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Cambodia

Phnom Penh Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Arrive

Phnom Penh hits me differently depending on where I arrive from. When I come from Bangkok, it feels quieter and rougher around the edges; when I arrive from Siem Reap, it finally feels like a real city. The Mekong sits wide and slow at the edge of the riverfront, and by 6am, I’m usually watching locals do aerobics on the promenade to a speaker blasting Khmer pop. This city suits travelers who can handle some weight. The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng are not optional stops; they provide the necessary context for the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. Practically, tuk-tuks are everywhere and the US dollar is accepted alongside the riel. For those arriving in 2026, flights now operate out of the new Techo International Airport (TIA), which has changed the transit dynamic significantly. Ensure you arrange your entry documents through the official e-Visa portal before arrival to avoid delays at the new terminal.

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Everything Worth Knowing About Phnom Penh

Honest guides to where to stay, what to do, and what to skip.

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Questions About Phnom Penh

November to February is the coolest and driest window. Temperatures sit around 25 to 30°C and there's almost no rain, making it the most comfortable stretch for walking the city.
It is generally safe, but bag snatching from motorbikes is common. Keep bags on your inside shoulder, away from the road, especially on the riverfront at night.
Both US dollars and Cambodian riel circulate freely. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, with riel used for change under $1. ATMs dispense dollars and you rarely need to exchange currency.
A comfortable budget day runs $25 to $45. This covers a guesthouse, local meals, and entry to the Killing Fields ($6) and Tuol Sleng ($5).
The Giant Ibis bus takes 6 hours and costs $16 to $25. Alternatively, domestic flights from the new Techo International Airport (TIA) take 45 minutes and cost between $110 and $145 one way in 2026.
Phnom Penh is worth at least two full days for historical context. While Siem Reap has the temples, Phnom Penh explains the resilience of the Cambodian people and the history of the Khmer Rouge.
Order fish amok or beef lok lak at the Russian Market. Both are usually under $4 at local stalls; avoid riverfront restaurants for your first meal as prices are often doubled for tourists.
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