[Weekend Escape] 48 Hours in Phnom Penh – What to See, Do & Eat

Weekend Escape is our semi-regular column on all things related to getting out of Shanghai for a weekend (or preferably a long-weekend). From city jaunts, to food tours, to the rough and tumble of backpacking and camping. It's all here. Got tips? Drop us a note.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital, is nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. With a history that intertwines the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and the influences of French colonialism, the city offers the ideal mix of culture, history and modernity, drawing in locals and tourists alike. Known as the "Pearl of Asia" during the French colonial period, Phnom Penh showcases stunning architectural masterpieces, lively markets, and a blend of old and new.

Phnom Penh is home to a turbulent past. Instead of shying away from its stormy history, the city vows to never repeat it, with numerous monuments, museums and artworks scattered throughout the metropolis as a reminder. Despite their war-torn past, the Cambodian people are friendly, welcoming and inviting, happy to share their culture, cuisine and country with visitors of all ages.

Today, Phnom Penh is the political, economic and cultural center of Cambodia, boasting a population of approximately 2 million people. The city experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. The dry season lasts from December to April, while the southwest monsoon brings rain and humidity from May to November.

Whether you are wandering through the busy markets, exploring historical sites, or indulging in local food, Phnom Penh captures the essence of Cambodian life, offering an ideal Southeast Asia weekend getaway.

What to Do

The Royal Palace

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The Royal Palace of Cambodia serves as the official residence of the King and a significant historical landmark, constructed between 1866 and 1870. Located along the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, the palace complex includes the Throne Hall, where royal ceremonies take place, and the Silver Pagoda, famous for its floor adorned with thousands of silver tiles. Visitors can admire the spectacular architecture that blends traditional Khmer style with European influences. Entry fee: US$10.

Wat Phnom

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Wat Phnom, the city's namesake, is a historic Buddhist temple perched atop the only hill in Phnom Penh. Established in 1372, this serene temple offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery and panoramic views of the city. Visitors can explore the intricately carved main pagoda and pray for blessings. Entry fee: US$1.

National Museum of Cambodia

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The National Museum of Cambodia is the largest museum in the country, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from Cambodia's cultural heritage, including sculptures, ceramics and ethnographic exhibits. The museum's traditional Khmer architecture and serene gardens make it a pleasant place to explore the nation's history. Entry fee: US$10.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

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Housed in a stunning Art Deco building, the Central Market is a humming hub where visitors can shop for clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and local delicacies. The atmosphere and array of stalls make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture and cuisine. Don't miss the food stalls offering delicious snacks like roasted birds and traditional noodle soups during lunch time. Do note that the Central Market is more touristy, with slightly higher prices than other markets, so don't be afraid to haggle.

Street 240 (Boutique Street)

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Street 240 is known for its charming boutiques, wine bars and gastro pubs. This trendy area is perfect for leisurely shopping, dining and exploring local artisan shops. A hidden alley off Street 240 ½ sees shops by local designers, including handmade items that support various social causes.

Markets of Phnom Penh

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Aside from the Central Market, Phnom Penh is home to several other lively markets:

Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung): Known for its souvenirs, textiles and local crafts, this market also boasts food stalls serving delicious street food, especially in the evening.

Old Market (Phsar Chas): A traditional market where you can find everything from jewelry to fresh produce, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of locals.

Boeung Keng Kang Market (BKK Market): An energetic local market with second-hand clothes, snacks and fresh produce, perfect for experiencing the local vibe.

What to Eat

Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork and Rice)

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A beloved Cambodian breakfast dish, bai sach chrouk offers thinly sliced, marinated and partially dried pork, grilled to perfection and served over steamed rice with tangy pickled vegetables and sweet chili sauce. You can enjoy this dish at local stalls like Bai Sach Chrouk – where a serving costs 6,000 riel (around US$1.50); 126 Restaurant – a Cambodian comfort food diner; or at most street corners in the morning.

Num Banh Chok (Rice Noodles in Green Fish Curry)

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This traditional dish consists of fermented rice noodles topped with a fragrant fish-based curry and fresh vegetables and herbs. It's typically served for breakfast or as a light meal. You can find delicious num banh chok at Khmer Noodles Restaurant for approximately 7,000 riel.

Fish Amok ((Steamed Fish & Egg Curry)

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Regarded as Cambodia's national dish, fish amok is a creamy coconut fish curry tempered with eggs and steamed in banana leaves. This dish showcases the flavors of kroeung, a traditional Khmer spice paste with lemongrass, galangal and turmeric. It's best enjoyed at local eateries, like Romdeng Restaurant, often priced around US$5.

Kuy Teav (Rice Noodle Soup)

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Kuy teav is a popular rice noodle soup composed of a clear broth and various toppings, including pork, beef or seafood, fresh herbs, garlic and fish sauce. This comforting dish, sometimes dubbed "Cambodian pho," can be found at numerous street vendors and markets, with prices typically ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 riel depending on protein selections.

Lort Cha (Stir-Fried Noodles)

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Short, chewy, thick rice noodles with a circular cross-section are stir-fried with garlic, bean sprouts and your choice of protein in this delicious street food dish. The best renditions are also stir-fried with egg or topped with a fried egg that melds with the sticky sweet sauce made from palm sugar, dark soy sauce and fish sauce. Lort cha is commonly found at street stalls, costing around 5,000 riel.

Sach Ko Ang Jakok (Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers)

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Marinated in a fragrant lemongrass, turmeric and spice curry paste (called kroeung), these beef skewers are grilled to perfection and served with a toasted and butter-slathered baguette and pickled vegetable slaw. Most common offerings include beef skewers, beef sausage, as well as tripe and other innards. Get sach ko ang jakok from Yee-ay Sok Sor, where a solid meal of several skewers and sides will set you back just 9,000 riel.

Na Tang (Pork Coconut and Peanut Curry)

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This appetizer features ground pork in a thick, red coconut curry served with toasted and then fried puffed rice crackers. The sweet richness of the peanut and coconut are juxtaposed against the saltiness of fried minced pork. You can find this delightful dish at Khmer Women's Food, a family-run establishment and community initiative that supports local women, priced around 24,000 riel.

Khor Ko (Curry Beef with Baguette)

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A rich, often coconut-based beef curry is served alongside a crispy baguette, ideal fodder for sopping up the sweet gravy. Aromatics like galangal, chili and lemongrass make a showing, alongside fresh herbs and tender chunks of beef that fall apart at the mere nudge of a fork. This dish is best enjoyed at 126 Restaurant, an iconic Cambodian open-air restaurant, for just 14,000 riel.

Modern Cambodian Cuisine

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Pisa Old Market Restaurant is a contemporary Khmer fusion restaurant in a chic setting. The name comes from the polite Khmer word for eat (used for parents and honored guests), reflecting the venue's respect for culinary traditions. Situated just next to the city's Old Market, the kitchen sources only the freshest ingredients daily from market vendors, thereby also supporting the local community. Chef Sothea Seng places a strong emphasis on sustainability, seasonality and the preservation of Cambodian gastronomic heritage, while also innovating in ways that reflect modern dining trends.

Where to Drink

Sora Bar

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Situated on the 37th floor of the Rosewood Hotel, Sora offers breathtaking views of the city skyline across its multi-concept space. Sora presents a curated cocktail menu that highlights local ingredients coupled with Japanese manga. While Sora has all the touchpoints of a luxury hotel bar – elegant interiors, nightly live music, a sweeping city view, and a classy whiskey and vinyl library – it's also a sustainability powerhouse. And it is just that, plus its commitment to supporting the nascent Cambodian bar industry, that has afforded Sora the position as the first-ever Cambodian bar to make it on any type of World's 50 Best or similar list. This year, Sora scored the coveted spot of No. 65 on Asia's 50 Best Bars List 2025 as well as the Sustainable Bar Award.

Seekers Distillery

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Located 30 minutes south of the city, Seekers is a gin distillery and spirits factory set in a beautiful garden space. Founded by a British and Spanish couple, this distillery focuses on using local ingredients to create unique spirits – from a lineup of gins, to aperitifs and digestifs, to RTD drinks to a new legacy spirit, chanty, made from fermented cashew apples. Guests can tour the facility and sample their signature gins and cocktails, which are crafted with local flavors that celebrate Cambodian culture.

Mawsim Distillery and Bar

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This hidden gem produces its own gin from ethanol derived from water hyacinth, an invasive species in Cambodia. The bar feels like a speakeasy, providing a cozy atmosphere to enjoy their simple yet delicious creations. Mawsim gained recognition when it won the title of Best Gin in the World at the 2023 World Gin Awards, making it a must-visit for gin enthusiasts.

Bassac Lane

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For a lively night out, head to Bassac Lane, a trendy area filled with various bars and pubs. This vibrant spot allows for easy hopping between different small bar establishments, each offering its own unique vibe and drink menu. Whether you're in the mood for craft cocktails or local beers, Bassac Lane has it all.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in Phnom Penh cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses.

Luxury Stay: Rosewood Phnom Penh

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For a luxurious experience, the Rosewood Phnom Penh offers an ultra-modern stay in the city's first skyscraper. With 175 elegant rooms, this hotel features a stylish sky lobby, a tranquil spa, an indoor pool, and multiple dining and drinking venues, including French and Khmer comfort fare at Brasserie Louis, Chinese cooking at Zhan Liang, steakhouse cuisine at Cuts, Japanese izakaya and sushi at Iza, and craft cocktails at Sora Bar, Guests can indulge in world-class service while enjoying stunning views of the city and the Mekong River.

Budget Options: The Mad Monkey or Okay Boutique Hotel

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For those traveling on a budget, there are plenty of guesthouses and hostels available throughout the city. Places like The Mad Monkey Hostels and Okay Boutique Hotel offer comfortable accommodations at affordable rates, with a friendly atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

Getting There and Trip Budgeting

Phnom Penh is easily accessible via the newly inaugurated Techo International Airport (KTI), which opened in September 2025, replacing the old Phnom Penh International Airport. Located approximately 25 kilometers south of the city, taxi fares to downtown range from US$15 for a tuk-tuk to around US$35 for a car. It's advisable to download the Grab app for convenient transportation within the city.

Hotel prices vary significantly based on comfort levels: budget accommodations range from US$15-22 per night, mid-range hotels typically cost between US$30-50, and luxury hotels can start at US$150, with prices fluctuating seasonally.

Foreign travelers should note that a visa is required to enter Cambodia. Most visitors can obtain a visa online via e-visa systems (with processing taking three to five business days) or upon arrival at international airports. The cost is generally US$30 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. It's advisable to check the visa requirements for your own country on the Cambodian e-visa website.