A Perfect Weekend in Phnom Penh: The First-Timer's Guide
July 2024
Two days in Phnom Penh can feel like a week anywhere else — the city rewards the curious at every turn. Whether you are arriving for the first time or considering a longer stay, here is how to make the most of a weekend in Cambodia's capital.
Day One: History, Heritage, and the Riverside
Start at the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex — arrive before 9am to beat the heat and the crowds. The scale and craftsmanship are genuinely impressive, and the gardens offer a rare moment of calm in a busy city. From there, walk north along the Sisowath Quay riverside promenade. The Tonle Sap and Mekong confluence is one of Southeast Asia's most atmospheric urban waterfronts — particularly in the early morning light.
The National Museum is a ten-minute walk from the palace — its collection of Khmer sculpture is one of the finest in the world and takes no more than 90 minutes to move through thoughtfully. Lunch at one of the riverfront restaurants on Sisowath Quay, then head to the Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) for an afternoon of local shopping, street food, and atmosphere.
Day Two: BKK1, Cafés, and the Real Phnom Penh
Spend your second morning in BKK1 — the neighbourhood that most expatriates call home, and the heart of Phnom Penh's expat scene. The tree-lined streets between Streets 278 and 360 are walkable and full of independent cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. Stop at one of the specialty coffee shops for breakfast, then explore at your own pace.
In the afternoon, make time for Diamond Island (Koh Pich) — the masterplanned development south of the city centre that shows where Phnom Penh is heading. The riverside promenade here offers a very different view of the city: modern, clean, and clearly confident about the future. It also happens to be the location of the Canadian International School, one of the city's finest.
End the weekend with dinner at one of Phnom Penh's rooftop restaurants — the views over the city at dusk are consistently spectacular, and the food scene has reached a standard that surprises almost every first-time visitor.
If this weekend leaves you thinking about staying longer — you would not be the first. Our guide to living in Phnom Penh is a good next step.
