Things to Do in Phnompenh

About Phnompenh

Where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers converge, Cambodia's capital pulses with an energy that defies easy categorization—a city rebuilding itself while honoring its complex past. Phnom Penh moves to its own rhythm, where French colonial boulevards meet Buddhist temple spires, and street-side markets hum alongside contemporary art galleries. This is a place of transformation, where every corner reveals the resilient spirit of a metropolis writing its next chapter in real time.

Travel Tips

• 50 instead of $4-6 in tourist-facing stalls.

When to Visit

# When to Visit Phnom Penh: Comprehensive Timing Guide

Phnom Penh's optimal visiting period falls during the dry season from November through March, when temperatures range from 25-30°C and humidity drops significantly, making temple exploration and city walking far more comfortable; December and January are peak tourist months with hotel prices rising 30-50% and major attractions like the Royal Palace experiencing substantial crowds, though this period coincides with festive events like the Bon Om Touk Water Festival (typically November, dates vary with the lunar calendar) and Khmer New Year preparations. The shoulder months of November and March offer an excellent compromise with temperatures of 26-32°C, fewer tourists, and moderate pricing, though March begins transitioning into the hot season when temperatures soar to 35-40°C from April through May—this scorching period sees hotel discounts of up to 40% and minimal crowds, but the heat can be oppressive for outdoor activities, coinciding with Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) around April 13-15 when much of the city shuts down and locals leave for provincial areas. The wet season from June through October brings daily temperatures of 27-33°C with afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours (averaging 200mm monthly rainfall in September and October), significantly reduced tourist numbers and the lowest hotel rates of the year, though flooding can occasionally disrupt transportation and some rural day trips; however, mornings typically remain clear for sightseeing, and the Pchum Ben Festival (Ancestors' Day, usually late September) offers authentic cultural experiences when the city empties as Cambodians return to ancestral villages, making this an intriguing time for budget travelers who don't mind sporadic rain and can appreciate the city's quieter, more local atmosphere.