Located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap - Phnom Penh is divided into distinct quarters, and is - in our opinion - distinctly under-rated. Broad boulevards and old colonial buildings characterise the French quarter where many older buildings have survived and make for good, photogenic wandering on Phnom Penh holidays, along with bustling restaurants and shops. Along the waterfront sits the impressive Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda. Five tonnes of silver was used to create its glistening floor tiles, along with a solid gold life-size Buddha effigy taking centre stage.

Phnom Penh holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Cambodia – Siem Reap – Koh Rong – Phnom Penh

    An Introduction to Cambodia - Mythical Temples and Idyllic Islands

    Discover Cambodia on this 11-day introductory trip, from its ancient sites to its beautiful beaches

    11 days, from £2950 to £3900

  • One Country Vietnam – Cambodia – Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

    Vietnam and Cambodia - Iconic Cities, Pretty Pastures & Ancient Temples

    Escape to Southeast Asia for two weeks of rich history, cultural charm and sacred splendour

    13 days, from £3300 to £4300

  • One Country Luang Prabang - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

    The Best of Cambodia & Laos

    City tour of Phnom Penh and its surroundings

    15 days, from £3390 to £5410

  • One Country Laos – Cambodia – Luang Prabang – Champasak – Si Phan Don –  Siem Reap – Koh Rong – Phnom Penh

    The Best of Laos and Cambodia - Rice Fields, Sacred Temples and Tropical Shores

    Pair Laos with Cambodia on a 19-day journey passing verdant rice fields, ancient temples and white-sand beaches

    19 days, from £4500 to £6000

  • One Country Cambodia – Siem Reap & Angkor – Cardamom Mountains – Phnom Penh – Coastal Cambodia

    Cambodia in Focus - Angkor, Phnom Penh & the Rural Regions

    Immerse yourself in Cambodia on this two-week adventure from the cities to the rainforest and the coast

    16 days, from £5750 to £7450

  • One Country Cambodia - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Koh Krabey

    Cambodia in Style - Siem Reap, Phnom Penh & the Coast

    Journey to Cambodia for two weeks of temple touring, historical sightseeing and foodie fun

    14 days, from £7000 to £9100

  • One Country Vietnam – Cambodia – Laos

    The Ultimate Indochina Adventure - Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

    Delve into Indochina on this month-long trip across Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

    29 days, from £7400 to £11800

  • One Country Vietnam - Cambodia

    Family Sabbatical in Southeast Asia - A Month-Long Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia

    Savour a month-long sabbatical with the family, travelling across Vietnam and Cambodia’s cities, countryside and coastlines

    27 days, from £7560 to £12000

Phnom Penh Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Cambodia testimonials

7 reviews
4.8 / 5
"All in all, it was excellent. We particularly loved the meet-and-greet at Heathrow to help us on our way, and the staff at Jaya House were excellent as well. Everything was fantastic, but we love temples, so exploring them was always going to be a highlight."
J - UK
Published on 13th February 2026
"One of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Everything felt seamless from the start, and Holly really listened and understood what kind of experience we wanted. Both hotels were also a perfect fit - our stay in Siem Reap was perhaps the best boutique hotel we have ever stayed in. The local guides and driver were wonderful, and the mix of cultural experiences and time to explore made the whole journey unforgettable."
J - USA
Published on 6th February 2026
"It was one of our favourite trips ever. Cambodia delivered adventure, glorious islands with white sandy beaches, forests and lovely people. Our guide in Siem Reap (Chan) was in our top 5 in the world. How brilliant to arrive at our last hotel and find a surprise bottle of chilled sauvignon and a note from Frances and Natia. We love the sustainability at your core. The Concierge, Alex, was the best on-the-ground service we have ever received. Not only did she establish WhatsApp contact before we left, but she was 'always ready to help'. We were recommending your company to friends before we even left! You've created something brilliant, Tom, and retained the personal touch."
Paul - London
Published on 20th February 2025

What is the best option for a Phnom Penh holiday?

To enjoy Phnom Penh, either stay at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, where there's a blend of French and Khmer styles throughout; or stay aboard the Aqua Mekong to travel along the Mekong River from Saigon in Vietnam all the way up to Siem Reap in Cambodia, stopping off in Phnom Penh, or opt for shorter trips, covering less ground.


What is there to do around Phnom Penh?

On a darker note, the notorious Killing Fields lie nearby Phnom Penh and are a grim reminder of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge era. These mass burial grounds are both sobering and touching and, in light of Cambodia's resurgence since then, are perhaps best regarded as a positive reflection of a nation's resilience.