What to see in Phnom Penh
The 8 sights and museums of Phnom Penh worth the detour, in photos, ranked on visitor reviews.
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1
SOSORO - Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum
A museum tracing Cambodia's economic and monetary history, from pre-currency barter systems through the French colonial piastre era to the riel and beyond. The galleries combine photographs, artifacts and educational videos with a chronological layout that guests describe as easy to follow, and the building includes a garden area with a café where visitors can pause between sections.
Reviews are consistently positive and several describe spending hours inside. Visitors repeatedly praise the clarity of the timeline, the depth of the curation, and the friendliness of staff, with more than one saying the museum gave them a better grasp of Khmer history than other institutions in the city. The strong air conditioning is mentioned often as a welcome relief from the heat, though a couple of reviewers suggest bringing long sleeves as it can feel quite cold inside. One visitor felt a section on inflation and the role of money as a store of wealth was presented a little inconsistently, and photography inside the exhibits does not appear to be allowed, which a returning visitor noted as a drawback.
“Thanks to this museum, I could leave Phnom Penh with a sense that I at least grasped the amazing history of Khmer people. It came as a fresh and modern look at the lives and ways of people throughout centuries. Especiall...” Traveller review on Google
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2
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum occupies the compound of a former Khmer Rouge prison and interrogation center in central Phnom Penh. Visitors move through classroom buildings that once held prisoners, viewing photographs, documents, and personal belongings. The museum preserves the physical space where tens of thousands were detained and interrogated during the late 1970s. The building itself—with its sparse rooms and recording equipment still visible—forms part of the historical record.
Most visitors describe the experience as deeply moving and historically significant. Many emphasize that an audio guide, available for an additional five dollars, substantially enhances the visit by providing context and detailed accounts of individual prisoners' stories. Visitors consistently note the emotional weight of encountering thousands of mugshots displayed on the walls—each photograph representing a person who was numbered and catalogued before execution. Some mention that despite the audio guide's quality, certain details about the violence were not included, which a few visitors felt limited their understanding of what occurred. Occasionally, visitors report meeting survivors on site, a rare opportunity that deepens the experience beyond the museum's physical contents.
“All my love to the Cambodian people. What they went through is inimaginable. Visiting S21 should be a mandatory visit for everyone, and learn about the mistakes made in the past. Congratulations to everyone involved in...” Traveller review on Google
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3
Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
This memorial park in central Phnom Penh features a bronze statue of Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia's late "King Father," standing 4.5 metres tall beneath a traditional Khmer-style stupa that reaches 27 metres high. The statue depicts him in a modern business suit rather than royal dress. Built in 2013, the monument commemorates Sihanouk's role in liberating Cambodia from French colonialism on November 9, 1953. The site sits near the Independence Monument, allowing visitors to see both landmarks in one visit.
Visitors describe the memorial as a pleasant, walkable space where families and friends gather. The monument itself is noted for its neat carving and striking appearance. People appreciate the opportunity to observe local life here, though some suggest visiting in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and to capture better photographs. The site is also worth seeing at night when it is lit up, offering a different perspective on the structure.
“I SUGGEST TO WALK AND PLAY HERE Was really fun seeing people having fun with their family and friends.and there was no problem at all at the park and also meeting and chitchatting either new people.” Traveller review on Google
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4
Koh Norea Riverside
Koh Norea Riverside is a pedestrianized riverbank development in Phnom Penh's Meanchey district, about 8 kilometres southeast of the city centre. The site runs along the Mekong and features a mix of bars, restaurants, and open space where locals and visitors gather. It has become a venue for events, including the annual Water Festival, when long boats race on the river and crowds line the banks. The area is accessible most of the time, though visitors should check before arriving as sections are occasionally closed for private functions.
Visitors consistently praise the riverside setting and views, particularly at sunset, noting the clean, peaceful atmosphere for evening walks and relaxation. The bridge and flag lighting visible from here appeal to those seeking photo opportunities. Several reviewers highlight the informal social scene—local vendors sell snacks like quail eggs, peanuts and fruit—giving it a casual, community-oriented feel. One caveat: the space increasingly hosts private running events and corporate gatherings that can close off sections of the walkway on weekends, frustrating those wanting a routine workout or casual stroll. This is worth checking on before planning a visit.
“New development Jerry just outside North Van. Well not very far. Maybe one kilometer along the riverbank walkway is unbelievable pedestrianized area. Lots of bars and restaurants and yeah, probably a very good place to i...” Traveller review on Google
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5
Independence Monument
The Independence Monument is a 20-meter tall sandstone tower in the heart of Phnom Penh, built in 1958 to mark Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. Shaped like a blooming lotus bud—a symbol of purity in Khmer culture—the monument stands in a roundabout surrounded by a park area with open space and views across the city. The site is accessible around the clock and sits on Norodom Boulevard in central Phnom Penh.
Visitors consistently praise the monument as an ideal spot for evening visits, when it is illuminated with golden lighting and draws both locals and travellers to the surrounding area. The square becomes a peaceful gathering place at night, and the cool breeze from the nearby riverfront makes it pleasant for walking or sitting. Early morning visits offer fewer crowds and good photography conditions. Guests note the monument's impressive carved details and its prominence as a recognizable city landmark, though some mention the busy traffic roundabout surrounding it.
“Situated right in the heart of Phnom Penh, the **Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument** and its surrounding park area stand out as an idyllic sanctuary for both locals and travelers, especially after sunset. This locatio...” Traveller review on Google
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6
Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia is a government administrative building located on Street 92 in central Phnom Penh, near the historical Wat Phnom. The structure follows classical French architectural lines, which makes it visually distinctive among the city's administrative spaces. However, visitors should understand this is a working government office, not a public museum or heritage site designed for tourism.
Access to the building is restricted and inconsistent. Some visitors report being turned away entirely, while others note that entry may be possible with proper identification such as a passport or driver's license left with security at the gate. The building does not operate as a tourist attraction and cannot be relied upon as a visitable destination. Visitors who do approach should not expect interior access or guided tours; the appeal is primarily the exterior architecture viewed from the street.
“This is the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Cambodia. Located near the famous historical Wat Phnom, this governmental building looks very attractive since its structural designation follows the classic French architec...” Traveller review on Google
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7
Royal Palace of Cambodia
The Royal Palace of Cambodia is an ornate walled complex in central Phnom Penh, built in the 1860s and rebuilt in the 1920s. Visitors walk through courtyards and pavilions decorated in classical Khmer style, including the Silver Pagoda with its distinctive floor. The king's private residence sits within the grounds but is not open to the public. The compound occupies prime riverfront land between the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.
Guests consistently praise the architecture, gardens, and sense of stepping back in time through well-preserved buildings and grounds. The entrance fee of around USD 10 is generally accepted as fair value, though some visitors question the cost. A notable concern is visitor management: some guests report being rushed through if using a guide, and once you move to a different area, re-entry is not permitted, which can frustrate those wanting to linger or backtrack. Staff professionalism is usually mentioned positively, though isolated incidents of overly strict enforcement around photography rules have been reported.
“It feels like you’ve completely gotten lost in time! Everything is so well preserved. The grounds are large and look beautiful! The buildings have beautiful architecture and art, absolutely stunning. It’s $10 to get in,...” Traveller review on Google
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8
National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia occupies a 1920s building designed in the style of a Khmer temple, located on Preah Ang Eng Street in Phnom Penh. Inside, the museum displays traditional Khmer art, religious artifacts, and sculptures spanning Cambodia's history. The collection includes pieces preserved specifically to protect them from damage, such as artifacts not kept at temples in Siem Reap. Among its notable holdings is a bell that came from the Cathedral of Phnom Penh before its destruction during the Khmer Rouge period. A central courtyard garden provides a quiet space within the museum grounds.
Visitors consistently praise the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the building and grounds. Many find the exhibitions well organized and appreciate learning about Cambodian culture and history through the displays, particularly the Angkor-era sculptures. The museum shop sells high-quality gifts with staff who explain the meanings of items, though prices are noticeably higher than elsewhere. Some visitors note that while the museum is informative, the information cards accompanying displays are occasionally sparse or can contain interpretative inconsistencies.
“Museum has a nice courtyard and a lot of awesome things on displays. The cards for them are often lack luster and when they have more text can be sometimes off in interpretation. Great place for gifts though of high qua...” Traveller review on Google
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Frequently asked questions
What to see in Phnom Penh ?
Our pick right now is SOSORO - Preah Srey Içanavarman Museum, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk. The full list below is ordered by rating and review volume — a 5.0 with eleven reviews does not outrank a 4.6 with two thousand.
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From Google ratings and review counts, with a photo requirement: a place with no real photo does not appear. Nobody can pay to be listed, and no hotel on Heroes Hotels gets a place moved up.
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