When thinking of Cambodia, many travelers immediately picture the iconic Angkor Wat complex. However, Phnom Penh, the country’s capital, is also a destination not to be missed, boasting unique architectural landmarks, a rich cultural heritage, and a diverse culinary scene. This city perfectly blends history and modernity, where you can find magnificent palaces and sacred temples alongside bustling streets and charming European-style cafés.
If you're looking for a trip that’s both close and exciting, book your flight to Phnom Penh now and embark on an unforgettable journey!
Phnom Penh is only about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, making air travel the fastest and most convenient option. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh takes just 55 minutes, allowing you to maximize your travel time.
Several airlines operate direct flights on this route, including Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines, and some budget carriers. Thanks to the short distance, ticket prices are very affordable, making it a great choice for a short yet fulfilling getaway.
👉 With such a short distance, flights to Phnom Penh are extremely budget-friendly! You can easily book your tickets at Flycorp.vn for the best deals!
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is located about 10 km from the city center, and there are multiple transportation options available:
Taxi: The fastest and most convenient choice, costing around $10 – $15 for a ride to the city center.
Tuk-tuk: A traditional Cambodian transport experience, costing approximately $6 – $8, ideal for those who want to explore the city in a local way.
Ride-hailing apps: Services like Grab and PassApp are widely available in Phnom Penh, offering easy booking with transparent and reasonable pricing.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll reach the heart of Phnom Penh in no time to begin your journey in this captivating capital! 🚀
Phnom Penh is not only the administrative and economic center of Cambodia but also a city that preserves significant cultural and historical values. From magnificent palaces to bustling markets, every corner of this city offers unique experiences. Below are some must-visit places when traveling to Phnom Penh!
One of the most iconic landmarks of Phnom Penh is the Royal Palace of Cambodia. This is the residence and working place of the King of Cambodia, as well as a stunning architectural masterpiece built in the traditional Khmer style. With its characteristic pointed roofs, striking golden hues, and intricate carvings, the palace exudes grandeur and elegance.
Within the palace complex, the Silver Pagoda is a particularly popular attraction. It is named after its floor, which is paved with over 5,000 pure silver tiles, creating a truly unique space. In addition, this pagoda houses a jade Buddha statue and numerous valuable treasures, reflecting Cambodia’s prosperity and deep-rooted religious traditions.
If Bangkok has Wat Arun, Phnom Penh boasts Wat Phnom – a sacred temple perched on the city's highest hill. This site is not only an architectural gem but also a spiritual hub where locals come to pray for luck, health, and prosperity.
Standing 27 meters high, Wat Phnom features an atmosphere of serenity, intricate relief carvings, and lush greenery. Legend has it that the temple was built in the 14th century by a woman named Penh, who discovered four Buddha statues inside a tree trunk floating on the Mekong River. This very legend gave rise to the name Phnom Penh, meaning "Hill of Penh."
Beyond its historical landmarks and architectural marvels, Phnom Penh is home to vibrant markets offering a vast array of goods.
Central Market (Phsar Thmey) is one of the city’s largest and most prominent markets. Its distinctive Art Deco building, featuring a grand yellow dome, houses countless stalls selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and fresh seafood. This is the perfect place for travelers to experience the bustling daily life of Phnom Penh locals.
For those who appreciate handcrafted items, Russian Market (Phsar Tuol Tom Poung) is an unmissable destination. Here, visitors can find Cambodian silk, silverware, Buddhist statues, hand-painted artwork, and many unique souvenirs. Additionally, the market is famous for its street food stalls, where you can sample authentic Cambodian dishes at very reasonable prices.
Beyond its architectural marvels and historical landmarks, Phnom Penh is also a culinary paradise, offering a variety of traditional Cambodian dishes bursting with rich flavors. If you’re a food lover, make sure to try these iconic dishes when you visit this charming capital!
If there’s one dish that represents Cambodian cuisine, it’s Amok Fish. This steamed fish dish is cooked with coconut milk, blended with Khmer curry, lemongrass, turmeric, and noni leaves, creating a creamy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful experience. The fish is cut into small pieces, marinated with spices, then wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed to perfection.
When you take a bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of the fish’s natural sweetness, the richness of coconut milk, and a mild spicy kick from the seasonings. Amok Fish is typically served with steamed rice, making it a well-balanced and nourishing meal. This is a must-try dish in Phnom Penh that truly reflects the essence of Cambodian gastronomy.
For an authentic Cambodian breakfast, Bai Sach Chrouk is the perfect choice. This dish consists of fluffy white rice paired with grilled pork marinated in honey, creating a delightful balance of tender sweetness and a charred, smoky aroma.
Bai Sach Chrouk is typically served with cucumber slices, a fried egg, and sweet-sour fish sauce, offering a harmonious blend of flavors. You can easily find this dish at street food stalls or local markets early in the morning. A steaming plate of grilled pork rice is undoubtedly a fantastic way to start your day in Phnom Penh.
Dubbed the "Cambodian noodle soup", Nom Banh Chok is a staple dish in Phnom Penh’s culinary scene. It features soft rice noodles in a light yet flavorful fish-based broth, infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and traditional spices.
What makes Nom Banh Chok unique is its fresh herb accompaniments, including bean sprouts, banana flowers, basil, and other aromatic greens, which enhance the dish’s freshness and create a perfectly balanced taste. In Phnom Penh, you’ll often see street vendors selling Nom Banh Chok along bustling roads, especially in the mornings and at lunchtime.
Phnom Penh is not only renowned for its historical landmarks but also stands out as a vibrant travel destination with its rich culture and diverse cuisine. To ensure a smooth trip, here are some key travel tips regarding the best time to visit, currency usage, and transportation within the city.
Phnom Penh has two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.
Dry Season (November – April): This is the best time to visit as the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). Sightseeing and outdoor activities are much easier without worrying about rain.
Rainy Season (May – October): During this time, heavy rain showers, particularly in the afternoon and evening, may disrupt travel plans. Some streets might be flooded, making it harder to get around. However, this is the low tourist season, meaning you can enjoy cheaper hotels and services.
👉 Tip: If you want to make the most of your trip without worrying about the weather, plan your visit to Phnom Penh during the dry season!
One interesting fact about Phnom Penh is that both Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for daily transactions.
USD is the primary currency used in restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls.
Riel is commonly used for small purchases, such as tuk-tuk rides, street food, or receiving change when paying in USD.
📌 Important Notes:
✔️ It's best to exchange a small amount of Riel for convenience when shopping at local markets or paying for tuk-tuks.
✔️ Cash is still king in Phnom Penh, but major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.
✔️ ATMs are widely available, but international card withdrawal fees can be high.
Khmer is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Tuk-tuk drivers may understand basic English, but for longer trips, using Google Translate can be helpful for communication.
Phnom Penh is not just a historical capital, but also a vibrant destination filled with rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and dynamic city life. If you’re looking for a short yet memorable getaway, Phnom Penh is the perfect choice.
🛫 Book your flight to Phnom Penh now and kickstart your adventure! Flycorp.vn is here to help you secure the best flight deals for a seamless travel experience!