09:00-20:30. A cafe-cum-development project that trains chefs and ploughs back money into humanitarian causes. The Sreh T'nout cookie, made from a rich combo of chocolate, nuts and palm sugar, is their bestseller. 
• C'est Wat Restaurant and Guesthouse, 9 St 118 (2-min walk from the riverside). 10:00-15:00. Check out the massive US$7.50 Sunday roast with free glass of wine, or the huge US$4 all day breakfast: pork sausages, back bacon, mushrooms, eggs, potato fritters, beans, toast, tea or coffee. US$0.75 beer. 
• Chi Cha Restaurant, 27 St 110 (near the riverfront in the café and bar area), chichahotel@gmail.com. Excellent and plentiful Indian food, vegetarian or not, in a convenient central location. Also has rooms from US$8. Set meals US$4. 
• 3 Red Chilli (formerly Dark Rose), St 228 (just off St 51). Great BBQ pork ribs for just 7,000 riel a plate. 
• The Corn, 26 Preah Suramarit Blvd (Norodom Blvd). Mostly vegetarian Cambodian food with numerous (excellent) vegan options and a friendly English-speaking staff. 
• 4 Evergreen Vegetarian House, 109 St 130 (Between St 15 and 19), evergreenvegetarian@yahoo.com. 06:30-14:00, 15:30-21:00. Small restaurant with big selection of Japanese, Chinese, Thai & Cambodian vegetarian food, with and without mock meats. Delicious and inexpensive. Air-con. US$2–5. 
• 5 Friends Restaurant, #215, St 13 (50 m north of the National Museum), ☏ +855 12 802072, restaurants@mithsamlanh.org. M-Sa 11:00-21:00, closed Su. Run by a NGO that trains and educates former street children. Western and Asian dishes, most of them tapas, so order 2 or 3. Nice garden terrace, stylish interior. Good choice of vegetarian dishes. US$3-6. 
• Halal Foods Mumina, 86 St (north side of the street, in front of South China Airlines office). Recommended are the Muslim restaurants on north of the Phnom Penh Hotel. Also, the guesthouses in this area are among the cheapest, offering US$4 rooms. This area is popular with the French and Brits as their embassies are located nearby. 
• Kathmandu Kitchen, 13 Long Nget Street 258 (south of the Palace, in the same street as Lazy Gecko and Okay Guesthouse, on corner Sothearos BlvD), ☏ +855 235000485. Delicious Nepali and Indian food for reasonable prices in a restaurant setting with free water and condiments. US$2-5; veg. Nepali-style thali US$3.5. 
• K.K. Tandoor, Sothearos Blvd (opposite Vietnamese Monument, next to Pannasastra University). Moderately priced Indian food with chicken tandoori, butter chicken, and naans. Air-con. You can get draft beer for a dollar. 
• 6 Sony Side Up (formerly Chat 'n Chew), St 172, ☏ +855 12 482302. Very popular with expats who hang out here. Owner Sony and his family are very friendly and helpful. 
• 7 Surn Yi Vegetarian Restaurant, 15 Samdach Preah Thoamak Lekhet Ouk St (don't confuse it with the other vegetarian restaurant next door). Vegetarian restaurant with a variety of dishes including Chinese and Western options. Order by writing the item numbers on a laminated sheet with the marker provided. $3-5. (updated Feb 2020)
• 8 Tinat Restaurant (corner of St 51 & St 154). Extensive local food photo menu at cheap prices, such as sweet and sour chicken US$2. Free rice. 
• 9 Tom Yum Kung Thai Restaurant, 10 St 278 (In the BKK1 area). 07:00-22:00. Thatch-roofed Thai/Khmer restaurant, popular with locals and visitors alike. Big selection of authentically prepared Thai and Khmer dishes. As one might expect, the tom yum gung is recommended. Air-con upstairs, fans downstairs. 
• The Vegetarian, 11 St 200 (Oknha Men). Good daily special with white or brown rice and 3 small dishes. Most of the customers are Westerners. English speaking staff. Most dishes at US$1.50. 
• Warung Bali, 3D St 178 No. 25 E0, Royal Palace. Small, traditional Indonesian restaurant in a tourist area. 

Mid-range

• Amok Restaurant & Cafe, 2 St 278 (near Independence Monument), ☏ +855 12 912319. Nice cosy décor, with open air dining. Traditional Khmer dishes and other styles. The classic fish amok is well done, and the servings are large. 
• Anise, 57 St (near the corner of Sihanouk and 278 St). Comfortable, nicely decorated corner restaurant with free Wi-Fi and some good dishes from a varied menu, including SE Asian. Their club sandwich is excellent. Perhaps a little over-priced. 
• Atmosphere, 141C Norodom Blvd. Fancy French restaurant. Quiet on an ordinary day, but draws a regular crowd of expats. 
• Aussie XL, 205A 51 (Pasteur) St. About the only thing Aussie about this place is the owner. Foster's has, in keeping with Aussie trends, been banished from the place. But the food is very good and the wood-fired oven pizza matches anything found in Italy. 
• Blue Cat, St 110. Comfortable and friendly. Suitable for family dining with an international and Khmer menu, and a respectable wine list. Free Wi-Fi. 
• Brown Coffee and Bakery, 17 St 214 (next to Old Pencil Supermarket), ☏ +855 23 217262. Great coffee with good barista. The bakery chef was trained at Cordon Bleu and the sandwiches are great. 
• 10 Cafe Fin (4memories), No 27Eo, St 506/135, Phsar Doeum Thkov, Chamkarmorn, ☏ +855 97 682 8166, info@4memoriescafefin.com. 08:00 - 20:00. US$5-20. 
• Chenla Floating Restaurant, 219B Sisowath Quay (opposite the Paragon Hotel). Offers dinner cruises (set menu US$8, departure nightly at 17:30). 
• 11 Chez Lipp, St 86, very near Monivong. All you can eat, cook your own with table top "steam boat" style cookers. Prawns, squid, beef, chicken, etc. US$7.50 per person. Popular with locals, less known by tourists and expats. Beware the monkey near the entrance. 
• 12 Feel Good Cafe (next to Flicks 2 cinema). Great cafe run by a Kiwi couple serving good coffee and food. Also offers cooking classes. 
• 13 Frizz Restaurant, 67 St 240, ☏ +855 23 220953, +855 12 845525 (mobile). 10:00-23:00. Traditional Cambodian cuisine. The restaurant operates the Cambodia Cooking Class. US$5-10. 
• Green Mango Restaurant and Bar, 170E Street 63 (corner of St 278, Boeung Keng Kang I), ☏ +855 23 720470. Western, Khmer, and Mediterranean dishes. A good place for casual meet-ups with friends. Excellent Wi-Fi connection, great choice of music and friendly staff. 
• Jars of Clay, 39B St 155 (south of the Russian Market), ☏ +855 23 300281. Closed Su. Cafe managed by women. Great place to relax after a visit to the crowded Russian Market. English-style breakfast, quiches, sandwiches, soups, delicious cakes. Smoothies, ice cream and really good coffee and air-con. US$4-10. 
• Java Café, 56 Sihanouk Blvd. Soups, salads and sandwiches in a cosy setting overlooking the Independence Monument. Good vegetarian options. Has a rotating art exhibition. 
• 14 Junk Food Junction, cnr St 51 and St 310, BKK1. The BBK1 area is experiencing great growth in construction and becoming continually more an upmarket area of the city. At the junction of St 51 and St 310, each corner now has a multinational joint, KFC, Burger King, Carl's Jnr (California flame grilled burgers) and Gloria Jean's coffee. (updated Feb 2017)
• La Lotus Blanc, 402 Stung Mean Chey and 152 St 51 Boeung Keng Kang. French and Asian cuisines and quite a popular neighbourhood hub. The food is prepared and served by students from the PSE. 
• Meta House 3.0 (new location), #47, St 178, ☏ +855 23 224140. Nice gallery, German pfannkuchen (flat pizzas) and interesting documentaries about Cambodia. 
• Metro Café (corner of Sisowath Quay and St 148, opposite Riverside Bistro). Stylish fusion of Asian and Western culture. Air-con. Good selection of small tapas-style dishes from US$1 and a great steak for about US$12. Free Wi-Fi. 
• Nature and Sea (corner of Street 278 and 51), ☏ +855 12 879486. Relaxed restaurant on a 2nd floor rooftop opposite to Wat Langka that promotes health food. Delicious salads, crepes, juices. Try the passion fruit juice. US$3-7. 
• Paris Bubble Tea, 285-287 Preah Monivong (not far from the New York Hotel), ☏ +855 23 990373. Pleasant and has fun and refreshing bubble tea. Try the classic Pearl Milk Tea. 
• Penny Lane Café (corner of St 111 & St 242, not far from the Town View Hotel). Italian-style cafe with air-con and outdoor areas where they take great pride in their coffee. Free Wi-Fi. 
• P&K Restaurant (formerly "Old Ponlok"), 319 Sisowath Quay Blvd. Khmer & Chinese restaurant on the riverside, Good service and authentic and absolutely delicious Khmer takes on Chinese cuisine, with everything in between. The beef tripe with teouk prahok is especially delicious. Apparently open since 1984 and quite popular with locals. US$0.50 draft Angkor. US$3–12. 
• 15 Riverside Bistro, 273a Sisowath Quay (corner of Street 148 and Sisowath Quay), ☏ +855 12 277882, riversandy@online.com.kh. 07:30-02:00. In an old colonial style building with comfortable outdoor dining and views of the Tonle Sap. Popular with local expats, tourists, and affluent Khmers. Try "root of lotus". Facilities include live music every day, pool table, 4 HD screens for sports, music videos (1960s-70s era), Foosball table (table football), Free wifi. 
• 16 The Shop, #39, St 240, ☏ +855 23 986964, +855 92 955963 (mobile), theshop.cambodia@gmail.com. 07:00-19:00. Popular place with a good selection of sandwiches, quiches, salads and freshly baked goods plus nice coffee too. Has a cosy and quiet courtyard seating area. Very good breakfast options. 
• 17 Viva Mexico restaurant (new location October 2015), riverside. Great Mexican restaurant. Try the US$1.50 Viva frozen margaritas at Happy Hour from 11:00-23:00. 

Splurge

• 102, 1A, St 102 (One block south of Le Royal), ☏ +855 23 990880. Probably Phnom Penh's top French restaurant, set in a modern, European-style surroundings. The food is quite competent and the onion soup is superb. Almost entirely undiscovered by tourists, but popular with Phnom Penh's moneyed elite, so reservations are recommended. US$30. 
• Bai Thong, 100-102 Sothearos Blvd, ☏ +855 23 211054, +855 12 666390 (mobile), baithong@online.com.kh. 11:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00. French and Indochinese cuisine in nicely decorated surroundings. US$10-20. 
• 18 Dine in the Dark (DiD), St 19 near St 172 (opposite LongLin GH). A great experience eating in total darkness. The service staff are all blind. The vegetarian option is not so great apparently. US$18. (updated Jan 2016)
• 19 FCC Phnom Penh (Foreign Correspondents' Club), 363 Sisowath Quay, ☏ +855 23 724014, phnompenh@fcccambodia.com. 07:00-24:00. This Phnom Penh institution is in a renovated colonial building and its second-floor terrace offers sweeping views over the river, a Khmer-Western menu and a list of signature cocktails (US$5.50): try the Tonle Sap Breezer or the Burmese Rum Sour. The decor and feel captures the eventful past of the city. The bar is open until midnight and a very popular nightspot on weekends. While famous and definitely worth a visit, it's pricy compared to most of the competition and service and timing tend to be haphazard. No air-con and rather spoiled by the unseemly gauntlet of touts one has to battle through to leave. FCC does particularly good desserts. From US$20. 
• La Luna d'Autunno, 4D, St 29. Italian food in a beautiful old villa with lovely garden setting, air-con inside. 
• Le Bistrot, 4D, St 29. French and Italian in an old villa. 
• Le Quay (corner of Sisowath Quay & St 110), ☏ +855 23 213582. Seating by a water feature or on the terrace, enjoying Phnom Penh riverside activities. Western and Asian dishes. 
• Le Wok, 33 St 178 (near the National Museum), ☏ +855 98 821857. 09:00-23:00. Delicious French and pan-Asian cuisine in a tastefully decorated venue. From US$20. Lunch special US$10. 

Drink

Superficial security Most of the time, Phnom Penh bars and clubs are safe enough and a lot of fun - however, some of the more "hip" places are popular with the notorious local "elite" youth (and their minders) who carry firearms and other weapons, and who are allowed to pass through so-called "security" checks without being searched.

Coffee

The coffee scene has exploded in the last few years in Phnom Penh. Several global chains are here, including Costa Coffee (UK), Gloria Jean's (Australia), Brown Coffee (Cambodia), Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (USA), Joma (Laos), Tous les Jours (Korea), Cafe Amazon (Thailand), Big Apple Donuts and coffee (Malaysia), and Starbucks (USA). There are also lots of small independent coffee shops too, such as Feel Good cafe (St 136), The Shop (St 240), Connecting Hands Training Cafe (St 178), Bronos (St 57, near Starbucks), Library Cafe (St 51, near Heart of Darkness) and Reptile Coffee (yes they have many live reptiles in glass enclosures for viewing) St 51 / St 144).

• 1 Cousin's Burger Coffee, St 200. 11:00-21:00. French-run, French-style. Coffees as well as burger, fries and soft drinks. (updated Nov 2016)
• 2 Luxuries Cafe, ☏ +855 96 777 7552. 06:00-23:00. True to its name this is a very comfortable and luxurious cafe. Has both photo drinks and food menus. Prices surprisingly not expensive. (updated Jul 2018)
• 3 Bloom Cafe & Training Center, #40, Street 222 (between St. 63 & 55). Relax and enjoy delicious coffee and cake in comfort. (updated Jul 2018)
• Connecting Hands Training Cafe, #42H, street 178 (Opposite the Pagoda). M-Sa 09:00-18:00. (updated Jul 2018)
• Big Apple. Enjoy both coffee and donuts. The St 302 branch closed in late 2019, but there are seven other locations still operating. (updated Jul 2018)
• 4 Chhma Catfe, St 178. 08:30-20:30. A cat cafe where you can enjoy a nice hot or cold drink in the company of lots of playful cats, when they are not sleeping or eating. US$1.5 donation entrance fee. Smoothies US$2.5. (updated Aug 2018)

Alcohol

Places to hang out after dark include St 136 near riverside, St 104 and St 108 near the St 51 corner, which all feature restaurant bars, hostess bars, and guesthouses. For a more upmarket bar and restaurant scene, visit an area called BKK1 that includes St 278 and St 282, near St 51 or St 308.

Bars

• Blue Cat, St 110 (Just off the riverside). Classy bar, friendly staff, fun popular place with free pool and a night club upstairs. Cheap cocktails. 
• Blue Chili, 36Eo, 178 St (behind the National Museum), ☏ +855 12 566353, bluechillipub@gmail.com. One of the more popular gay bars. 
• FCC and Guesthouse (Sisowath Quay). Overlooking the river. Excellent place to meet professionals and tourists. Happy hour 17:00-19:00. 
• Liquid, 3B St 278. Daily 08:00-late. Polished concrete, gun-metal grey floor, chocolate leather seats and fabulously backlit bar serving some of the best and most inventive cocktails in town. One of the only slate pool tables in town. As much a mid-week bar as a weekend bar. 
• Rubies, St 240. Wine bar popular with young expats working for local NGOs. Busy with a cliquey atmosphere on a weekend night. 
• 5 Show Box, #11, St 330. A venue for the Khmer contemporary alternative music and art scenes that have begun to spark interest in modern-day Phnom Penh. Cheap beer and good food too. Katy Perry pizza Monday nights and also every other Thursday, along with a quiz that starts at 20:00. (updated Feb 2015)
• UpDownbar, St 136 (Across from the famous 136 Bar). Relaxed atmosphere, with a bar upstairs and on the ground floor. 
• 6 Zeppelin Cafe, St 278 (Upstairs). Listen to 1970s rock classics played by Mr Jun Rockwell, with his massive vinyl album collection. Relocated in 2016 from St 51 after 8 years. US$2 cocktails and great boiled or fried dumplings. (updated Nov 2016)

Sky bars

• 7 Eclipse Sky Bar, cnr Monivong and St 232. Tallest sky bar in Phnom Penh, is a hidden gem in the heart of the city’s business district. From the roof of the 22-story Hyundai Phnom Penh Tower, the view of the city is breath-taking, and the soft mix of pop music in the background adds to the bar’s relaxed ambiance. US$3 Tiger draught beer. 
• Le Moon terrace bar, riverside (roof of Kwest). 17:00-23:00. Opened in November 2010, this is the first open terrace facing the riverside life of Phnom Penh. It's an open-air lounge bar that serves finger foods as well as drinks including cocktails, and a great location for enjoying sunset. 
• 8 Paragon Central Hotel & Sky Bar, St 144. (updated Nov 2016)
• Cloud9 Skybar, #68 Street 136, Phsar Kandal 1 12204 Phnom Penh, ☏ +855 23 961 888. In the evenings at Sun & Moon Urban Hotel, guests and local residents can chill out in style at Cloud 9, the hotel’s rooftop bar, with cool beats, creative cocktails, and spectacular views over Phnom Penh city. Poolside BBQ parties and buffet dinners can also be arranged at this location. (updated May 2017)

Wine bars

• 9 Bouchon, St 174 (next to Romdeng restaurant). 11:00-14:00, 16:00-00:00. French wine and cocktails bar with gourmet food. Famous for its near half price US$3 martinis on Saturday nights 21:00-00:00. 

Live music

• Sharky's Bar & Restaurant, #126 St 130 (about 3.5 blocks from the "Psar Thmei" (new market)). Since its opening in 1995, Sharky's has been rocking & rolling. Upstairs on the first floor above street level. Large space, huge centre bar, outside balcony and with plenty of available seating. Most moto taxis will understand "Shockeee Bah". 

Hostess bars

• 69 Bar. Popular dance-oriented hostess bar. 
• Barbados (South of St 104 near the river). Hostess bar. Buy 5 beers and get 1 free. 
• 10 Golden Vine, St 108 (next to two other bars Zapata and Enigma). Hostess bar with pool table. 

A note on hostess bars Surveys have found that the HIV rate among Cambodian female sex workers is about 13%.

• One3Six Bar, St 136. Popular hostess bar. Great range of drinks plus they keep their 42 Below and Grey Goose in the freezer, so the shots are really smooth. 
• OneZeroFour Bar, St 104. Popular low-key hostess bar. The bar has a good range of single malt whiskys. 
• Pit Stop, St 51. Popular hostess bar. 
• 11 Shanghai Bar & Restaurant (Corner of St 51 and St 172), ☏ +855 12804836. 15:30-03:00. One of the oldest hostess bars in Phnom Penh, however is not pushy and does not have a bar fine. Downstairs bar has a great music collection from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. 1st floor lounge disco and rooftop terrace. Prices are reasonable and also has a great value Sunday roast at US$6. (updated Feb 2015)
• Zanzibar, St 104. High energy hostess bar with reasonable prices and a pool table upstairs, very popular among expats. 
• Zapata Bar, St 108 (next to Golden Vine bar). Stylish air-con hostess bar with a good range of drinks, and no pool table or food to distract you from the lovely ladies. 

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	US$5-20
Mid-range	US$20-50
Splurge	Over US$50

Budget

The former Boeung Kak Lake with demolished guesthouse, Phnom Penh, Oct 2011

A good range of accommodation is available around the city. The budget traveller area was area known as Lakeside, near the now filled in Beoung Kak lake. The colony of guesthouses has been decimated, but not eradicated. Remaining businesses are desperate for clients, which makes prices very cheap. Guesthouses 10 and 11 still exist and offer rooms from US$4/night and US$3/night respectively. Services include such laundry, Internet, money exchange, ATMs, and restaurants, including an excellent Indian restaurant.

St 258 (near the Cambodia/Vietnam Friendship Park), Street 51 (near Wat Langka) and St 111 and 172 also have some good budget options, with street 278 now hosting many budget hostels and bars that were once located on the lake.

• Capitol 3 Guesthouse, 207Eo St 107, Sangkat Beng Prolit, 7 Makara (next to the Capitol Tours office), ☏ +855 23 211027. Warm, friendly staff and quick laundry service. 5 floors of squeaky-clean rooms that are out of the direct sunlight and never seem to get too hot. No elevators. Free Wi-Fi. Single fan room with shared bathroom US$3, private bathroom US$4 (which always seem to be full), + cable TV US$5, + hot water and air-con US$8. 
• Dream Colors Guesthouse, 69 St 70 (near French Embassy), ☏ +855 97 8785762. TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, laundry, motorbike rental, bus and flight tickets and visa extension services. French, English and Khmer spoken. US$14-20. 
• Europe Guesthouse, 51 St 136, ☏ +855 23 6918883, europeguesthouse@gmail.com. One of the cleanest and most conveniently located guesthouses you can find. TV, Wi-Fi, laundry, bus and flight tickets. French, English and Chinese spoken. Often the cheaper rooms are full. US$11-20. 
• The Green House, 48FGH St 488, Village III, S/k Phsar Deum Thkov, Chamkamorn District, ☏ +855 23 217998, +855 17 200030. Simple, and elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Air-con, insulated window, cable TV, broadband Internet, IDD telephone, newspapers, 24-hr security, laundry and valet service, credit cards accepted, mini bar, 24-hr check in, check out and 24-hr housekeeping, ticket reservation, city tour arrangements, pick up service and transfer upon request. Standard single US$13, standard twin US$15, VIP room US$20. 
• Khmer City Hotel (One street south of the Sorya bus terminal), 90H St 154, ☏ +855 23 224 538. Surprisingly good for the price. Free Wi-Fi. US$15-20. 
• King Guesthouse, 141 St (off Sihanouk Ave), ☏ +855 12 220 512. Daily bus service to and from Ho Chi Minh City, but if you get their bus from Vietnam they take you directly to the guesthouse and you are not allowed to get off the bus before arriving there. The bus may then park across the entire open front of the place blocking the exit to potential guests who may consider seeking other alternatives. 
• Lazy Gecko Guesthouse & Restaurant, 1 St 259 (Near Hotel Cambodiana), ☏ +855 78 786025, lazygeckocafe@gmail.com. Short stroll to Riverside, Sihanouk Blvd, Monivong Blvd and the royal palace. Good value rooms, most with air-con and many with hot water. Restaurant is downstairs and has daily specials and a Sunday roast. Free Wi-Fi. US$5-15. 
• 1 Long Lin Guesthouse, 159 Ang Yukanthor, St 19 (Short walking distance to riverside), ☏ +855 23 992412, longlinhouse@yahoo.com. Clean, spacious and well-decorated. The owner is very friendly and helpful, as is the service. Tours, buses and boats can also be booked through the guesthouse and may include pick-ups. US$12 for a spacious double or twin, US$3 dorm beds.. 
• Mini Banana, 136 St 51 (Head south along St 51 from Sihanouk Blvd, small alley on the left after St 282), ☏ +855 23 726854, mini@topbanana.biz. The new sister guesthouse to the famous Top Banana offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its older brother. From dorms to double rooms, very clean and a friendly atmosphere. Breakfast and lunch served, but you can also order from Top Banana's menu. Easy walk to St 278, Independence Monument, Sihanouk Blvd. Free Wi-Fi. US$4 (dorm)-US$17 (air-con). 
• 2 Okay Guesthouse, 5 St 258 (Royal Palace area, near Hotel Cambodiana). Large and busy guest house with restaurant, terrace, Internet cafe. A good place if you like hanging out with other travellers. They show movies every evening. The rooms are basic but clean, the cheaper rooms are sometimes very small and do not have a window, the more expensive rooms on the 2nd floor are generally a bit better. Somewhat quiet in the evening. They provide food, rooms, buses & tours. The rooms are rather bleak and sad by Cambodian guesthouse standards but cheap and relatively clean. Check your bed for bedbugs as they are common here. US$6-12. 
• Simon II Guesthouse (Next to Simon's Guesthouse). Comfortable rooms with air-con and bathrooms. Extra charges for Wi-Fi and toilet paper. Have been some reports of rats and cockroaches and mosquitoes. From US$12. 
• Simon's Guesthouse, 11 St 93, Boeung Kak Lake, ☏ +855 12 884650. Tricky to find but the layout of the rooms allows for a nice, cool breeze. Both shared and private baths available. Rooms US$2-3. 
• SuperStar Hotel, 26 St 172, ☏ +855 11 399123, s_starhotel@yahoo.com. Family-run hotel and restaurant. Air-con and Wi-Fi. St 172 is relatively quiet with a few Western bars, restaurants, groceries, and a bookshop. US$15. 
• Top Banana Guesthouse, 2 St 278 (Near Wat Lanka). A very laid back small guesthouse on the 2nd and 3rd floor with a cosy, sociable atmosphere and friendly staff. The cheaper rooms are very noisy. Surprisingly good food. US$7-15. 
• 3 Velkommen Backpackers, 17 St 144 (in the centre of Phnom Penh, riverside). Nice backpackers guesthouse with friendly and helpful English and Norwegian management. Dorm beds & private rooms. A large stylish bar. Great for meeting other backpackers, with regular events and live music. Free Wi-Fi. Dorm beds from US$4. 
• 4 4memories Guesthouse (Cafe Fin), No 27Eo, St 506/135, Phsar Doeum Thkov, Chamkarmorn (near Russian Markets), ☏ +855 97 682 8166, info@4memoriescafefin.com. Guesthouse with 5 guesthouse rooms and a rooftop lounge. 1 km from Russian Market (Toul Tompong Market) US$25 - 34. 
• White Rabbit, 40A Street 294, ☏ +855 23-223170. Dorms and rooms. Free Wi-Fi. Dorm US$3/5 per person. rooms from US$6-15. (updated Mar 2017)
• 5 Mad Monkey Hostel, 26, Street 302 (Close to independence monument and Wat Langka), ☏ +855 23 987 091, phnompenh@madmonkeyhostels.com. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. Popular party hostel in the BKK1 backpackers district, provides a pool, rooftop bar and pool bar. 220 beds available from US$5 per night, private rooms from US$10 per night. (updated Jun 2017)
• 6 Pu Rock Hostel, St 113, Corner St 310, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, ☏ +855 96 333 3288. Check-out: 10:30. Air-conditioned mixed dorm US$$3.50. Air con is on from about 16:00 to 10:00. (updated Oct 2019)
• 7 Maya Papaya Cafe & Hostel (One Stop Hostel), No. 85, Sisowath Quay, Wat Phnom. 24-hour reception. From US$6 for a bunk. (updated Feb 2020)

Mid-range

• Angkor International Hotel, 38-50 St 148 (100 m west of Kandal Market, 300 m from the river and national museum), ☏ +855 23 217609, angkorhotel11@gmail.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. English and French spoken. Breakfast. Western and Asian restaurant, free Wi-Fi. Easy reservation and secure payment on-line. 100 rooms. Clean and stylish Khmer furnishings. Air-con, desk, tiled/marble floors, cable TV, minibar, private safes, elevator, safe at reception, bar and terrace, non-smoking floor, tour services. Warm and helpful. Room service 24/7. Massage. 95,000 riel (US$23). 

• The Billabong Hotel, 5 St 158, Sangkat Boeung Raing, ☏ +855 23 223703. Breakfast included. Al fresco dining poolside. US$36-65. 

• 8 Blue Lime, 42 St 19z (cul de sac off St 19, across the street from the Royal Institute of Fine Arts), ☏ +855 23 222260, +855 12 447057 (mobile), reservation@bluelime.asia. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 14 rooms with a lush exotic garden and a saltwater swimming pool. The rooms, garden and pool are modern minimalist, with concrete furniture. Free 1 Mb/s Wi-Fi. Its sister property is The Pavilion. US$40-50, including continental breakfast. 
• Bougainvillier Boutique Hotel, 227 Sisowath Quay (Quay Sisowath), ☏ +855 23 220528. All rooms have a view of the Mekong River and suites are all equipped with air-con, cable TV, private safes, mini bars, IDD telephones, and free access to Internet. There are 3 floors and no elevator so getting to the top floor can be a bit of a struggle. US$60-120. 
• Cambodia Uncovered, BKK1, ☏ +855 12 507097, info@cambodiauncovered.com. Self-contained apartment for up to 4 people, along with satellite TV, DVD player, and a small veranda. Advance booking required. Off-the-beaten-track tailor made private boat and road trips, up-country travel, and cooking classes can also be arranged. singles US$55, doubles US$75, including breakfast and Wi-Fi. 
• Changi Ville Guesthouse and Cafe, 137B St 330 (Chamkarmorn District, about 15 min walk from the Independence Monument). In a residential neighbourhood. Clean double rooms with attached baths. Friendly staff. Might occasionally have power outages due to its location. US$25. 
• Frangipani Villa Hotels, various locations. Four hotels in Phnom Penh. The spacious rooms are examples of contemporary Cambodian design. Spotless air-con rooms with cable TVs, mini-bars, strongboxes, en suite baths with hot water. Free Wi-Fi. Management does not support sex tourism. From US$35. 
• Golden Gate Hotel, 9 St 278, Sangkat Beng Keng Kang 1, Khan Chamkarmorn (Near Independence Monument), ☏ +855 23 427618. US$15-40. 
• Hotel Cara, 18 St 47 & 84, Sangkat Srass Chork, ☏ +855 23 430066. Hotel near the river and port. Good rooms with hot showers, TVs and a quiet ambiance. Some rooms have balconies. Very helpful staff. Free Internet access in the office area near the lobby. Some rooms are completely renovated, soundproofed, upgraded and have added amenities. US$28-50. 
• Hotel Luxury World, 35 St 200, Sangkat Boeung Rang, Khan Daun Penh (on Monivong Boulevard), reservation@hotelluxuryworld.com. There is an affordable massage parlour on the lower levels of the hotel. There is an open-air restaurant with a live band on the roof of the hotel which provides a cosy ambience at night. Free Wi-Fi. US$27-47. 
• Hotel Nine, 48 St 9 (Near Independence Monument), ☏ +855 23 215964, info@hotel-nine.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Relaxing spot in the middle of the city with a very good Asian fusion kitchen and local chef, breakfast included. All rooms are equipped with air-con & fan, 22-inch LCD TV with international channels, DVD player. US$40-70. 
• 9 The Lone Star Saloon Bar and Guesthouse, 30 St 23 (between St 172 & St 154 near Cyclo Bar), ☏ +855 12 577860. Texas-themed restaurant with 3 apt-sized rooms upstairs available as guesthouse rooms. On a quiet street near the riverside. Air-con, hot water, free fast Wi-Fi, mini fridge stocked with drinks at bar prices. Caters to local expats and provides travel info for those new to Cambodia. Quiz nights on Monday 19:30. Play as individuals not teams. US$25. 
• Okay Guesthouse, 5 St 258 (Royal Palace area, near Hotel Cambodiana.). Safe and quite well-run, but if you have arrived in Cambodia to escape Western culture for awhile, but a large TV in the dining/meeting room is always on, loud. US$2-12. 
• Paragon Hotel, 219B Sisowath Quay. on river front, near lots of good cafés. Rooms have bathrooms, air-con, TVs, fridges. No breakfast. Friendly service and clean. US$15-30. 
• The Pavilion, 227 St 19 (near the Royal Palace). Colonial building from 1920, enclosed from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. Lush gardens surround the swimming pool. Also has a Jacuzzi and free Wi-Fi. Offers a free professional massage to each guest. Some rooms have private swimming pools. US$50-80. 

• Sundance Riverside (formerly California 2 Guesthouse), 79 Sisowath (north of the night market on the river front, 3 doors north of the Mekong Express Bus), ☏ +855 77 503144. 24-hr bar and restaurant with Wi-Fi and pool table. Rooms have Wi-Fi, a safe, air-con, ceiling fan, hot water, fridge, and a 26" flat screen TV. Breakfast included. US$25-35. 

• The 252, 19 St 252, ☏ +855 23 998252, info@the-252.com. 19 spacious and stylish rooms. Overflow 13 x 5 m swimming pool surrounded by a leafy tropical garden, garden restaurant and bar. All rooms are equipped with air-con/fan, 22 inch LCD TV with international channels, DVD player, dock speaker system for iPod/iPhone and line-in for MP3 players. US$45-65 including breakfast, free Wi-Fi and taxes. 

• Villa Samnang (Villa Samnang), 15 St 302, info@villa-samnang.com. 14 bright and spacious rooms with air conditioning and TV. US$50-90. 

• Villa Srey, 16 St 306, BKK 1, info@villasrey.com. A new boutique hotel in an old colonial house. 6 spacious and stylish rooms, Wi-Fi, Air-con and a small pool. Breakfast included. US$40-60. 
• 10 YK Art House, 13A St 830, Tonle Bassac (easiest access is when coming south down Sothearos Blvd, making a right onto St 830, just before Wat Svay Popey), ☏ +85570521605, book@ykarthouse.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. A hotel and apartment complex in two buildings separated by a yard with large trees and a small swimming pool. Wi-Fi, Air-con and several lounges. Breakfast available. US$20-60. 

Splurge

• Cambodian Country Club & Hotel Resort, St 2004 Group 6 Toeuk Thla, District Russey Keao, ☏ +855 23 885591, +855 23 883861, info@cambodian-country-club.com. A copy of an Australian country club, financed by a rich Chinese owner. There is an open-air kids' swimming pool (covered with a net to avoid too much sun), an outdoor swimming pool where the expats send their kids to learn to swim. Surrounded by nice lounge chairs for sunbathing and relaxing. Horseback riding, about 10 tennis courts, 2 badminton courts, and a workout room. A Coca-Cola costs about US$2, a meal between US$2.50 and US_8. US$75. (updated Oct 2017)
• Intercontinental Hotel, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. A favourite among visiting dignitaries, but rather out of the way in the southwest corner of the city. Has a Chinese restaurant, Xiang Palace, for expensive fine dining including dim sum. 
• Lebiz Hotel + Library, 17F Kampuchea Krom (Opposite Central Market), ☏ +855 23 998610, info@lebizhotel.com. 
• La Maison d Ambre, 123 St 110, corner St 19, Sangkat Wat Phnom (opposite Wat Phnom), ☏ +855 23 222780, fax: +855 23 222791, contact@lamaisondambre.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. On one of central Phnom Penh’s busiest commercial streets. The elegant white concrete façade typical of the Sankum era’s urban heritage has been restored to its former splendor. Ten apartments (60-120 m²) have been designed and decorated, each in a unique interpretation around the themes of luxury and travel. Has a fine restaurant. US$90-160. 
• Raffles Le Royal, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh (off Monivong Blvd), ☏ +855 23 981888, fax: +855 23 981168. Phnom Penh's grand old hotel, built in 1929 by the French, used as a dry fish store by the Khmer Rouge, but given a thorough redecoration by the Raffles Group in 1999. Walking distance to Wat Phnom and the river, excellent service, wonderful attention to detail and the "Landmark" rooms in the old wing still use bathtubs and even light switches from 1929 (plus broadband Internet and walk-in showers). Try the Femme Fatale, a mix of cognac and champagne dreamed up for Jackie Kennedy in 1967 at the hotel's elegant Elephant Bar, , and don't leave without sampling the delectable tiny pastries at the Le Phnom deli (only US$0.50 a piece, half price after 18:00). US$150–300 low/high season. 
• Sokha Club Hotel, No 63, Preah Norodom Blvd Sangkat Phsar Thmey III, Khan Daun Penh (opposite Lux Cinema), ☏ +855 23 990123, fax: +855 23 990151, reservationspp@sokhahotels.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. US$84-89. 
• 11 Central Mansions, No. 1A, St. 102 Sangkat Wat Phnom, ☏ +855 23 986 810. Hotel in a French colonial style building. The attached bistro The Shop is delicious and opens at 06:30, making it a solid choice for an early breakfast even if you're not staying at the hotel. (updated Feb 2020)

Stay safe

As in any big city, be wary walking alone at night.

Daytime bag-snatching is not uncommon. Women are the main targets. When riding in a tuk-tuk keep your bag toward the middle of the tuk-tuk to protect against bag snatching. When on a motorcycle taxi, keep your bag between you and the driver or in front of the driver. Do not carry/wear your bag on your back!

Scammers and con men sometimes work the tourist areas such as the riverfront, Hun Sen Park and the Sorya Mall. One example: a group of men start a conversation, make friends, claim to have a relative who is soon moving to your country of origin, and invite you to dinner at their house. Once you get there, they will apparently try to trick you into playing a rigged card game for money, and if that fails then they will give you stories about sick relatives and ask money for that instead.

Beware of fake monks. Real monks don't walk around begging from tourists. Ignore them or call the tourist police (012 942 4840) if you are harassed by fake monks.

Stay healthy

As in most developing world countries, avoiding cold, uncooked food is desirable to prevent stomach upsets. Salads are also suspect at times.

As of 2019, antimalarials are not needed for Phnom Penh (unlike most of the rest of the country), but you should use mosquito repellent as there is a risk of dengue.

Unsafe sex

There are dozens of girlie bars catering to foreigners in the cross-streets back from the river. Freelance girls are picked up at establishments like Heart of Darkness, Sharky's Bar, Riverhouse Lounge, and Martini Bar.

HIV is carried by about one in eight of Cambodia's female sex workers. NGOs have got the HIV rate in the general population down from around 2% to around 1% over the past decade, but emerging liberal behaviour coupled with ignorance of safe practices may reverse this gain. Condoms are strongly advised.

Pharmacies

• Pharmacie de la Gare, 124Eo Preah Monivong Blvd. Has a good reputation for selling a wide range of medicines, and for their products being real, not fake. (updated Feb 2020)

Connect

Telephone

Cheap SIM cards from US$2 for GSM phones are available on almost any major street. A vendor should have an activated test card to be used to make sure your phone will operate on that network. Calls between mobile networks can be spotty and Skype calls from abroad to mobiles in Cambodia are sometimes dropped, so be prepared to redial frequently. SIM cards, phone credit and internet packages can be bought and activated at the airport located just after passing through customs. A great time and place to do so if you know you going to buy a local SIM card in Cambodia. Its a good idea to have your phone sim unlocked before leaving home. It seems all phones sold in Cambodia are unlocked. Dual sim phones are cheaply available which are useful for travellers who want to use their home sim card and a local SIM card at the same time.

Mobitel (cellcard) and Metfone have the best coverage around the whole of Cambodia. Metfone is particularly good for their internet packages (e.g. US$5 for 20 GB for one week, US$7 for 40 GB for two weeks, Jan 2020) and they allow hotspot tethering from your smart phone unlike Mobitel. Useful if you use a laptop a lot and want to use wifi via your hotspot enabled smart phone. SIM cards with these rates are available at the airport. Smart has probably the cheapest for local phone calls but not so great for internet. Dual sim phones are popular in Cambodia so as to take advantage of different deals available, such as Smart for calls and cellcard or metfone for internet.

Most of the major networks, such as metfone, have kiosks at the Phnom Penh airport located just after walking through customs where you can buy a local sim card, some credit and an Internet data package. If so, check that it all appears to be operating OK before heading off, such as by loading up a web page and checking your balance.

Internet

Wi-Fi is available in most of the hotels that welcome Western tourists and backpackers. Speed and reliability is on par with neighbouring countries. There is no shortage of Internet cafés in Phnom Penh. Most are in the 1,500 riel/hour to 2,000 riel/hour bracket (~US$0.50)

Wireless and wired connections for laptops are available at a number of outlets. Most up-market hotels provide high-speed broadband access, but at a premium. A number of cafés along Sisowath Quay including the Foreign Correspondents' Club (expensive), Fresco Café (under the FCC, also expensive), K-West Café (at the Amanjaya Hotel), the Jungle Bar and Grill, and Phnom Penh Café (near Paragon Hotel), and Metro Cafe (free).

• Cybercity 8, 17 & 1, St 271 (in front of Sovanna Shopping Centre beside KFC Sovanna), ☏ +855 17 307066, enquiry@cybercity8.com. 24/7. A modern Internet cafe with 3Mb fiber optic cables. Open 24 hours with promotional rates at night. US$0.50/hr. 
• Galaxy Web (St 63 Near Sihanouk Boulevard). Excellent service, popular with Westerners. 
• Sunny Internet, 178 St (opposite Foreign Correspondents' Club, also Sisowath Quay, next to the Riverstreet restaurant.). Provides a faster service at US$1/hr and is popular with tourists and expats. 

Post

The main, impressive French colonial-style post office is at the intersection of St 13 and 102, roughly between Wat Phnum and the Riverside. Another branch is more downtown, at the intersection of Sihanouk and Monivong Blvd. Both offices offer full range of postal services, including PO boxes for affordable prices, and are open 7 days a week.

Postage for international postcards is 3,000 riel. Very nice picture stamps are available. Philatelists: ask for mix and match options. Letters and especially parcels to Phnom Penh's post office frequently go missing, or are not made available to recipients for up to one year.

FM radio

BBC World Service news is broadcast in Phnom Penh on easy to remember 100.00MHz FM.

Cope

Bring your largest pair of sunglasses: Phnom Penh is dusty year-round (even in the wet season) and riding in tuk-tuks means a lot of the dust in your eyes.

Embassies and consulates

• Australia, 16B National Assembly Rd, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Kahn Chamkamon, ☏ +855 23 213470, fax: +855 23 213413. M-Th 08:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00; F 08:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:15. 
• China, 156 Mao Tsetung Blvd, ☏ +855 23 720920, +855 12 810928 (24 hr), fax: +855 23 720922, chinaemb_kh@mfa.gov.cn. 
• France, 1 Monivong Blvd, ☏ +855 23 430020, fax: +855 23 430037, ambafrance.phnom-penh-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr. M-F 08:30-11:30. 
• Indonesia, St 466, (Oknha Nhek Tioulong) corner Norodom Boulevard, ☏ +855 23 213470. M-Th 08:00-17:00. 
• Philippines, House No 15, St 422, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon, ☏ +855 23 222203, +855 23 222204, fax: +855 23 215143, phnompenh.pe@dfa.gov.ph. 
• Russia, 213 Blvd Sothearos, ☏ +855 23 210931, fax: +855 23 216776, russemba@online.com.kh. 
• Singapore, 129 Norodom Blvd, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, ☏ +855 23 221875, fax: +855 23 214578 (administration and consular matters), singemb_pnh@sgmfa.gov.sg. M-F 08:00-12:30, 14:00-17:00. 
• Sweden, 10th floor, Phnom Penh Tower, 445, Monivong Blvd, (St. 93/332), Sangkat Boeung Pralit, Khan 7 Makara, ☏ +855 23 861 700, fax: +855 23 861 701 (administration and consular matters), ambassaden.phnom-penh@gov.se. M-F 09:00-12:00. 
• United Kingdom, 27-29 St 75, Sangkat Srah Chak Khan Daun, ☏ +855 23 427124. 
• United States, 1, St 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, ☏ +855 23 728000. You are lucky if you visit during December and get to view their Christmas light display! 

Medical

Ascertain that the doctor has a Western medical degree. If not, get out. Local training is poor and treatment can be fatal. Local hospitals are generally basic, including Calmette Hospital, the city's best. A doctor's appointment should be made at one of the international clinics, which can also arrange transfer to a hospital in Thailand if necessary.

• Dr Marissa Regino-Manampan, 262B St 63, ☏ +855 23 217349. Filipino MD. Family medicine. 
• IMI International Dental Clinic, 193 St 208, ☏ +855 23 212909. International Dental Clinic is one of the biggest high-tech dental clinics in Cambodia. Offering convenient and flexible services and total dental care since 1997. Recognised by the Ministry of Health and National Dental Council of Cambodia. Now has a second clinic, in cooperation with a Japanese dentist, in Siem Reap Province. 
• International SOS Medical and Dental Clinic, 161 St 51 (Pasteur), ☏ +855 23 216911. Has local and foreign doctors providing wide ranging standard health care and 24-hr emergency service. This clinic is experienced with foreigners and with travel insurance requirements and will ensure that all documentation for insurance claims are provided. 
• Naga Clinic, 11 Senei Vinna Vaut Oum (St 254), ☏ +855 23 211300, +855 11 811175 (Mobile). Some of the Khmer doctors here are foreign-trained and competent, but abrupt and uncommunicative, in the Asian doctor-style. The two French doctors are both competent and communicative, and are favoured by expats. One of them, Dr Garen, speaks good English. US$30 for foreigners, US$15 for Khmer. 
• Royal Rattanak Hospital, 11 St 592, Boeung Kak 2, Toul Kok, ☏ +855 23 365555. The second Cambodian hospital of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL. Provides full secondary health care services including: emergency medicine, general surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, pediatrics, Ob-Gyn, general internal medicine, intensive care and rehabilitation services. Good service and some real doctors, but insanely expensive. A keybone operation with 4 days stay costs around US$4,000. You pay around US$190/night. 
• 3 Chenda Polyclinic, 8, St 39, ☏ +855 23 555 3156. An efficient and low-cost multi-service clinic. Bookings not always necessary, a good place to head to if sick. Particularly good place if you have no insurance as its costs are low. They are good a removing moles and various other lumps for as little as US$20 each. 
• 4 Tropical & Travellers Medical Clinic: Dr. Gavin Scott, 88 St 108, ☏ +855 23 306802. British doctor. General Medicine. Tropical medicine. 

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Cambodia

Sihanoukville, Battambang, and Siem Reap are within a few hours reach. Watch out for guesthouses profiteering on bus tickets. Several tour companies offer day-trips to Tonle Bati, which includes Ta Prohm, an Angkor-era temple not to be mistaken for the Angkor-area temple of the same name.

To	Company (comments)	Departs	Hours	US$
Siem Reap	Mekong Express (air-con, snack, water, guide)	07:00 08:30 12:30 14:25	6	12
	Apsara Khmer Travel (air-con, water)	07:00 09:00 13:30 15:30	5	9
	Gold VIP (air-con, snack, water)	07:00 08:30 13:30 14:30 20:00 24:00	5-6	9
	Selia Angkor (air-con, snack, water)	07:00 09:00 14:00 15:00	5	9
	Virak Buntham	11:30 (5 hr) 18:00 20:00 24:00 (6 hr)		9
	Sok Sokha (cold towel, air-con, snack, water)	07:30 08:30 12:30 13:30	6	8
	Capitol (air-con)	06:15 07:30 08:30 10:15 12:00 13:30 14:30	6.5	7
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:00 07:45 08:45 11:30 12:45 15:15	7	7
Sihanoukville	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:00 08:00 09:00 11:30 12:45 15:45 17:00	5	7
	Capitol (air-con)	07:15 08:45 09:45 11:15 12:15 13:30 14:30	5	7
	G.S.T. (air-con)	07:15 08:15 12:30 13:30 13:15	5	7
	Virak Buntham (blanket, water, air-con)	01:30	4	8
Kep/Kompot	Capitol (air-con)	07:30 13:00	4	7
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	06:45 07:30 09:30 12:45 13:45	5	7
Kratie	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	06:45 07:15 8:00 10:30	6	8
	G.S.T. (air-con)	07:00	6	8
Battambang	Virak Buntham (air-con)	05:00 06:30	5	7
	Capitol (air-con)	07:00-14:45 (every hr)	5	7
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	06:30 07:45 08:45 10:45 12:45	6	7
Koh Kong	Virak Buntham (air-con)	07:45 12:30	6	9
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:45 11:30	6	9
Kampong Cham	Capitol (air-con)	08:15 14:00	3	6
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:15-15:45 every hr	3	6
Preah Vihear	G.S.T. (air-con)	07:30	8	7
Poi Pet	Virak Buntham (air-con)	20:00 21:00 24:00	7	10
	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	06:15 06:30 07:45 07:30	8	10
	Capitol (air-con)	06:30 08:00 10:00	8	10
Stung Streng	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:15	9	12
Rathanakiri	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	07:30	13	12
Mondulkiri	Phnom Penh Sorya (air-con)	08:15	8	10

Laos

Buses to Don Det (US$19, 12 hr) leave at 06:45. The 27 hr journey to Vientiane costs US$46 and takes four different buses. The first leg is on the Don Det bus. Once over the border you'll spend hours on cramped minibuses heading to Pakse before the final stretch to the capital. The border is slow and bureaucratic, with endless form-filling and small bribes to officials, long walks hauling your luggage between windows (500 m), and no one much to assist with enquiries. There have been reports of various problems on the onward journey to Vientiane, from Lao companies not honouring tickets sold in Cambodia, to nocturnal groping.

Prices May 2012:

To	Bus Company (comments)	Departs	Hours	US$
4000 Islands/Don Khong (ferry not included)	Phnom Penh Sorya	06:45	10	23
Pakse	Phnom Penh Sorya	06:45	12	30
Vientiane	Phnom Penh Sorya	06:45	22.5	50

Thailand

Through tickets to Bangkok (14 hr, US$15–26) are generally unproblematic. You will change buses at the border. Anything more than US$15 is a bit steep given that Phnom Penh to Siem Reap should cost US$5 and that Siem Reap to Bangkok should cost US$10.

Prices May 2012:

To	Bus Company (comments)	Departs	Hours	US$
Bangkok	Virak Buntham (via Koh Kong)	07:45	>12	28
	Virak Buntham (via Poipet)	21:00 21:30 24:00 24:30	12	23
	Gold VIP (via Poipet)	20:00 24:00 (night bus)	>12	23
	Angkor Express (via Poipet)	06:30	13	18
	Capitol (via Poipet)	06:30	13	18
	Phnom Penh Sorya (via Poipet)	06:30	13	18
Ko Chang	Virak Buntham	07:45	9	23
Ko Samet	Virak Buntham	07:45	12	29
Pattaya	Virak Buntham	07:45	11	29
Trat	Virak Buntham	07:45	8	19

Vietnam

There are legends of a slow boat to Chau Doc in Vietnam (US$9–10) that you can take instead of a bus (US$10, 6 hr to either Ho Chi Minh City or Chau Doc), though it's not clear whether this is still possible. Faster boats (4-5hrs) from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc do still run once a day (see "Get In" section above). There is reportedly no longer any regular boat service from Chau Doc onward towards Ho Chi Minh City or even other parts of the Mekong Delta. The journey can be also stretched into a 2-3 day Mekong tour, usually including both boat and bus segments (possibly starting from about US$60, though most range from about US$100 up into the thousands).

Prices May 2012:

To	Bus Company (comments)	Departs	Hours	US$
HCMC	Mekong Express (air-con, snack, water, guide)	06:30 07:00 08:30 13:00 14:00 15:00	6	13
	Sapaco Tourist (air-con, water, toilet)	06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:30 13:00 14:00 15:00	6	12
	Khai Nam Transport	05:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00	6	11
	Virak Buntham	08:30	6	11
	Virak Buntham (blanket, air-con)	00:30 (night bus)	8	12
	Capitol	06:45 08:00 13:30	6	11
	Phnom Penh Sorya	05:45 06:45 08:30 11:45 13:30	6	15
Hatien	Champa Mekong (minibus, air-con)	08:00	5	15
Phu Quoc	Champa Mekong (minibus, air-con)	08:00	7	27

Routes through Phnom Penh

Poipet ← Pursat ←	NW  SE	→ END
END ←	N  S	→ Takeo → Sihanoukville