Phnom Penh

Asia

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Cambodia

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Phnom Penh

Situated at the crossroads of three great rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac, Phnom Penh is the heart of a country steeped in tradition, overflowing with rice paddies, jungles, and still untouched rural communities. Once a hub during the reign of Khmer Empire and French colonial era, after a period of political turmoil in the 1970s, Phnom Penh turned into a sleepy backwater. Today, Phnom Penh is buzzing with commercial activities as the country develops after years of isolation, marked by monumental landmarks that dot the surreally beautiful environment. In Phnom Penh, French colonial mansions stand alongside newly emerging designs and communities live side by side in harmony, making the city a fascinating site to explore.

Get to Know Phnom Penh

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Phnom Penh

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Phnom Penh

A guide to Phnom Penh's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Remok

Motorbike Rental

The bus in Phnom Penh offers extensive coverage of the city's major points, despite occasional traffic congestion. While not as fast or private as tuk tuks or taxis, buses provide a comfortable and safe mode of transportation. One of their biggest draws is the remarkably low fare, at just 1,500 Riel (0.36 USD) for adult passengers, with free rides for the elderly and children. Payment is usually made in cash directly to the drivers in exchange for a ticket.

Practical Tips for Phnom Penh

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Are there any cultural habits I should adopt?

Remove your shoes and hats when entering a building, especially houses and temples. Dress appropriately by covering your legs. Try to keep your feet to yourself when sitting since it is rude. When handing things to others, try to use the right hand.

What phrases should I learn?

Chom-reap-sour (hello), ar-khun (thank you), ba/cha (yes for men and women respectively), atteh (no), tek (water), moto (motorbike) are some of the phrases you might memorize to help communicate.

What should and shouldn’t tourists do?

You should never carry your belongings far away from your body, especially when on remoks (tuk tuks) or motorbikes. Bag snatching is unfortunately quite common. Other things you should not do include giving the real copy of your passports to shops and wearing shoes to temples and homes.

How to report lost items?

Generally, it would be very difficult to find lost items outside of airports. If you lose luggage or other valuables at airports, contact Lost and Found Service via e-mail at pnhllxh@cambodia-airports.aero or +855 (0)92 666 036.

What is the phone number for the Embassy of Indonesia in Cambodia?

For normal inquiries, call +855 23 217 934 or +855 23 216 148. A 24-hour hotline for emergency calls is available at +855 12 813 282.