Royal Palace: Gold, Light, and Zero Chill
The Royal Palace is absolutely worth the hype. The golden spires, the intricate details, the manicured gardens—it all feels almost unreal under the Cambodian sun. I spent way too long just standing there trying to get the angle right.
PHOTO TIP: The Silver Pagoda courtyard is where I got my cleanest shots. Go early in the morning (around 8 AM) for softer light, fewer tourists, and cooler temperatures.
(Note: Dress modestly. Covered shoulders and knees are mandatory, or they won’t let you in. I saw someone get turned away at the gate.)
Wat Phnom: The City's Quiet Heart
Wat Phnom sits on a small hill right in the middle of the city, and that contrast—temple meets urban life—makes for some really striking photos. The stairs, the greenery, the worn details on the temple itself… it all just works.
PHOTO TIP: Shoot looking up the staircase to add drama and depth. I also framed the pagoda through the trees, which gave the image a softer, more intimate feel.
Wat Kean Kleang: The "Golden Temple"
This temple doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should, making it one of the most underrated Instagrammable spots in Phnom Penh. Locals often call it the “Golden Temple” (Mongkol Serei Temple), and once you step inside, you will see why. The level of detail in the gold paintings and murals is incredible—it feels calm, authentic, and completely untouched by mass tourism.
PHOTO TIP: Stand centered at the entrance and let the temple’s natural lines guide your composition. The gold details pop best in the late afternoon sun (around 4 PM).
Independence Monument: Only at Night
During the day, the Independence Monument is fine. At night? It is a completely different story. When it is lit up, the whole structure glows, almost like the city decided to wear its best jewelry.
PHOTO TIP: Stand across the street to get the full monument in the frame. Use night mode or a long exposure to catch the light trails from passing traffic—those streaks add so much energy.
Central Market (Psar Thmei): Geometry Meets Chaos
Central Market is this massive, bright yellow art deco building that looks like something out of a design textbook. Outside, it is all symmetry and clean lines. Inside, it is pure chaos—colors, textures, gold jewelry, piles of fabric, people everywhere.
PHOTO TIP: Shoot the exterior first to capture the geometry. Inside, go for candids, but always ask before photographing people. A smile goes a long way.
Riverside (Sisowath Quay): Sunset, Always Sunset
Sisowath Quay at sunset is one of those moments that feels almost too good to be real. The river reflects the warm sky, boats drift by slowly, and the whole scene just glows.
PHOTO TIP: Walk toward the Preah Sisowath Statue to get shots that include the river + colonial architecture. Timing matters: show up too late and you’ll miss the golden hour.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Heavy, Important, Respectful
I am including this because it is significant, but I want to be clear: this is not a place for aesthetic content. Tuol Sleng is heavy. It is emotional. It carries the weight of Cambodia’s history in a way that demands respect.
PHOTO TIP: If you take photos here, focus on the space itself—preserved rooms and quiet details. No selfies. This is about memory, not your feed.
BKK1's Cafés: Latte Art and Natural Light
Phnom Penh’s café scene is thriving, and BKK1 is where it is all happening. The interiors are clean and minimalist, the plants are perfectly placed, and the latte art is almost too pretty to drink.
PHOTO TIP: Take overhead shots (flat lay) of your coffee and pastry. Sit near the windows; natural light makes every photo look expensive.
Al-Serkal Mosque: The White Masterpiece
If you want a photo that looks clean, modern, and distinct, you need to go to the Al-Serkal Mosque near Boeung Kak. It is the largest mosque in Cambodia and a gift from the UAE. The architecture is stunning—pure white walls, soaring minarets, and perfect geometric symmetry that contrasts beautifully with the blue sky.
PHOTO TIP: The best angle is from the front courtyard to capture the full symmetry of the building. Dress respectfully (long pants/skirts) if you want to enter the grounds.
National Museum of Cambodia: Iconic Red Architecture
You cannot talk about photo spots in Phnom Penh without mentioning the deep red terracotta of the National Museum. It is arguably the most traditional Khmer-style building in the city. The central courtyard, with its four lotus ponds and statue, is incredibly peaceful and photogenic.
PHOTO TIP: The contrast of the dark red building against the green garden is the money shot. Stand in the central courtyard for the best framing.
Phnom Penh is packed with iconic landmarks and hidden gems—photogenic in a loud way and a quiet way. Whether you’re into history, architecture, street culture, or café vibes, this city gives you moments worth capturing.
Just remember: be mindful of local customs—especially in temples and historical sites—and let your photos tell stories with respect.
