One Day In Phnom Penh : Your Perfect 24 Hour Itinerary

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This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Phnom Penh was the second city that we visited in Asia and I know it’s a cliché but we did fall in love.  We had a few days to fully explore but what if you only have one day in Phnom Penh?  Is it still worth visiting?  Yes; it’s absolutely worth a quick visit. 

And to prove the point, we’ve crafted this perfect little itinerary which allows you to make the very most of your 24 hours.

24 Hours in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the busy capital of Cambodia, a city where traditional Khmer culture melts into French colonial charm.  It has a grim history with the Khmer Rouge but it also has a modern glitzy side with huge shopping malls and skyscrapers and more than few luxury hotels. 

In one day you can experience a mix of old and not so old, explore the huge city markets, watch sunset on the Mekong or try a few culinary joys that make this city so wonderful.

Our one day Itinerary includes :

Top Tip : If your phone takes an eSim purchase this Airalo eSim before you leave home. We’ve used these for a few years across Asia (and India and Africa) and highly rate them. It’s so easy and you’re connected as you soon as you step off the plane.

Our One Day Itinerary

Don’t Skip Breakfast

We stayed in Pavilion Hotel and loved it.  Every morning breakfast was served on the terrace beside the pool; the perfect way to start the day.  But, if you’re looking for an alternative breakfast stop then we loved Elia Greek Kitchen.  They offer gluten free choices too but regardless it’s perfect for breakfast.

Killing Fields and S21

If you want to understand modern Cambodia then we really recommend a visit to Choeung Ek; commonly known as the Killing Fields. In my teens I heard the news, watched the film and of course there was the song Holiday In Cambodia but visiting this site brings your understanding to a completely different level.

The site is terribly sad but a guide will help you make sense of it all and actually, you leave with a profound sense of hope because the Cambodian people are just so darn positive and forward looking.

Most tours include a guided visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum otherwise known as S21. This former high school was turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime and now serves as a museum.  I agree that some parts can be difficult, but don’t see it all.  I didn’t go into some of the rooms, and had no desire to look at all of the photos.  But don’t let this put you off.  Sit in the garden and meet and talk with former prisoners instead.

This tour lays bare an awful period in Cambodian history, but I genuinely feel that in order to understand Cambodia today you need to take a look at this recent past. Our guided tour was excellent and whilst you can go alone, I would not have visited either site without a guide.

Lunch at David’s Noodles

After your tour head to David’s noodles; we loved it so much we returned a few times.  David makes his noodles fresh, you can watch him, indeed do watch him as he’s an expert! The food is fresh and tasty and gluten free if you ask.  It may not look much from the street but trust us on this.  Grab a table and order some lunch.

Top Tip : you’ll need to pay cash in dollars and as with everywhere in Cambodia they won’t accept torn or old looking bills.

The Royal Palace And Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace complex is perhaps the most visited attraction in Phnom Penh. It offers a stunning example of Khmer architecture and is still the official residence of the King. 

It’s a large site, peppered with buildings, although many are not open to the public. There is though still plenty to see with temples and beautifully manicured gardens.   The Silver Pagoda, also within the palace grounds, houses many national treasures, including gold and jewelled Buddha statues.

There are guided tours, indeed we took a tour but it wasn’t necessary.  We appreciated the guide but the tour didn’t allow enough time for photos or exploring, so I’d recommend going alone.

There are some things that you should note about your visit :

Two Choices for your Afternoon : Food Tour or Mekong Cruise?

We had a few nights in Phnom Penh so could take advantage of the city at night but with one day you need to make a choice.  We loved our excellent food tour and equally loved our sunset cruise. Whichever you choose, do book ahead as both have limited space and both are very popular.

Fabulous Food Tour Across The City

I love food tours because I can eat gluten free safety.  Gerry loves food tours as he adores trying local cuisine.  This tour was a really excellent way to do both and you get to eat dinner and have a guided tour of the city at night; it’s a win-win for a short visit!

This tour pretty much takes care of your evening and if you only have 24 hours in Phnom Penh we strongly recommend you jump aboard and eat, drink and tour your way across the city :

Sunset Cruise and Dinner In Town

This is a simple little tour but we really enjoyed our time aboard and you get to cruise along the  mighty Mekong (for us whilst listening to the Eagles greatest hits!)  You are collected from your hotel and drinks are included. 

Top Tip : You have to walk across a few wooden planks to board the boat and I don’t recommend heels; indeed I’d recommend flat shoes as there are also steps if you wish to go on the top deck.

Transport back to your hotel is not included but you can walk along the river and soak up the atmosphere; there is a night market here at the weekend.  Alternatively book a taxi using your GRAB app and head out to dinner (we have a few suggestions below).

Alternative Ideas For Your Day

Full Day City Tour

If you prefer having your own car and guide for the day there are many options.  We booked a tuk-tuk one evening for a tour of the city at night; we’d used him previously and he’d been recommended by our hotel (so we trusted him).  Alternatively, book a guide and driver in advance; some will even collect you from the airport.

I like this city tour as it offers a lot but the headline price is a little misleading.  It’s 77€ per person but includes all entrances, along with car and driver for the day.  Perfect if you’re short on time.

If you’d rather join a small group and save some pennies (like we did) then is an equally excellent choice.

Daughters Of Cambodia Near The Russian Market

There are two main markets in Phnom Penh and if you can spare the time it’s good to see at least one.  A good reason to visit the Russian Market is to also visit the nearby shop of the Daughters of Cambodia. 

This is such a great cause and to help, you simply visit their little boutique and purchase one of their beautiful gifts or have a manicure in their spa. There was a café when we visited but I understand that it has since closed.

Museums And Art

Not everyone wishes to visit S21 or the Killing Fields and if this is the case, we’d recommend a stop at the National Museum in Cambodia instead.  For starters, it’s a beautiful building beside a small park; there is a restaurant in the park if you would like to grab food or drinks.

The museum is home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times to the present.

We also love visiting small galleries on our travels and here are two worthy of a visit :

Our Favourite Restaurants in Phnom Penh

1. Malis has a reputation for fine dining and if you’re looking for somewhere very special then this would be the place.  Their ethos is all about producing authentic Cambodian cuisine to the highest standards.  You will need to book ahead.
2. David’s Noodles is a great stop and we returned a few times; by the 3^rd visit they treated us like locals.  Watching the noodles being made is entertainment but the food is great too.
3. We stumbled upon Elia Greek Kitchen  and if you’re looking for some European food (with a twist) then this is definitely your place.
4. The Sacred Lotus Vegan Café was close to our hotel and a great stop for cold drinks but they also offer vegetarian and vegan food.  We never ate but watched glorious plates being served.
5. Our hotel recommended Khema Pasteur Restaurant; in the end we returned to David’s Noodles but other guest raved about their meal and told us we missed a treat.
6. And another shout our for this amazing food tour.  Such a great way of trying local cuisine (and crickets and bugs! p.s. Gerry did and I did not).

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

There is such a huge variety of accommodation and I probably changed my mind half a dozen times before choosing. We like a comfort stay after a long flight and we opted for Pavilion.  It was a great choice and we’d stay again.  Indeed we often use this hotel as a benchmark and you’ll hear us mutter “it’s no Pavilion” if somewhere doesn’t match up!

But I also know that the nearby Plantation Hotel is equally great; I booked and cancelled twice in my dilemma to choose.  The truth is that both of these hotels are excellent and you won’t go wrong with either.  But I can personally say that we loved Pavilion.

Where To Go At Night In Phnom Penh

If you’ve taken a food tour or the Mekong Cruise you’ll be looking for somewhere to enjoy a night cap.  My choice is often to find a rooftop bar. I just love city views at night but there are a few other choices to consider.

There are two Sky Bars worth a mention :

Is Phnom Penh Safe?

First off, we never felt unsafe in Phnom Penh. It is generally considered safe for tourists but like any big city you need to be aware of potential risks.  

As with any city you need to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and you need to take precautions with your belongings, especially smartphones.  We also recommend you only use GRAB or hotel recommended transport (or a reputable tour company) but apart from this relax and enjoy your stay!

Getting Around Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a big city but a lot of the attractions are in the central area.  If you love walking then that’s great but if you’re short on time there are only three ways that we recommend you take :

When To Visit Phnom Penh

We spent almost a month in Cambodia in January into February.  The weather was great albeit hot and humid.  But Cambodia does have a wet season so if you’re looking to avoid the worst of the rain you’ll want to visit between December and March. We love this website for great weather information.

Start Planning Your One Day In Phnom Penh

We loved our time in Phnom Penh.  It is a busy city and at first glance may not be the obvious tourist destination and certainly not as popular as Siem Reap in the north. It’s grimy in places and has some rough edges but it’s an honest city, it’s real and very Cambodian and certainly has charm.

The Killing Fields and the Royal Palace are iconic but there is so much more to see and do; I mean who knew that you could take a 2 hour gin- tasting course at Raffles (or afternoon tea if you prefer).  We keep looking for an excuse to return, Phnom Penh is a glorious city and offers something for every kind of visitor.

If you’re visiting Cambodia do try and squeeze in a visit; even if you only have 1 day you won’t regret your choice.