Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the energetic capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, sits at the 'Chaktomuk', the four faces of the river where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac systems converge. Established as the capital in 1434 following the decline of Angkor, the city takes its name from Wat Phnom, a hill-top temple founded by a legendary woman named Lady Penh. During the French Protectorate, it was transformed into a sophisticated city of canals and parks, earning the nickname 'the Pearl of Asia' for its beauty and French-influenced urban design. The city suffered a profound collapse in 1975 when the Khmer Rouge seized power and emptied the entire population into the countryside, but since the late 1990s, it has undergone an extraordinary revival. Today, Phnom Penh is a city of sharp contrasts, where traditional orange-tiled pagodas and colonial shophouses stand in the shadows of modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The Royal Palace complex, with its memorable Silver Pagoda, serves as a focal point of Khmer identity and monarchy. Economically, the city is the powerhouse of Cambodia, driving the national GDP through garment exports, real estate development, and a burgeoning services sector. Cultural institutions like the National Museum of Cambodia safeguard the world's most significant collection of Khmer art, while the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum serves as a somber reminder of the country's mid-century turmoil. The Sisowath Quay riverfront is the city's social spine, attracting crowds for exercise, commerce, and recreation at sunset. Phnom Penh is also a culinary destination, offering everything from street-side num banh chok to high-end French cuisine. As Cambodia's gateway to the world, the city continues to expand rapidly, balancing its role as a repository of ancient Khmer traditions with the demands of a fast-growing, globalized Asian capital.

Nearby cities

Ta Khmau

The capital of Kandal province is located just south of Phnom Penh and is heavily integrated into the capital's metropolitan region.

Takeo

Takeo is considered the cradle of Cambodian civilization, featuring ancient archaeological sites and a strong silk-weaving tradition.

Châu Đốc

A city on the border with Cambodia, famous for the sacred Sam Mountain and a diverse culture.

Kampong Thom

Kampong Thom is a relaxed provincial town on the Stueng Saen river and the jumping-off point for the fascinating ancient temple complex o…

Kampong Chhnang

Known as the 'Port of Pottery', this town on the Tonle Sap lake is famous for manufacturing traditional Cambodian clay pots.

Prey Veng

Located in the agricultural heartland of Cambodia, this quiet town plays a key role in the country's rice production.

Kampong Speu

Located west of the capital, this provincial city is famous for its production of palm sugar, a traditional Cambodian sweetener.

Rach Gia

Rach Gia is a charming coastal city on the Gulf of Thailand, known as the primary ferry hub for Phu Quoc Island and for its modern urban …

Hà Tiên

A scenic coastal and border town near Cambodia, known for its limestone caves and beaches.

Kampong Cham

This peaceful city is located on the banks of the Mekong River and still exudes the charm of the French colonial era in a rural setting.

Preah Vihear

This remote northern town serves as the main staging point for visitors to the spectacular cliff-top temple of Prasat Preah Vihear.

Suong

As the capital of the relatively newly created Tboung Khmum province, Suong is growing rapidly and serves as a vital trading hub for agri…

Koh Tonsay

Better known as 'Rabbit Island', this is a small, tranquil island located just off the coast of Kep.

Kep

Once Cambodia's most glamorous seaside resort for the elite, Kep is now famous for its relaxed atmosphere and legendary crab market.

History & landmarks

National Museum of Cambodia

The largest museum of cultural history in Cambodia, known for its impressive collection of Khmer art and sculpture.

Wat Botum

One of the most important and elaborately decorated temples in Phnom Penh, whose name means Temple of the Lotus Blossoms.

Wat Ounalom

The center of Cambodian Buddhism, reputed to preserve an eyebrow hair of Buddha in its main stupa.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)

A distinctive yellow art deco building from the colonial era, serving today as a bustling market for jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

Oudong

Oudong was the royal capital of Cambodia from 1618 to 1866.

More places

Independence Monument

The Independence Monument is a lotus-shaped landmark in central Phnom Penh.

Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

A massive concrete monument in Hun Sen Park, erected in the late 1970s to commemorate the alliance between the two nations.

Royal Palace of Cambodia

The royal residence complex featuring classic Khmer roofs and ornate decorations, including the famous Silver Pagoda.

Wat Phnom

A Buddhist temple located on the city's only hill, from which the capital Phnom Penh takes its name.

Phnom Penh Autonomous Port

A major inland port on the Mekong River, connecting the capital to international trade routes.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A former Khmer Rouge prison that now serves as a memorial and museum remembering the victims of the genocide.

Silk Island (Koh Dach)

A peaceful island in the Mekong River near Phnom Penh, widely known for its traditional silk weaving and agriculture.

Choeung Ek

The best-known of the "Killing Fields", where a monument made of thousands of human skulls remembers the victims.