1 Day in Phnom Penh: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Planning 1 day in Phnom Penh and not sure how to spend it?
We get it, Cambodia’s capital can feel a little chaotic at first, but it’s also one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. From powerful history to buzzing markets and rooftop bars, there’s a lot to take in, even if you’ve only got 24 hours.
This Phnom Penh itinerary 1 day guide covers exactly what to do in Phnom Penh in one day, based on our own experience, so you can make the most of your time. We spent heaps of time in Phnom Penh during our month in Cambodia, so hopefully, we can help you out a bit!
Quick Info: 1 Day in Phnom Penh
- 🕒 Time needed: 1 full day (24 hours)
- 📍 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- 🚕 Best transport: Tuk tuk (cheap + easy)
- 🎟️ Top highlights: Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng, Killing Fields
- 💰 Budget: $20–$60 depending on activities
- 🏨 Where to stay: Central Phnom Penh (near riverside or BKK1)
Phnom Penh in One Day
Here’s how your Phnom Penh day itinerary flows:
- Morning → Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Late morning → Killing Fields
- Afternoon → Royal Palace + Silver Pagoda
- Evening → Markets, food & nightlife
Phnom Penh Itinerary 1 Day (Step-by-Step)
Morning: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
Start your one day Phnom Penh itinerary with one of the most important (and sobering) sites in Cambodia.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was once a school before it was turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Learn about Cambodia’s history
- Audio guides available (highly recommended)
- Takes around 1–2 hours
It’s a heavy but essential experience that really puts the country into perspective.
Late Morning: Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
Next, take a tuk tuk about 30 minutes outside the city to the Killing Fields.
This is where thousands of victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed and buried in mass graves.
- Peaceful but emotional site
- The memorial stupa is filled with skulls
- Audio tour included
Alex and Leah Top Tip: Combine this with Tuol Sleng in one tour or hire a tuk tuk driver for the morning.
Refuel with Local Food
After a heavy morning, take some time to reset with food.
Phnom Penh has loads of great options, from street food to restaurants.
For ideas, check out our guide on where to eat in Phnom Penh, as the city’s food selection really surprised us!
You’ll find everything from Khmer cuisine to Western dishes, so it’s easy to find something you’re in the mood for.
Afternoon: Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
Spend your afternoon exploring Phnom Penh’s more beautiful side.
The Royal Palace is one of the top Phnom Penh highlights in one day, featuring:
- Traditional Khmer architecture
- Beautiful gardens
- The famous Silver Pagoda
You can expect to spend around 2 hours here or easily longer, depending on how you can handle the heat.
Remember to dress modestly (covered shoulders + knees)
Optional Stop: National Museum
If you’ve still got time and energy, head to the National Museum nearby.
- Houses Khmer art and artefacts
- Great for learning more about Cambodian culture
- Quick 1-hour visit
We didn’t actually get to visit the National Museum, but plenty of our hostel friends did, and they said it was well worth the visit if you can squeeze it into your itinerary!
Evening: Markets, Food & Nightlife
Finish your Phnom Penh in one day itinerary by soaking up the city’s energy.
Options include:
- Central Market or night markets
- Trying more street food in Phnom Penh
- Rooftop bars or Bassac road for some drinks
Phnom Penh’s night scene is surprisingly fun, especially if you’re backpacking Southeast Asia.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh (For 1 Night)
If you’re only here for one day, location is everything.
We recommend staying near the riverside or in BKK1 (great cafés + restaurants). If you are after a backpacker vibe, we have a whole post on the best hostels in Cambodia, but if not, there are heaps of hotels nearby for all budgets.
Top Travel Tips for Phnom Penh
- Use a tuk tuk for easy transport around the city
- Start early, it gets HOT
- Carry cash (USD widely used)
- Give yourself time to process the historical sites
- Stay hydrated
- Pack a money belt or bum bag and watch out for pickpockets.
Check out our more extensive list of tips for visiting Cambodia, but these are must-knows for any trip to Phnom Penh.
Is One Day in Phnom Penh Enough?
Honestly, yes, but it will be busy.
With this Phnom Penh itinerary, you’ll cover all the major highlights:
- History (Tuol Sleng + Killing Fields)
- Culture (Royal Palace + National Museum)
- Food + nightlife
If you’ve got more time, we’d definitely recommend staying longer. Read our full thoughts on our post about whether Phnom Penh is worth visiting, but we came back here a few times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
FAQs: 1 Day in Phnom Penh
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Killing Fields
Royal Palace
Night Market
Silver Pagoda
The easiest way is by tuk tuk. You can hire a driver for the day or use apps like Grab.
Budget: $20–$30
Mid-range: $30–$60
Tours + entrance fees extra
Generally, yes, but take normal precautions, especially at night and with valuables. If you are wondering what to pack for Cambodia, anti-theft gear like bum bags and padlocks is a must!
Most travellers head to Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat), Kampot or head to the islands. Plan your route using our two-week itinerary in Cambodia!
Final Thoughts: Phnom Penh in One Day
Spending 1 day in Phnom Penh is intense, but incredibly worthwhile.
It’s a city that challenges you, teaches you and surprises you.
We weren’t sure what to expect before visiting, but Phnom Penh ended up being one of the most memorable stops on our trip through Cambodia.
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