Phnom Penh: The Cambodian Capital That Deserves More Than a Day

Techo International Airport 

For many travellers, Phnom Penh has traditionally been a short stop between arriving in Cambodia and continuing towards Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

That is changing.

Cambodia's capital is developing into a destination worth exploring in its own right, combining centuries of Khmer history with French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, contemporary restaurants, modern shopping centres and a rapidly changing skyline.

With the new Techo International Airport now serving the capital, Phnom Penh is also becoming easier to reach. The airport commenced operations on 9 September 2025 and is being developed in stages, with an initial capacity of about 13 million passengers a year and planned expansion to 30 million by 2030 and 50 million by 2050.

For visitors, that makes now an interesting time to discover the city.

A City Shaped by Three Rivers

Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh's location at the meeting of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Tonlé Bassac rivers has helped shape the character of the city for centuries.

The riverside remains one of the best places to experience Phnom Penh. Along Sisowath Quay, locals and visitors mingle as cafés and restaurants fill, river boats pass and the city begins to cool after the heat of the day.

The contrast between old and new is everywhere.

Traditional neighbourhoods and small food stalls sit within sight of modern towers and luxury developments, while monks, motorbikes and pedestrians share the streets with increasingly sophisticated commercial developments.

A New Era of Luxury in Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

The transformation of Phnom Penh is particularly visible in its growing collection of international hotels and luxury developments.

Among the newest additions is Shangri-La Phnom Penh, rising prominently above the rapidly developing Koh Pich, or Diamond Island, district. The 54-storey hotel provides a striking example of the changing face of the Cambodian capital, combining international luxury with expansive views across the city and surrounding rivers.

Its arrival reflects Phnom Penh's emergence as a destination for both leisure travellers and business visitors, adding another reason for travellers to consider staying in the city for several nights rather than simply passing through.

From luxury hotels and rooftop restaurants to contemporary shopping and entertainment, the modern side of Phnom Penh is developing alongside its historic landmarks.

Discover Cambodia's Royal Heritage

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh's most recognisable landmarks and provides an impressive introduction to Cambodia's royal heritage.

Its elaborate Khmer architecture, glittering roofs, gardens, Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda make it an essential stop for first-time visitors.

Nearby, the National Museum of Cambodia provides another perspective on the country's past. Its extensive collection of Khmer sculpture, ceramics, bronzes and other cultural objects helps visitors understand the artistic traditions that shaped Cambodia.

Wat Phnom offers a different experience. Built on the city's most prominent natural hill, the temple is closely associated with the origins and identity of Phnom Penh.

Together, these attractions provide a fascinating introduction to the capital's history and culture.

Markets That Reveal Everyday Phnom Penh

Central Market

One of the pleasures of Phnom Penh is simply exploring its markets.

Central Market, known locally as Phsar Thmey, is both an architectural landmark and a working marketplace. Its distinctive Art Deco building, centred around a huge dome, contains stalls selling clothing, jewellery, food, souvenirs and a wide variety of everyday goods.

For a more local shopping experience, Tuol Tompoung Market, better known as the Russian Market, offers textiles, handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and food amid the energetic atmosphere of a traditional Cambodian market.

Modern Phnom Penh offers another side of shopping, with contemporary malls bringing international brands, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants to the city.

The contrast is part of the experience.

Understanding Cambodia's Recent History

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Phnom Penh's history is not entirely comfortable, and visitors should allow time to understand Cambodia's tragic recent past.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located at the former S-21 prison, and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, commonly known as the Killing Fields, document the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge period between 1975 and 1979.

These are confronting places to visit, but they are important parts of understanding modern Cambodia.

They also provide context for the extraordinary resilience of the Cambodian people and the transformation of the country that visitors can see today.

Phnom Penh After Dark

Bassac Lane

As the temperature falls, Phnom Penh takes on a different character.

Restaurants, cafés and bars become busy, while the riverside becomes a popular place to stroll and dine.

Cambodian cuisine should be high on every visitor's list. Fish amok is one of the country's best-known dishes, but the city's dining scene now extends from traditional Khmer cooking to French, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and contemporary international cuisine.

Areas around BKK1, Bassac Lane and Langka Lane have developed into popular food and nightlife districts, while rooftop venues provide spectacular views over the increasingly illuminated city.

A City Worth Staying For

Shangri-La Phnom Penh pool

Phnom Penh is changing rapidly, but it has not lost the mixture of history, culture and everyday Cambodian life that makes it distinctive.

New hotels, including Shangri-La Phnom Penh, and high-rise developments are reshaping the skyline. Modern infrastructure is improving accessibility, while restaurants, cafés, galleries and shopping destinations are adding new energy.

Yet around every corner there can still be an old market, a small temple, a colonial building or a neighbourhood food stall.

That mixture is Phnom Penh's attraction.

Rather than treating the Cambodian capital as somewhere to spend a night before moving on, travellers should allow several days to explore it properly.

Phnom Penh is a city that reveals itself gradually — and the longer you stay, the more there is to discover.

A New Era of Confidence in Phnom Penh

Shangri-La Phnom Penh reflects a city that is becoming increasingly confident about its future.

From the 54th floor of Shangri-La, that transformation is impossible to miss.

The hotel provides more than a luxurious place to stay. It offers a high-rise perspective on a capital balancing its Khmer heritage with a rapidly modernising future.

Toum Tiou 2

And from that viewpoint, Phnom Penh looks like a city worth staying to discover. Phnom Penh is no longer simply somewhere to pass through.

It is somewhere to stay, and you will always be warmly welcomed by veteran Shangri-La General Manager, the affable Ody Odayappan and his professional and knowledgeable staff.

The Shangri-La Phnom Penh is the ideal base to stay before or after going on the the New Discovery Tour on the Mekong aboard the 14-cabin Toum Tiou 2. Discounts are available for 2026/27 cruises on the website www.cfmekong.com

Shangri-La Phnom Penh

Address: Village No 14, Sam Dach Hun Sen Road, Tonle Bassac Commune, Chamkarmorn District, Phnom Penh 120101 Cambodia
Phone: (855) 23 913 888
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/phnompenh/shangrila/
E-mail: phnompenh@shangri-la.com

CF Mekong

Address: 313 Preah Sisowath Quay Office 20 Phnom Penh 12207 Cambodia

Phone: +855 (0)23 216 070
Website: https://cfmekong.com/

Email: office@cfmekong.com

*Written by John Savage and Grahame Cox

For more travel inspiration read the daily online “The Holiday and Travel Magazine”
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/