Phnom Penh Holidays

A city that pulls you in.

Phnom Penh can seem frantic and chaotic at first glance, but underneath is a city that's rich, warm and charming, with pockets that still move at village pace even as glass towers rise around them. Monks on smartphones, tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, rooftop bars overlooking street-corner noodle stalls — there's a lot to take in.

Under French colonial rule the city became known as the "Paris of the East," and many of the buildings from that era remain standing today, giving the streets a distinctive mix of Khmer and colonial architecture. It's a city that rewards a bit of wandering.

Whether you're after royal landmarks, riverside walks, or simply a taste of Cambodia's capital energy, Phnom Penh will leave an impression.

Why visit Phnom Penh?

• Step inside the Royal Palace. Still home to the king and royal family, the palace's golden spires shine against the city skyline, with the Silver Pagoda next door housing a floor inlaid with over 5,000 silver tiles and some of Cambodia's most sacred treasures.
• Explore the city's markets and riverside. The weekend Night Market sits on the riverfront close to downtown, while the Old Market and Russian Market offer a more local, everyday side of the city to explore between sightseeing.
• Understand Cambodia's story in full. Khmer Rouge history, Buddhist monasteries and the Royal Palace make Phnom Penh worth visiting, while its buzzing art, food and nightlife scenes make it worth staying. A visit here gives real context to the rest of a Cambodia trip.