Phnom Penh Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Phnom Penh? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

TL;DR

Perfect for: 3–4 days
Best for: Curious explorers, history buffs, street food fanatics, culture seekers
Why visit: Friendly locals, vibrant riverfront, and sights perfect to wander solo

Population/Size: 2.2 million; Cambodia’s largest city
Historical note: Settled in 1372, famed French colonial gem of old Indochina
Famous for: Royal Palace, Genocide Memorials, bustling riverfront, wild fusion of old and new
Nickname: City of Four Faces; once “Pearl of Asia”
Solo traveler vibe: Energetic but relaxed, walkable and safe, easy to make friends
Local saying: “Same-same but different… Phnom Penh style”

💰 Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR); US Dollars widely accepted (no coins, small change in riel); Thai Baht recognized
🗣 Language: Khmer, French, and English (common in tourist zones)
🌦 Best time to visit: December–May (dry season, cooler and clearer)
✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: Public bus 3,500 KHR ($0.85) or tuk-tuk at main road (~$5)
- Easiest: Grab/taxi ($10–15); tuk-tuk ($7); moto ($2–4)
🧳 Safety: Generally safe by day and night, but watch valuables in crowded areas; beware of eager touts and pickpockets near markets & riverfront
🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Khmer New Year (mid-April) – huge street parties and public celebrations
🎦 What to watch on the plane: “The Killing Fields” (historic) or “First They Killed My Father” (modern, both for context)

🛏️Best hostel: Onederz Phnom Penh. Right in the riverside hub with a cool rooftop bar and pool — perfect for chilling after a day exploring. Dorms are spacious with personal lights and lockers, plus the staff are super helpful. One of the most in-demand hostels in Phnom Penh – book ahead!
🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels: Riverfront – Buzzing, central, easy walking to nightlife, cafés, sights
🧭 Alt neighborhood: Chamkar Mon – Quieter, leafy, upmarket, near trendy bars and eateries
Tip: Always check if your hostel/hotel offers a personal locker, and book early in high season!

🚶‍♂️ Super walkable: Riverfront, Royal Palace, markets all on foot; sidewalks can be chaotic, watch for motos!
🚌 City Buses: Reliable, air-conditioned, Route 01/03 key lines; fare 1,500 KHR ($0.36)
🚋 Tram/Metro: None; stick to road options
🚖 Taxis: Grab, PassApp, Exnet for tuk-tuks ($0.73/km), cars ($1.10/km). Unmetered taxis: agree price in advance!
🚲 Bike rental: Rare, but possible – best for Silk Island or riverside rides (rentals at guesthouses $3–5/day)

🏛️ Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) – Haunting, vital solo reflection; audio tour is worth it
🌿 Sisowath Quay & Tonlé Sap Promenade – Early morning riverside stroll, people-watch, join open-air aerobics!
🧠 National Museum of Cambodia – Intriguing Khmer art, quiet gardens, perfect for lingering alone
🧭 Walk Independence Monument > Sihanouk Blvd > Street 51 – Trendy cafés, boutiques, embassies, great for exploring at your pace
🎨 Koh Dach (Silk Island) Weaving Workshop – Ferry adventure, hands-on crafts, chill riverside picnic
🔀 Wildcard: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue – Ethical animal encounters, easy day trip, supports conservation

❌ Wat Ounalom – Sacred, but far less interesting than other temples
❌ Orussey Market – Chaotic, focused on local produce/hard goods; little to interest most travelers
❌ Most “hostess bars” on Street 51 – Overrated unless that’s your scene; better, friendlier bars elsewhere

🧍‍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Eleven One Kitchen – Relaxed, gardeny, Khmer/fusion dishes, staff chatty; ideal for solo meals
🥃 Quiet pub/bar: Embargo Craft Beer Bar – Local brews, mellow crowd, easy solo chat
🍽️ Local food must: Amok – Try at Khema Restaurant or Sisowath Quay eateries; fish or chicken in coconut curry
💸 Cheap eats: Central Market food stalls – Num banh chok (noodles) from $1.20, fried rice, fresh juices
🥦 Veg/vegan: Backyard Café – Best plant-based bites, smoothies, peaceful space
🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: BattBong – Rooftop, renowned for Kampot pepper rum, sunset views

Sunrise: Sisowath Quay promenade – watch the city come alive, grab Khmer iced coffee
Morning: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – powerful, historical, audio guide for solo insight
Lunch: Eleven One Kitchen – chill Khmer meal, local specialties
Afternoon: Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda – wander majestic grounds, pop by National Museum if time
Evening: Walk Independence Monument area, street food snack
Dinner: Khema Restaurant Pasteur – try amok, meet friendly travelers
Night: Drinks at Bassac Lane or BattBong rooftop, watch city lights twinkle on the river

🎉 Festival tip: Khmer New Year (April) – wild water fights, joyous crowds, parades
📍 Hidden gem: Street 136 Night Market – Pedestrianized, amazing fruit shakes, great for people-watching
📷 Photo spots: Royal Palace @ sunset; riverside villas; roof of BattBong
🧠 Etiquette tip: Shoes off in temples, cover shoulders/knees at shrines—locals will remind you
🚩 Safety reminder: Phnom Penh is safe—just keep an eye on your bag, esp. near markets/night spots
👀 One last thing: Try a weaving workshop on Silk Island—nothing beats bringing home your own handmade scarf!

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