One Day in Phnom Penh: What to Do, See & Know

Phnom Penh is the kind of city that doesn’t beg for your attention — but quietly earns it. It’s a little chaotic, a little rough around the edges, but full of contrasts that make it hard to forget. Crumbling colonial facades stand next to busy minimarkets, tuk-tuks weave between monks in orange robes, and the riverfront buzzes with life no matter the weather.

We had just one full day in Cambodia’s capital — enough to dive into its heavy history, wander through temples, walk along the Mekong, and catch the city from a different angle on a boat ride before sunset. It was a day of unexpected calm, a few surprises, and plenty of small moments that stuck with us.

Here’s exactly how we spent 24 hours in Phnom Penh — including what we saw, where we stayed, what it all cost, and a few things we’d recommend (or skip) if you’re planning the same.

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh: Our Experience at The Skye Phnom Penh Hotel & Apartments

The Skye Phnom Penh was our first accommodation in Cambodia, and it set the bar surprisingly high. For around $30 a night with breakfast, it offered exactly what we needed after crossing the border: a clean, modern room, soft beds, decent Wi-Fi, and a rooftop pool with views over the city.

The hotel sits just a bit outside the main tourist zone, but that turned out to be a plus. Grab rides were cheap and quick, and the area felt more local, less polished — in a good way. We didn’t spend much time in the room itself, but returning to a quiet space and jumping into the pool (even under cloudy skies) was a welcome reset.

There was also a great waiter at the rooftop bar, always smiling and happy to chat. During happy hour, we tried their margaritas for $3.90 (which felt like a good deal until we learned the local prices later) and draft beer for $1.30. Not the cheapest in town, but the view made up for it.

If you’re spending a night or two in Phnom Penh, this place is a solid choice — stylish without trying too hard, and budget-friendly without cutting corners.

Start Your Day in Phnom Penh with Breakfast and a Visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Our day started with a buffet breakfast at the hotel — plenty of options, both local and international, and more than enough to fuel us for the morning ahead. While we ate, rain started tapping against the windows — and by the time we stepped outside, it was pouring.

We grabbed a tuk-tuk to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, hoping the weather might ease up on the way. It didn’t. But somehow, the grey skies and rain matched the weight of where we were headed.

Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21 Prison, was once a school — until the Khmer Rouge regime turned it into a site of mass imprisonment, torture, and execution. Today, it’s one of the most important places to visit in Cambodia if you want to begin understanding the country’s recent past.

We spent around 2.5 hours inside, walking through quiet, stripped-down rooms, listening to the audio guide (which we highly recommend — entry is $10 with audio, $5 without). The narration adds critical context, testimonies, and background that you won’t get just from signs on the wall.

It rained almost the entire time we were there, which meant fewer people and more space to absorb the atmosphere without distraction. By the time we stepped back out onto the street, the rain had stopped — but the heaviness of the visit stayed with us.

This isn’t a place you “enjoy” — but it is a place you should go, especially if you’re visiting Cambodia for the first time. It gives meaning to so much of what you see and feel elsewhere in the country.

Wat Phnom and Other Top Landmarks to Visit in Phnom Penh in One Day

After leaving the Genocide Museum, we both felt the need to shift the mood — to clear our heads and breathe in a different kind of Phnom Penh. The visit had been important, but undeniably heavy.

It was still raining, so we flagged down a tuk-tuk and headed for Wat Phnom, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The temple itself sits on a small, grassy hill — right in the middle of a roundabout — and while it’s not the most breathtaking pagoda in Cambodia, it holds cultural and historical weight for Phnom Penh.

Entrance is $1 (or 4,000 riel), and even with grey skies and wet steps, it had a quiet charm. Locals were there lighting incense, sitting under umbrellas, or just watching the rain fall over the gardens. We didn’t linger too long, but it gave us the mental reset we needed.

On the way down, we stopped briefly at a pharmacy (note to future selves: always carry more plasters), and continued walking toward the riverfront. That’s where we noticed the first boat tour guys starting to set up for the evening — calling out prices, offering brochures, trying to lock in early bookings.

We’d only seen online prices beforehand — usually around $9 on GetYourGuide — so the local rate of $5 per person caught us pleasantly off guard. We didn’t book just yet, but we knew we’d be back before sunset.

Riverside Walks, Wat Ounalom & Royal Palace Dress Code Fails

From Wat Phnom, we continued down toward the riverside promenade — Phnom Penh’s take on a city park. It’s not the most polished spot, but it has a raw charm. Locals feed pigeons, kids ride tiny bikes, and the river breeze makes it a surprisingly pleasant walk, even with the traffic humming behind you.

We stopped at Wat Ounalom, a peaceful monastery just off the main road. Entry is free, and the grounds are open to visitors — despite what the tuk-tuk driver yelling “Closed! Closed!” might tell you. A typical Phnom Penh scam, but easy to ignore once you know it.

We walked a bit more, soaking up the mix of colonial buildings and temple rooftops, and then decided to head to the Royal Palace. This was meant to be one of the highlights of the day. The golden roofs glistened in the sun, the entrance looked inviting… but we didn’t get in.

Why? Because someone (naming no names) was wearing a top that showed too much shoulder and just a little too much cleavage — and the guards weren’t having it. The dress code is strict: no shoulders, no knees, no exceptions. They weren’t rude about it, but they were firm. Entrance costs $10 per person, but unless you’re fully covered, you’re not getting past the gate. Lesson learned: always carry a sarong or scarf in your bag when temple-hopping.

Luckily, the disappointment didn’t last long. Just around the corner, we stumbled upon the Botumvatey Pagoda, followed by a slow walk through Wat Botum Park, a wide-open green space with fountains, benches, and locals doing everything from playing badminton to walking tiny dogs in sweaters. We paused for a while here, just sitting in the shade, people-watching, and letting the heat of the day pass a little.

On the way to the river, we passed by the Independence Monument, a striking, lotus-shaped tower that looks even better at sunset. It’s not a place you spend much time at, but it’s worth walking by — especially if you’re heading towards the highlight of the evening.

Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: The Best Way to End Your Day in Phnom Penh

Around 5 PM, we made our way back to the riverfront and boarded a mid-sized sightseeing boat offering one-hour cruises along the Mekong. The setup was simple: a covered lower deck, an open-air upper deck with plenty of seating, and a small onboard bar where you could grab something to drink.

We found a spot upstairs, leaned on the railing, and ordered a beer each — a no-brainer with views like that. The river was calm, the city slowly slid past on both sides, and even without sunshine, the whole ride felt like a well-earned pause after a packed day.

We’ve always liked watching cities from the water, and Phnom Penh is no exception. From temples to rooftops to little boats drifting by, there’s a quiet charm you just don’t get from the streets. It wasn’t dramatic or flashy — just simple, steady, and surprisingly peaceful.

The boat returned to the dock shortly after 6 PM, and by then, the city was already shifting into night mode. No sunset glow, no showy lights — but still a great way to wrap up our one-day Phnom Penh itinerary.

What Things Cost in Phnom Penh: Real Travel Budget for One Day

Phnom Penh isn’t dirt cheap — but for a capital city, it’s pretty reasonable.. You won’t break the bank by visiting the key sights, hopping in a few tuk-tuks, or sitting down for a proper dinner.

Here’s what we actually spent during our one day in the city (for two people):

• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: $10 × 2 = $20
• Wat Phnom: $1 × 2 = $2
• Boat cruise on the Mekong: $5 × 2 = $10
• Beers on the boat: $3 total
• Waffles from a street vendor: $1 for two
• Water + cola: $1.50
• Small grocery stop: $1.50
• ATM withdrawal fee: $5
• Dinner at an Indian restaurant: approx. $12
• Accommodation at The Skye (with breakfast): $30

👉 Total for two people: $87

👉 Per person: $43.50

And this included everything: meals, activities, transport, drinks, and a decent hotel with breakfast and a rooftop pool.

Tuk-tuks using Grab cost $1–$2 per ride, and most temples are either free or just $1. The only thing we skipped was the Royal Palace ($10 entry) due to dress code.

If you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, Phnom Penh is manageable, even with a full-day itinerary. It’s not the cheapest spot in Southeast Asia — but for what you get, it’s fair.

Is One Day in Phnom Penh Enough? Final Thoughts & Tips for Travelers

We arrived in Phnom Penh the evening before and had one full day to explore the city — from morning until night. And honestly? That one day gave us a solid feel for the place.

We managed to visit the key landmarks, learn about Cambodia’s recent history, walk the riverside, check out a few temples, and end the day with a quiet boat ride. It wasn’t rushed, but we also didn’t dive too deep.

Phnom Penh doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It’s not built for first impressions — and it’s definitely not as polished as other Southeast Asian capitals. But if you give it time and a bit of attention, it offers moments that stay with you.

Would we stay longer next time? Probably. Another day or two would’ve given us time to explore more neighborhoods and maybe get a better feel for the local food scene. But for a 24-hour stop between other destinations, it worked out just right.

Final tips for your one-day visit:

• Cover shoulders and knees if you plan to visit the Royal Palace or temples — they do check.
• Ignore anyone shouting “Closed!” at temples — just walk up and see for yourself.
• Get the audio guide at Tuol Sleng — it’s worth the extra few dollars.
• Bring cash — most places don’t take cards, and ATMs charge up to $6 per withdrawal.
• End the day on the river — the boat ride isn’t about sunsets, but about perspective.

Phnom Penh might not sweep you off your feet, but after a full day here, you’ll understand why it matters.