Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and largest city, is a bustling cosmopolitan city set along the banks of the Tonle Sap River. It was established in 1434, long before present-day Cambodia, then as the capital of the Khmer Empire and the largest city in Southeast Asia at the time. In 1694 and 1767, it was retaken by the Siamese—a brief period of French rule. It was named after Mount Cambodia, which French colonists renamed at the suggestion of a Vietnamese emissary.
HOW TO GET TO PHNOM PENH
From Bangkok to Phnom Penh
Traveling is a fun activity that lets you experience new places and meet new people. How to get from Bangkok to Phnom Penh is an easy question. There are three options to get from Bangkok to Phnom Penh: Flights, Buses, and Taxis.
From Bangkok to Phnom Penh by airplane 
When traveling, it is crucial to plan well and make sure you book the most convenient flight to reach your destination. Budget airlines have made it simpler for travelers to reach new goals; many are now available at low cost.
There are plenty of choices if you plan to fly from Bangkok to Phnom Penh – 15 flight lines daily. The first flight is at 6:55. Last flight is at 17:20. Flight time is 1 hour and 10-15minutes. The price starts from $45.
From Bangkok to Phnom Penh by bus 
Buses are a convenient option for you if you travel on a shoestring budget and don’t want to compromise on comfort. The departure time of buses is 2:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 9:00. Travel time is from 11 hours and 30 minutes to 13 hours. The price is $46. Here is the resource for ticket searching.
Choose a sleeper couch for the most convenient overnight trip. Sleeper buses usually have sleepers or padded reclining seats and an onboard toilet, and your ticket may also include other perks such as snacks or lunch. Taking a night bus is also good if you want to save on your hotel room. During the day, express service is often the best value for money as it makes fewer stops than an ordinary or standard class bus and travels faster.
Bangkok to Phnom Penh Schedule
| Transport Name | Route Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Mart Van + Van | 08:30 - 22:30 | $48 |
| Virak Buntham Express VIP | 02:00 - 14:00 | $37 |
| Thai Smile Economy | 07:35 - 08:50 | $127 |
| Virak Buntham Express Coaster | 09:00 - 20:30 | $37 |
| Cambodia Airways Economy | 10:10 - 11:20 | $108 |
| Sky Angkor Airlines Economy | 13:50 - 15:00 | $97 |
| Thai AirAsia Economy | 15:15 - 16:30 | $127 |
| Thai Vietjet Economy | 19:00 - 20:10 | $114 |
| Lanmei Airlines Economy | 20:55 - 22:05 | $79 |
From Bangkok to Phnom Penh by taxi 
When you are going to cross Thailand/Cambodia border, note that Thailand/Cambodia border crossing is open from 6:00 to 19:00, not 24 hours a day. Please plan your trip accordingly.
The operator reserves its right to cancel the service at departure or charge additional fees in case the booking is amended by the passenger without any notification in advance. Travel time is from 13 hours and 30 minutes. The price starts from $250. You can buy a transfer here.
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Traveling to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap can be a fun and exciting experience. Here you have four options from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: Buses, Vans, Taxis, and Flights. Make sure you compare them before deciding what you need to do!
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Bus
Many bus lines go from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. The first Bus departs at 0:05. The last Bus – is at 23:00. Travel time is about 6 hours. The price is $11-14. Buses depart from the Virak Buntham office, Siem Reap Larryta Express office, Siem Reap Bus Station, and Siem Reap Giant Ibis Main Terminal. Virak Buntham has Sleeping buses. They depart at 00:05 and 01:30. Use them to make your trip comfortable and rest well.
Arrival time sometimes can be delayed 1 – 2 hours due to traffic jams, which makes Transit time up to a few hours, so please don’t book another trip too close to the arrival time. One passenger is allowed to bring 35kg + hand-carry luggage. You will have to pay for excess baggage. Please be at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure time for the check-in procedure.
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh Schedule
| Transport Name | Route Time | Price |
| Glassflower Van 9pax | Any time | $201 |
| Virak Buntham Express Coaster | 07:30 - 13:00 | $14 |
| Giant Ibis Transport Universe Luxury | 08:45 - 14:05 | $13 |
| Virak Buntham Express VIP | 10:45 - 16:00 | $15 |
| Seila Angkor Express VIP 15 pax | 12:30 - 18:30 | $14 |
| Seila Angkor Express VIP 15 pax | 14:30 - 20:30 | $14 |
| Virak Buntham Express Van | 17:00 - 22:30 | $14 |
| Larryta Express Van 15pax | 19:30 - 01:30 | $14 |
| Virak Buntham Express Hotel Bus | 20:00 - 01:00 | $13 |
| Giant Ibis Transport Kia Grandbird | 23:30 - 04:50 | $13 |
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by Van 
“Angkor Ebooking” operates a van service and offers tickets with easy online booking. Check them if you are looking for options to travel by van. While some travelers feel skeptical about vans, a good choice of destinations and competitive prices make vans one of the most popular means of transport for others. Vans are always more flexible than big buses. If there is a sudden request for rides to some new destinations, van operators are always the first to offer their service.
The first van departs at 7:30. The last Van – is at 17:30. Travel time is about 6 hours. But the latest mini-bus, which starts at 17:30, has a travel time of 18 hours. The price is $15.
As a rule, it is impossible to choose a ticket class when traveling by van. Yet you can check with the operator and select the type of van which serves your route. Some vans seat only 9-10 passengers, while others accommodate up to 15 travelers. The former case means you may have more legroom, wider seats, and a more comfortable ride, the latter – be ready for limited space for your legs, elbows, and your luggage.
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by taxi
Please note that this private transfer allows free pick up and drop off between any point selected. Travel time is 5-6 hours. Taxi prices are usually $88 or more, depending on your destination and how far it is from Siem Reap. We recommend contacting the taxi operator via Whatsapp/Telegram as sometimes the phone signal is not working well. You can book a taxi just now.
From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by air
Flights are also affordable! The first flight is at 11:50. Last flight is at 20:50. Flight time is from 50 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes. The price is $111-207. To complete the check-in procedures, you must come to the airport 2 hours before. Purchase tickets in advance.
If you travel with luggage, add the baggage option to your ticket. The maximum baggage weight allowance is 20 kg for adults and children / 10 kg for infants. In economy class, one can carry 1 item of hand luggage. The dimensions of your hand luggage should not exceed 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, and the weight – 7 kg.
From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh
There are three options for traveling to Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville: Buses, Taxis, and Flights.
From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by bus
Buses are the most affordable means of transport with convenient timetables to help you plan your trip – a perfect option for traveling between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. It is the best way because you can find 33 bus lines from that area. Don’t worry about your money; bus tickets are very cheap. The price of tickets is $9-14. It takes five or six hours for the trip. You can choose a sleeper couch for the most convenient overnight trip. Sleeper buses are equipped with berths or soft reclining seats and may include an onboard toilet.
Buses ride with Sihanoukville Larryta Express, Vibol Express, Virak Buntham Express, Sovan Rithy Express, Vibol Express, Giant Ibis Transport, and Olongpich Transport companies.
You can choose the date and time of your journey in advance and book tickets far ahead, which usually saves you money as ticket prices are lower when purchased early.
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh Schedule
| Transport Name | Route Time | Price |
| SIMA CAR SUV 4pax | Any time | $75 |
| Sovan Rithy Express VIP | 07:45 - 13:45 | $13 |
| Sovan Rithy Express VIP | 09:00 - 15:00 | $13 |
| Larryta Express Van 15pax | 10:30 - 16:30 | $14 |
| Larryta Express Van 15pax | 12:00 - 18:00 | $14 |
| Virak Buntham Express Van | 15:30 - 20:30 | $12 |
| Virak Buntham Express VIP | 17:00 - 23:00 | $12 |
| Olongpich Transport Hotel Bus | 18:30 - 23:30 | $12 |
| Virak Buntham Express Hotel Bus | 21:00 - 02:00 | $12 |
From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by taxi
A taxi trip is the most convenient and enjoyable to get to your destination without depending on a fixed schedule and route. Taxi offers private customized door-to-door service. It is suitable if you have special requirements, e.g., a car seat, a car of a specific class, or need to call several places en route. It is always a good idea to book your trip several days before to secure your trip.
Private transportation operators Glass flower and SIMA Travel offer transfers from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh. These companies have a lot of individual transportation routes in Cambodia. All are available with secure online booking at 12 Go. This transfer by comfortable taxi takes 5 hours – 5 hours 40 minutes. The prices can be from $66 or more. The driver can take a photo of you as evidence that he served you.
From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by air
The fastest but not always the most expensive way to travel is to take a flight. When you book a ticket, it is crucial to double-check the airport your flight leaves and lands at, as many destinations are served by more than one air haven, which can be located a long way from one another. So, if you make a mistake and arrive at the wrong airport, you will have a high chance of missing your flight. To avoid this, study the schedule thoroughly.
You can reach Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville by flying by Cambodia Angkor Air. The price is $220. It takes two hours and 40 minutes or 6 hours and 50 minutes. Before booking your ticket, ensure from which terminal each particular flight is operated.
From Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
Traveling through Asia is fascinating and such an adventure. There are two opportunities to get to Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh – Bus and Flight.
From Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh by bus
Traveling by bus is cheaper, even if it takes longer than flying. You can save money and travel comfortably by purchasing a bus ticket. Bus operators offer bus service with an online reservation available.
There are six bus lines from Ho Chi Minh if you need to get to Phnom Penh. The service is very reliable. The first bus leaves at 7:30 am. The last bus leaves at 13:30. Travel between the cities takes about 6 – 7 hours and 30 minutes. The price starts at $30.
Traveling by bus is easy – there is no need to arrive at the bus terminal much in advance, and check-in is usually a very fast formality, opposite to air travel.
From Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh by air
If you need to get from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, you can plan your trip by finding cheap flights that are right for you. Flying is always the fastest way to get to your destination but remember to calculate the time you will need to get to the airport and go through customs or security checking formalities. Air travel saves you the precious time of your vacation. You can buy tickets with just a few clicks on your computer screen.
Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines are the two airlines that provide service to Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh. There are 4 flight lines daily. The first flight is at noon and the last at 18:40. The traveling time for these trains is about 50 minutes – 1 hour. The price is $125-$282.
You must come to the airport three hours before your flight to complete the check-in procedures. You must have a valid ID or passport. The hand Baggage weight must not exceed 10 kg (56 cm × 36 cm × 23 cm). 23 kg baggage is free, dimensions sum must not exceed 158cm.
THINGS TO DO IN PHNOM PENH
Ancient city
Phnom Penh is a bustling city, the nation’s economic, industrial, and cultural center. The capital has grown significantly and has a mix of new and old buildings and temples.
There are not so many exciting places in the city – you can get around all the sights of Phnom Penh in one day because it is very compact. Perhaps the prominent landmark is the Sisowath embankment – a well-groomed, park-like boulevard with various cafes.
In addition, you can visit some more exciting places in Phnom Penh. Firstly, the Royal Palace and the nearby Silver Pagoda are located a stone’s throw from the National Museum and the main temple of Wat Ounalom. Separately, the beautiful Wat Phnom pagoda with a quiet garden is worth mentioning.
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is an attraction from which you can start exploring the city. It is located at the heart of Phnom Penh, and its compound surrounds an ancient citadel. The oldest part of the complex was built in 1866 by King Norodom I and had a long history. Before that, there was an old citadel built in 1376 by King Jayavarman VII. Since then, Cambodia’s kings have been permanently residing here with their predecessors, who have ruled several times over different periods until now. The Royal Palace complex includes quarters for several generations of kings and queens and their extended family members, as well as ministers and high-ranked officials – some are still alive today.
The Silver Pagoda is the highlight of our Phnom Penh and Cambodia excursion program. It is in the inner Royal Palace, a 20-minute ride from the city center. The floor here is paved with solid silver ingots, valuable gifts to the kings of Cambodia from their Eastern and European colleagues, who are displayed along the walls. In the center of the palace stands an “emerald” Buddha statue cast from a baccarat crystal, opposite which sits many other Buddhas, including a 90-kilogram gold one decorated with more than two thousand diamonds. In total, 1,650 valuable artifacts are exhibited on the walls of this pagoda; its walls are also painted with frescoes talking about the epic Ramayana.
The National Museum of Cambodia is the largest in the country. It was built in 1979 to preserve the Khmer culture and history. It is a national treasure and one of the most critical sites in Cambodia. It houses over 14,000 items and covers about 3000 years of Khmer art. The entrance to the museum is located at 13 street and 178. Within the west area of Veal Preah Khan Square is the Royal Institute of Fine Arts, as well as other historical buildings.
The Main Temple of Wat Ounalom is a Buddhist temple of significant historical importance. Built as the seat of Cambodia’s Mohanikay order, it’s considered the most critical Cambodian Buddhist site and has been used for religious duties since 1443. After years of neglect and damage during the Khmer Rouge era, it has since been primarily repaired. The main complex houses a large stupa that contains what is believed to be an eyebrow hair of Buddha and a Pali inscription in Sanskrit.
Wat Phnom, named after the mythical founder of their kingdom, is one of Cambodia’s most significant historical monuments, a Buddhist temple, and a national icon. The pagoda’s history has been portrayed in many ways over the centuries; however, it was first mentioned as a site for worship at the time of Angkor.
Some seek to dilute the impressions of Asian architecture and visit the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum dedicated to the terrible years of torture and starvation under the rule of the Khmer Rouge – but these impressions are not for everyone.
Entertainment in Phnom Penh
If you’re looking for a great city break, Phnom Penh is the place to go. It’s a cheap and fun getaway with fantastic activities to keep you entertained!
Entertainment options in Phnom Penh are plentiful. There are markets where you can buy clothes and antiques, as well as a large market that sells fruit and spices. There are also many bars where you can sit back and enjoy a cold drink while watching people trade in Asian markets from your bar window.
Phnom Penh is an excellent city for shopping. Many markets are full of all kinds of things, from food to clothes to toys. The best place for shopping is the primary Phsar Thmei market, where you can buy everything from sweet fruits to fakes of wristwatches and unusual treats like stuffed frogs and fried beetles.
There is not much choice for children in the city – there is a reasonably large Playground in the city center and a good location outside the city.