Phnom Penh Area Guide

Psar Thmei, Phnom Penh’s biggest market, is easy to spot with its interesting art-deco dome and central location. Shoppers will enjoy strolling around and checking out the goods on offer. The market has everything, from fresh food to gold and cheap electronic gadgets to animals – you name it! There are food stands, restaurants (many are Chinese), cafés and bars around the market.

The city’s most modern department store, Sorya Mall, is also a short walk away. This area is a major landmark of the city, so you can easily find many choices of accommodation around.

Sisowath Quay is a long boulevard that runs along the intersection of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers for about 3 km. The boulevard is lined with boutiques, bars, cafés, restaurants and luxury hotels (including the FCC Phnom Penh Boutique Hotel and The Quay Boutique Hotel).

There are ample dining and drinking options along the way, whether you're up for sampling authentic Khmer, Mexican, French Indian or Italian flavours. In between, you can enjoy a variety of things to see and do, from releasing live birds from cages to getting your fortune told by one of the many fortune tellers lining the esplanade. 

On the western side of the Sisowath Quay is the Royal Palace that is still the residence of Cambodia’s king. For learning about the culture and history of Cambodia, you can head to the National Museum from Sisowath Quay and explore one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer cultural and historical artefacts.

Street 51 in BKK 1 Area is the place to go after dark, especially when you feel lonely and need someone to talk to, or if you're simply looking for late-night entertainment.

Most places along this street open early in the evening and carry on until late or, in some cases, until the sunrise. There are even a few bars that are open 24/7 and never close their doors. Among the most popular clubs and bars on Street 51 to check out are Heart of Darkness and Shanghai Bar and Restaurant.