Phnom Penh Travel

Phnom Penh Weather Overview

Phnom Penh has two main seasons. One is distinctly more favourable to tourists than the other. The tropical dry climate season extends between November and March, while the remainder of the year is classed as a tropical wet climate.

Phnom Penh's weather is surprising as the daytime maximum temperature varies little throughout the year; it is the oppressive humidity that varies wildly. The difference in temperature between the winter months and the summer months is only a few degrees. Phnom Penh is always hot and the intense sun can be very draining. Night time temperatures rarely dip below 20ºC even during the winter months. During the months of March and April the humidity dramatically increases and though classed as the driest season, it makes tourist activities uncomfortable. Phnom Penh has a long wet season, which almost covers half of the year.

Apart from one exception, the rains of this season are not continuous and an intense downpour can be followed by pleasant weather. Visitors are not encouraged to travel to Phnom Penh during this season due to the unpredictability of the weather, but it is still possible to have a great trip by just avoiding the downpours. September and October are the months to avoid, as this is when the monsoon rains truly hit Cambodia and Phnom Penh.

During this season, rivers become flooded and the inadequate infrastructure cannot cope with the rains. The rains abruptly stop at the beginning of November and this rapid change heralds the beginning of the dry season. The Water Festival signifies the change between the wet season and the dry season with the change of direction of the Tonle Sap River.

Check the below table for the general idea of Phnom Penh weather throughout the year

There are no shortage of activities to fill your stay in the Cambodian capital, from dipping into Khmer culture and exploring the city’s heritage, to sampling the delights of the array of local food available.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Phnom Penh.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace serves as the King’s official residence, a venue for court ceremony and a symbol of the Kingdom. However, some sections are open to the public and visitors can stroll through the manicured gardens and discover the ornate temples, libraries and galleries inside the palace grounds. The palace compound is also home to the Silver Pagoda, a prominent temple that takes up a key place on the riverside and is named for its gleaming silver floor. Guests are remind

National Museum of Cambodia

Located next to the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is home to more than 5,000 artefacts dating back to the ancient Angkorian period. Various rooms display a range of rare statues, lingas and other items, including the Leper King from Siem Reap and a giant 11thcentury bronze Vishnu. It equips visitors with some great knowledge ahead of a trip to Angkor Wat Archaeological Park.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

This former high school in central Phnom Penh makes for a sobering visit, due to the horrific role it played during the Khmer Rouge regime. Back then, the former school was transformed into a political prisoners’ camp known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). Only seven prisoners survived, while many others were tortured and killed there, or sent to their deaths at Choeung Ek. Much of the site has been left as it was discovered in 1979 when the Vietnamese army liberated Phnom Penh. The blood-splattered walls, tiny brick cells and abandoned torture tools offer an important insight into the brutal regime.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

Between 1975 and 1979, the Pol Pot-led Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, with an estimated two million people killed or dying from starvation and exhaustion. Almost 9,000 bodies were discovered at the mass graves of Choeung Ek, more commonly known as the Killing Fields. Now serving as a memorial, the site features a Buddhist stupa filled with human skulls retrieved from the fields. Visitors can walk around the exhumed graves and learn more through a headset-guided walking tour.

Cambodian Living Arts' theatre show

As the main organisation tasked with bringing traditional arts back to life and steering them in a new, modern direction, Cambodian Living Arts trains musicians, dancers, singers, and other performers, providing them with the props to make a living from their art. One arm of their efforts is the daily shows at the capital’s National Museum, which run from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Traditional Dance Show takes audiences on a journey from Angkor’s palaces to the villages of today through song, music, and theatre.

Wat Phnom

Standing as the capital’s only hill, this well-manicured park, which doubles up as a roundabout and marks the official centre of the capital, offers welcome respite from Phnom Penh’s heat. Wat Phnom pagoda and its intricately detailed temple sits atop and welcomes visitors, with foreigners paying a $1 fee. Steer clear of the mischievous, and often vicious, monkeys.

Koh Dach

Also known as Silk Island, Koh Dach is approximately an hour’s journey from the capital, including a short ferry ride to the island that sits in the middle of the Mekong River. Guests can learn about Cambodian silk weaving by visiting the weaving villages dotted across the islands, where they can watch workers use handlooms to spin silk while others dye materials to create stunning designs. The quiet island is also home to pristine countryside and a great way to escape the city for the day without going too far.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

NGO Wildlife Alliance works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and conserve the country’s swathe of endangered and rare wildlife from the clutches of illegal traffickers and poachers. Rescued animals are taken to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, where they are nursed back to health before being released back into the wild. The centre’s day in the life of a zookeeper programme gives guests the chance to get up close and personal to the wildlife, with all funds being pumped back into the project. Guests can hand-feed elephants, enter the tigers’ private den, feed baby macaques and get within a whisker of leopards, gibbons and otters.

Phnom Penh Food Tours

The recently-launched sister tour of the successful Siem Reap Food Tours gives visitors the chance to feast on food cooked fresh on the streets. The two tour options – morning and evening – both take guests off-the-beaten-track to sample authentic Cambodian flavours at markets, street food stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries, all led by an informative guide. This is a great way to sample the diversity of Cambodian food in a fun and safe way.

Sunset boat trip

There is no better way to start the evening than with a relaxing jaunt along the Mekong or Tonle Sap rivers as the sun melts into the horizon to mark the end of another day. There are plenty of options, which vary in price and quality. Tara Boats and Kanika come recommended and offer a range of boat trips, including buffet dinner and entertainment.

Phnom Penh restaurants are emerging as culinary surprise packages to match larger and more established Southeast Asian neighbours. Traditional Khmer street food surrounds the footpaths of haute cuisine restaurants, and cafés and bistros of every variety sprout in alleys and old colonial houses. Of course you’ll want to try the local food while you’re here, but don’t miss the chance to let Phnom Penh’s foodies delight you with something different, or something you never would have expected to find here. Like most things in Cambodia, dining is cheap so the bill in even the priciest restaurants in Phnom Penh will probably leave a smile on your face.

ARTillery

ARTillery Café Phnom Penh is an ideal dining option for health-conscious travellers. When you find yourself craving a real salad or something lighter and fresher than the fried meats and heavy curries you’ve been devouring from street food vendors and markets, ARTillery is the place to go.

Both locations serve the same menu of organic, chemical-free, fair trade ingredients, with a wide range of vegan and raw dishes. Don’t shy away if you’re a carnivore – they also serve great meat dishes, including their pork sausage and scrambled eggs on a toasted sesame bagel for breakfast. If you’ve still got some room for dessert, try the raw key lime pie.

• Location: Street 240 1/2, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7.30am to 9pm
• Phone: +855 78 985 530

Boat Noodle Restaurant

Boat Noodle has got to be one of the most unusual restaurants in Phnom Penh. It's set in an old wooden house with many large and small rooms filled with an eclectic mix of Cambodian and other antiques. Each room is different, and a pleasant surprise. Some rooms have low tables where you can lean on pillows and really relax while you eat. There's also a leafy garden with many water features.

They serve Khmer and Thai cuisine, such as tom yam, Khmer curry, spring rolls, steamed fish and much more. The staff are very welcoming and pleasant. In the evening, musicians play traditional Khmer music. This place is more of an experience than just a restaurant. Even if you don’t eat there, it's worth a visit.

• Location: #57 Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 12 774 287

Chiang Mai Riverside

Chiang Mai Riverside is the place to go for some of the best authentic Thai food in Phnom Penh. They also serve excellent Khmer, Asian, western, and vegetarian dishes. For lunch and dinner, the delicious food makes this is one of the most popular restaurants in Phnom Penh. Catering, takeaway, and delivery are also available.

• Location: 227Eo Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 81 872 858

Foreign Correspondent’s Club (FCC)

The Foreign Correspondent’s Club is a Phnom Penh institution. Housed in a French colonial-era building overlooking the river and Sisowath Quay, FCC is a great spot for a good western meal, a fancy tropical cocktail, or just to sit at the rooftop bar with a beer and watch the people of Phnom Penh go past.

The menu is all fancy enticing fare, with vegetarian options, at prices that may be higher than the average for a Phnom Penh restaurant but remain reasonable. The tempura prawn shooters are a great appetiser or snack to accompany one of their signature cocktails, like the Kampot Snapper or Hemingway Special. If you’re going to FCC for dinner, make sure you arrive early enough to catch the sunset over the Mekong.

• Location: 363 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 7am to midnight
• Phone: +855 23 724014

Friends the Restaurant (Mith Samlanh)

Friends the Restaurant is operated by the Mith Samlanh organisation, which trains former street kids and poor children in the cooking and service skills needed by the hospitality industry.

They offer tapas, vegetarian dishes, seafood, Khmer dishes, and a variety of set menus. They're known for delicious fruit shakes, margaritas and daiquiris. At Friends, the food is great and the prices are reasonable.

• Location: House 215, Street 13, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11am to 11pm
• Phone: +855 12 802 072

Frizz Restaurant

Frizz is a family-style restaurant in Phnom Penh serving both Khmer and some selections of international cuisine. They have the usual Cambodian food favourites, including fish amok, Cambodian barbecue, and Chhnang Phnom Pleung (which translates as 'volcano pot'). Frizz has a helpful photo menu for those not familiar with Khmer food and also offer Cambodian cooking classes.

• Location: 67 Street 240, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +855 23 220 953

Le Deli Bistro Gourmet

Le Deli Bistro Gourmet offers fresh and handmade items, with the bread, yoghurt, jam, and even the mayonnaise all being homemade. They serve a wide selection of gourmet salads, soups, hot and cold sandwiches, paninis, burgers, wraps, patés, and omelettes. Refreshing beverage selections include fruit juices, smoothies and vegetable juices, among others. Delivery and catering are also available.

• Location: 178 13 Street, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 9.30pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +855 12 851 234

Lemongrass Restaurant

Lemongrass Restaurant in Phnom Penh offers a very pleasant decor and atmosphere, greeting diners into its chic dining setting. Serving authentic classical Thai and Khmer cuisine, all the usual dishes are here, such as pad Thai, tom yum gung, som tam, and lok lak.

They also specialise in some Thai and Khmer dishes that may not be familiar, such as koh tiou (caramelised pork with Kompot pepper) and gai hor baiy takhai (marinated chicken breast wrapped in lemongrass and pandan leaves).

• Location: #14, Street 130, Phsa Kandal 1, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 10am to 11pm
• Phone: +855 12 996 707

Lucky Burger

Lucky Burger is the largest and most popular fast food chain in Cambodia. LB for short, the local company serves up surprisingly good food, somewhat comparable to international chains.

As the name implies, Lucky Burger offers a selection of burgers, but they also have items like fried chicken, chilli dogs, popcorn chicken and pizza. Individual set menus and family sets are available, with discount promotional offers from time to time. They are in several locations spread throughout Phnom Penh.

• Location: Street 274, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 9am to 9pm

Piccola Italia Da Luigi

Piccola Italia Da Luigi is arguably the best place for pizza in Phnom Penh. Also referred to as Luigi’s, Piccola is the star of the Tonle Bassac bar and restaurant district on Street 308. With Napoli-style thin crusts and margaritas (both the pizza and the cocktail), you’ll also find delicious pesto and deli products available to dine in or take away.

Run by one of Phnom Penh’s many Italian restaurateurs-turned-locals, Luigi’s is busy most nights, and on weekends it’s best to book to ensure a table. Moderately priced for Phnom Penh, definitely try a Piccolapizza with your favourite topping.

• Location: Street 308, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11.30am to 2pm and from 5.30pm to 10.30pm (closed on Mondays)
• Phone: +855 17 323 273

Romdeng (Friends International)

Romdeng will fill your karma bank, as well as your stomach, with goodness. Part of the Friends International programme, all the staff have been trained in hospitality, food service and management as part of their programme to help poor and at-risk Cambodian children break the poverty cycle. Even the cushions you sit on are made by the students.

Add to that Romdeng’s menu that features recipes from some of the country’s most remote areas and you have a unique, delicious and worthwhile dining experience. If you haven’t had them anywhere else, give the deep-fried tarantulas a try (served with black pepper and lime sauce) from the mid-range priced menu with a good selection of international wines and drinks.

• Location: 74, Street 174, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11am to 10.30pm
• Phone: +855 92 219 565

Sesame Noodle Bar

Sesame Noodle Bar is not so much a traditional Asian noodle bar as it poses as a modern, hip hangout with food to match. The freshly made noodles, coupled with salads and meats of your choice, are a refreshing change from the often heavily fried street variety, but the prices are still backpacker-friendly.

It’s a little off the regular tourist track, but well worth the visit if you’re checking out Russian Market or BKK1 while you’re in Phnom Penh. The pork (“Mighty Thor”) buns are great, and if you have a sweet tooth, make sure you try the chocolate sesame balls!

• Location: #9 Street 460, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 5pm to 9.30pm
• Phone: +855 96 868 5780

ST 63 BASSAK Restaurant

ST 63 BASSAK Restaurant offers good simple food at amazing prices in Phnom Penh. You’ll find expats, backpackers and trendy locals all enjoying the cheap and tasty dishes from their Khmer, pasta and pizza menus. You’ll also find an outrageously long cocktail menu. You can eat here for less than US$4, which includes draft beer.

The fried noodles and rice are good staples, and ST 63’s version of Khmer roasted eggplant with pork is also a tasty favourite. The indoor-outdoor dining area is small, so its popularity sometimes means sharing a table with other diners if you want to eat straight away.

• Location: #02 Street 308, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11am to 11pm
• Phone: +855 15 647 062

Taj Mahal Restaurant

Taj Mahal is an Indian restaurant tucked away in the Sihanouk/Monivong area. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food is excellent. All the best of great Indian and Pakistani food is served here.

Meat and vegetarian dishes include curry, dal, allo, masala, tikka, tandori, pakora, samosa, briyani, pratha and more. All authentic and all delicious. Of course, they serve great value thali meals, along with refreshing yoghurt lassi.

• Location: 136 Street, # 125E0, Phnom Penh 12000, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 11am to 11.45pm
• Phone: +855 23 215 432

Freebird Bar & Grill

Freebird Bar & Grill is a comfortable American bar and grill that has an authentic neighbourhood feel to it. It has a beautiful wooden bar, and comfortable seating encourages good conversation in a friendly atmosphere.

The extensive menu features a selection of American, Tex Mex and other western cooking. On the menu are pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pasta, stews, steaks, chilli and much more. Breakfast is served all day, too. It's a great place to satisfy your American food cravings. Happy hours are usually between 3pm and 9pm. Take-out and free home delivery are also available.

• Location: 240 69 Oknha Chhun St., Phnom Penh 12101, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 9am to 11pm
• Phone: +855 17 222 712

Warung Bali

Warung Bali is where you can find exotic flavours, especially if you’ve never had Indonesian food, but want to try. You can head to this small restaurant near the Royal Palace for a delicious treat.

Some of the dishes include rendang daging (stewed beef in coconut sauce), ayam goreng kecap (deep fried-chicken with soy sauce), ikan bumbu bali (fried fish with sweet soy bean and chilli), telor dadar (Indonesian omelette with onion and chilli), and cumi tepung (fried squid with tomato sauce).

• Location: #25Eo Street 178, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Open: Daily from 9am to 9pm
• Phone: +855 12 967 480

The best areas to stay in Phnom Penh are Daun Penh and Chamkar Mon as these two areas have the most iconic and must-see tourist attractions in the city. This is also where you will find the Mekong River as well as the best nightlife in the city along with a vast amount of restaurants, which offer various cuisines. Along with the best restaurants, nightlife and attractions that Phnom Penh has to offer, you will also be spoilt for hotels and hostels due to there being plenty of them to pick from.

Where to Stay for Luxury

Raffles Hotel Le Royal

The Raffles Hotel Le Royal is considered the city's best hotel and oozes colonial charm and luxury. Located in the heart of the Central District, this luxury hotel was first opened in 1929, when Cambodia was part of what was known as French Indochina. The river is a five-minute walk, and sightseeing is easy; it's very close to the city's famous Russian and Central Markets. For foodies, the Restaurant Le Royal features the best in both French and Cambodian cuisine. There are two parts of the hotel; try for a room in the historic, original building, not the late-1990s built addition. There are several pools and a luxurious spa. The hotel also offers many curated culinary, cultural, and artistic activities and experiences. For example, you can cook with a Cambodian chef, explore the city's Art Deco architecture, or learn to dance from a local troupe.

InterContinental Phnom Penh

The InterContinental Phnom Penh is in the city's rapidly developing Central Business District. This high-rise hotel is about 15 minutes by car from the river and other sightseeing locations. For relaxation, there's a large, Khmer-style outdoor pool with a pool-side cafe, and the hotel has five different dining options. There's a large, well-equipped fitness center and a salon/spa, with beauty treatments and massages. The InterContinental has its own art gallery, which promotes local artists and also features international art exhibitions. Music lovers should note the hotel is home to the annual Phnom Penh International Music Festival held each November.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra

The Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is a riverside hotel, located a bit south of the Central District area, near BKK1. For foodies, the hotel's French restaurant, La Coupole, is not the fanciest in town but it's considered one of the best. For an extra level of luxury and amenities, there's a club floor. For the best views, try to score a room on a higher floor with a balcony. One side of the hotel faces the river; the other, the Royal Palace. Shoppers have easy access to the nearby Sorya Shopping Center, the best for buying new and luxury goods. There are several casual restaurants, a large pool, and a full fitness center. Breakfast is included in most rates, and the Wi-Fi is free.

Where to Stay: Mid-Range

White Mansion

A fascinating mid-range choice is the White Mansion, which was the former US Ambassador's residence. Located in the tourist-friendly Central District area, not far from the Royal Palace, this boutique mansion hotel has beautifully outfitted rooms and suites finished in a modern Cambodian design. The hotel's Eric Kayser French bakery serves excellent meals, and is popular with non-hotel guests, too (it has the best croissants in Phnom Penh). There's also a nice-sized outdoor pool and a small spa. Try for a room with a balcony, as they have views over the local neighborhood.

Mane La Residence

Mane La Residence is a boutique hotel, created from a newly-built luxury mansion in a suburban, gated neighborhood. You're about 25 minutes from the river, away from the hustle and bustle of central Phnom Penh. Breakfast is included, and other home-style meals are available. The overall service is warm and personal. Rooms are large and well-appointed, but there is a bed-and-breakfast feel to the experience, with plenty of interaction with staff and other guests. A tuk-tuk is necessary for sightseeing, or the hotel can arrange a private car and driver for longer excursions or day trips.

Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel

The Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel is another excellent mid-range choice. Sokha is a Chinese hotel company, with a few properties throughout Cambodia. The hotels are popular with Chinese tour groups and can be crowded. This newly built hotel also has large rooms, multiple restaurants, and a large pool, and delivers real value for its price. The property is located on the peninsula in the river delta, requiring a tuk-tuk or car to access central Phnom Penh, but the rooms have appealing river views.

Where to Stay on a Budget

Anise Villa

The Anise Villa is typical of the small, family-run boutique hotels you'll find throughout the city. Although the prices are low, service is typically warm and personal - guests benefit from a higher staff-to-guest ratio than what is typically found in larger properties. Little touches like free Wi-Fi; free daily laundry service; and toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shaving kits in the bathrooms add to the non-budget feel of a stay here. Breakfast is included (both Western and Eastern options) and it's served outside, next to the pool. The location is good; it's in BKK1, in an area filled mainly with embassies and office buildings. The Royal Palace and museums are only a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Patio Hotel and Urban Resort

The Patio Hotel and Urban Resort delivers a stylish, contemporary mini-resort experience at a budget price. The rooms are small but nicely furnished and carefully serviced. You'll also like the luxury amenities, like the rooftop infinity pool and plenty of cool public spaces where you can lounge and relax. The hotel is in the exciting BKK1 area, but it can be loud at night, so try for a room in the back. The breakfast area, also on the rooftop, is pleasant, and many travelers find the food a highlight of their stay. There's even a private driver airport pickup available for guests arriving via plane.

Kravan Hotel

The Kravan Hotel is a small, budget boutique hotel with clean, well-appointed rooms and a caring, professional staff. The entire building is new, and this means the rooms have an attractive fit and finish, with new countertops, furniture, electronics, and bathrooms. Even with its low price, you get a fitness center, stunning rooftop pool, little restaurant, and even a small business center. Rooms on the higher floors have great views of the city. The location is in the Central Business District, about a mile from the river and the Royal Palace. Breakfast is included, but the menu is limited, with mainly Asian-style food (no pancakes).

By flight

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) locating 7 km west of the city is  The largest airport in Cambodia. 

The new terminal is a thoroughly pleasant and modern facility and features a post office, a bank with ATMs, restaurants, duty-free shops, a newsstand, a tourist help desk and a business centre.

Taxis from the public taxi stand at the airport cost a flat USD$12 and tuk-tuks cost USD$9. You can buy prepay ticket at kiosk just after exiting airport building. Grab taxis are now allowed into the airport and may cost about $7 into the city. If you are willing to lug your bags outside the airport fence you can catch a tuk-tuk into town for USD$5 but need to haggle hard for that price. While taxis might be a safer option, it's better to avoid them as the drivers are arrogant and tend to not return change. Tuk-tuk drivers are a lot more friendly and more flexible. For visitors on a budget without a lot of luggage, it's worth catching an official motorcycle taxi. For a more budget-friendly transfer, you can take the relatively new Phnom Penh City Bus line 3. The stop is right outside of the airport on the main road. The line runs east through the city center to the banks of the Mekong. Fare is 1500 riel from the bus driver, no change available. As of 2018 there is also a train that operates during the day and runs east from the airport into the city.

Duty-free shop prices in Cambodia are horribly inflated. Alcohol and cigarettes cost half as much at shops and supermarkets in the city, like the Lucky Supermarket, so stock up on alcohol (put it in your checked baggage due to liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage) and cigarettes before you come to the airport. For example, 1 L of Absolut Vodka is USD21 at the airport, and USD11 at supermarkets in the city. Electronics are also overpriced, but at least they're the genuine article.

By bus

Cambodia is improving its roads. Since around 2008, asphalt has been blazing trails into unexpected and remote places making for faster, year-round accessibility. The main highways that run on either side of the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Battambang, Sisophon and Poipet (for Thailand) are both well-paved and in good condition.

The quality of buses runs the gamut, with the less desirable buses being a few dollars cheaper than more comfortable options. Safety standards are low and crashes (not always reported) are common amongst both "quality" and "cheapie" buses.

Bus station. This chaotic bus station at the southwest corner of the Central Market is the base for buses run by Mekong Express, Phnom Penh Sorya Transport, Capitol Tours, and GST Express. edit

Bus street, St 106 riverside. This short stretch of street, along the north side of the Night Market near riverside, is the base for several buses such as Giant Ibis.

Tickets are available at the bus station. Guesthouses and travel agents throughout the city will also arrange tickets for a USD1–2 commission.

Some passengers have experienced valuables being stolen from their luggage when stored out of sight.

International services

Borders are not open 24/7. Some night buses will wait at the border until it opens. If entering Cambodia, watch out for visa scams and avoid the Kumho Samco if coming in from Vietnam.

Bangkok: The first buses directly connecting Bangkok to Phnom Penh (also Siem Riep) started in Feb 2013. The bus service from the Thai capital is run by BKS, The Transport Company. Buses leave Mo Chit Bus Station (buy your tickets at ticket window 22) at 05:00 and the 719-km trip takes 11 hours via Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo. You will do the standard border crossing formalities there. A 30-day tourist visa for Cambodia costs USD30 (2019). Bus fare to Phnom Penh is 900 baht (2013). Return buses to Bangkok leave Phnom Penh daily at 07:00.

Ho Chi Minh City (USD10, around 6 hr) no change of bus.

Pakse (around 14 hr)

Vientiane (around 27 hr) A generally inconvenient and stressful trip. Contrived border procedures, multiple bus changes, tickets not being honoured, and nocturnal groping should all be expected. Travelling via Bangkok (theoretically also around 27 hr, but with tight connections) should be considered as the 20:00 Bangkok-Nong Khai (Laos border, 20 km from Vientiane) sleeper train (13 hr) will be safer and more comfortable than any overnight bus through Southern Laos.
Buses arriving from Pakse enter the city at night (around 19:30-20:00) via Monivong Ave, leaving tired and emotional travellers prone to being preyed on tuk-tuk touts. Watch out!

Domestic services

Phnom Penh is the domestic transport hub and direct buses run to just about every provincial capital, including far flung town like Pailin, Samraong, Banlung and Sen Monorom. The crowded peasant mover Paramount Angkor specializes in out-of-the-way towns. Avoid it for intercity travel as it's the same price as more genteel companies but does not guarantee a seat.

More frequently visited destinations include:

• Battambang (USD5, 4 hr)
• Kampot
• Koh Kong
• Poipet for Aranyaprathet in Thailand
• Siem Reap (USD5-10, 6 hr) Capitol Tours is the only company that runs buses to central Siem Reap. Other companies leave travellers at the mercy of tuk-tuk touts in an out of town bus station.
• Sihanoukville (USD4.5-10, 3-5 hr)
• Sisophon

By boat

Ferries connect Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and usually take 6 hr. Tickets for foreigners cost USD32. Many, but not all, of these ferries offer the option of sitting on the roof, which makes for a much more scenic, albeit less comfortable ride than the bus; take sun block, a hat, and enough water to last you for several hours just in case the boat gets stuck. The boat leaves at 07:30.

There are apparently several choices of boat between Phnom Penh and Chau Doc in Vietnam:

• Hang Chau Speedboat (tour guide, water, snack, insurance, no pick up). Leaves from the ferry pier on Sisowath Quay, and seems to be the main affordable option other than the mythical "slow boats" (see below). Check website for schedule. Takes 4 hr, USD27
• Mandarin Cruises, 5 hr, USD65
• Victoria Speed Boat, 5 hr, USD65
• Delta Adventure, 5 hr, price USD21 (still in business?). Reputedly has very bad reviews.
• Mekong Tour Slow Boat, leaves at 07:30, takes 7-8 hr, price USD12 (As of May 2019, can't find any info on this one)

The relevant border crossing to Vietnam is called "Song Tien landport" on the Vietnam eVisa website, despite this place name not seeming to appear on any maps.

Many tour operators also include the Phnom Penh-Chau Doc route as part of 2-3 day Mekong Delta tours, often charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It might be cheaper to take one of the above ferries to Chau Doc and then arrange a Mekong Delta tour locally there. Tours offering "Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon" usually put you on a bus or van for the Chau Doc to HCMC leg of the journey, and possibly for other parts as well. It is apparently no longer possible to reach Saigon from Phnom Penh traveling only by boat.

By train

Travelling by train to/from Phnom Penh is a possibility, however trains are slow and infrequent. National railway company Royal Railways runs two passenger services from the 2 Phnom Penh Royal railway station. Royal railway station (Q7374763) on Wikidata Royal railway station (Phnom Penh)

Sihanoukville line

Phnom Penh - Takeo (2 hrs, 5 USD) - Kampot (5 hrs, 7 USD) - Sihanoukville (7 hrs, 8 USD).

Trains leave from the capital at 7:00 on Fr-Su (occasionally also on Mo-Tu, doublecheck on easybook) and 16:00 on Sundays.

In the other direction departures from Sihanoukville are at 7:00 usually on Sa-Mo and 16:00 on Sundays.

Poipet line

Phnom Penh - Pusat - Battambong - Serei Saophoan - Poipet

This is a once-weekly service.