Emirates destinations
Flights to Phnom Penh take you to one of the liveliest cities in Southeast Asia and the epicenter of Cambodia’s industrial, diplomatic, and economic landscape. A popular destination for backpackers and families alike, the city is welcoming to tourists and a perfect jumping-off point to the rest of Southeast Asia.
While most visitors head straight for historical sites, the city is also known for its colorful and ornate culture. For close proximity to Phnom Penh’s modern highlights, visitors often stay in the old central city, where French colonial buildings are juxtaposed with Southeast Asian shops, markets, temples, and pagodas.
Nearby, you’ll find the Royal Palace and neighboring Silver Pagoda, where you can learn about Cambodia’s royal lineage and see where royal ceremonies are still performed. The Silver Pagoda, aptly named for its solid silver–tiled floor, is also home to a collection of priceless historical artifacts. If you’re short on time, hire a driver for the day to see all of Phnom Penh’s main sites.
The food scene is another main attraction for many who fly to Phnom Penh. The city offers some of Cambodia’s best culinary experiences, with a mixture of delicious street food and intriguing local eateries. Must-try dishes include a chicken rice porridge called bobor that can be eaten for breakfast or supper. For lunch, try Khmer red curry with a fresh coconut base.
After sundown, which is best taken in on the river banks, go to Street 51 for late-night entertainment. This is a popular area for both tourists and locals, and a great place to meet new people. To see comedy shows and discover different restaurants, head just outside Phnom Penh to the Prek Leap District; the most convenient way to travel there is by taxi.
And of course, no trip to Cambodia is complete without visiting the famous Unesco World Heritage Site Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. The largest temple in the world is only five hours from Phnom Penh; it’s well worth the trip. While there, you can also take in ancient ruins like the Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Phnom Penh and Cambodia. From the Phnom Penh night market, which overlooks the river and offers an abundance of reasonably priced clothes and souvenirs, to a ranger tour by the Cambodian Wildlife Alliance and boat cruises with stunning river views, you can expect to be busy throughout your stay.