Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, in Southeast Asia, and the country's political, economic and cultural centre. The city sits where three rivers meet, and its waterfront and surrounding streets give a clear sense of how the capital is laid out and how daily life moves through it. Its name is also written in Khmer as ភ្នំពេញ.
What draws visitors
The city is known above all for the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which are among the places most visitors plan their time around. Together they show the formal and religious side of Cambodian royal life, and they make a natural starting point for a first day in the capital.
Making the most of a visit
- Spend time near the riverside, where the meeting of the three rivers shapes the view and the pace of the area.
- Plan the palace complex as a morning or half-day visit, since it combines several buildings and grounds.
- Use the rest of your time to explore the city's streets, markets and cafés between sights.
Because Phnom Penh is the seat of government and the centre of business and culture, it offers a fuller picture of modern Cambodia than many places in the country. Visitors who want to see both its historic landmarks and its everyday city life will find it a worthwhile base.
