How many days · Phnom Penh · Cambodia
How many days do you need in Phnom Penh?
A straight answer, then what each trip length really gets you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
3 days is the sweet spot for Phnom Penh, and 2 days is the minimum to see the main sights. Two days covers the Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and the markets. A third day allows a sunset cruise, a trip to Koh Dach or Oudong, and time in the cafés of Toul Tom Poung.
Key facts
- Ideal
- 3 days
- Minimum
- 2 days
- Day trips available
- 5
- Daylight
- 11.4 h (Dec) to 12.8 h (Jun)
What each trip length gets you
| Trip | Pace | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Rushed | Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center |
| 2 days | Good | Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, National Museum of Cambodia and Wat Phnom |
| 3 days | Ideal | Central Market (Phsar Thmei), Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) and Sisowath Quay riverside |
| 5 days | Relaxed | The highlights plus a day trip to Koh Dach (Silk Island) |
| 7 days | Plenty | A slow trip with day trips such as Koh Dach (Silk Island) and Oudong |
How long the top sights take
The 12 best-known sights in Phnom Penh add up to roughly 13–16 hours of visiting time — about 2 days at seven sightseeing hours a day, before travel between them and meals. The biggest time commitments are Royal Palace (1.5–2 hours with the Silver Pagoda), Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) (2 hours) and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (1.5–2 hours plus travel).
| Sight | Time needed | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Palace | 1.5–2 hours with the Silver Pagoda | Royal Palace and Street 240 |
| Silver Pagoda | 45 minutes | Royal Palace and Street 240 |
| Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) | 2 hours | Toul Tom Poung |
| Choeung Ek Genocidal Center | 1.5–2 hours plus travel | About 15 km south of the centre |
| National Museum of Cambodia | 1.5–2 hours | Royal Palace and Street 240 |
| Wat Phnom | 45 minutes | Wat Phnom and Central Market |
| Central Market (Phsar Thmei) | 1 hour | Wat Phnom and Central Market |
| Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) | 1–1.5 hours | Toul Tom Poung |
| Sisowath Quay riverside | 1 hour | Riverside (Sisowath Quay) |
| Sunset river cruise | 1–2 hours | Riverside (Sisowath Quay) |
| Independence Monument | 30 minutes | BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) |
| Wat Ounalom | 30–45 minutes | Riverside (Sisowath Quay) |
By type of trip
| Trip | Days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | 3 days | The main sights at a comfortable pace |
| Short break / repeat visit | 2 days | Focus on Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda |
| With children | 4 days | Slower days and time for Sunset river cruise |
| With day trips | 5 days | Add Koh Dach (Silk Island) and Oudong |
Daylight changes the maths
Sightseeing days are much shorter in December (about 11.4 hours of daylight) than in June (about 12.8 hours). Daylight varies little through the year, so plan by weather instead.
Ready-made itineraries
Combining Phnom Penh with other destinations
| Destination | Distance | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | About 212 km | 4 days |
| Siem Reap | About 232 km | 3 days |
| Bangkok | About 539 km | 4 days |
Questions travellers ask
+Is 2 days enough in Phnom Penh?
It covers the main sights at a brisk pace; 3 days is more comfortable. Two days covers the Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and the markets. A third day allows a sunset cruise, a trip to Koh Dach or Oudong, and time in the cafés of Toul Tom Poung.
+Is a week too long in Phnom Penh?
No — a week leaves time for day trips such as Koh Dach (Silk Island) and Oudong.