72 Hours in Phnom Penh: Weekend Itinerary for International Travelers

Phnom penh in Cambodia, is one of the captivating destinations for tourists, since it blends a vibrant modern life and complex history. It makes the place ideal for a weekend trip or a brief stopover, as it is situated at the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers.

Phnom Penh also offers a product historical experience, and tourists can reflect on the tragic past of Cambodia at the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Apart from the history and heritage, you can also experience a stunning nightlife in the riverside area and local food and cultural gems. 

But would you be able to experience these within 72 hours? What should you consider to get an e-Visa to Cambodia? Let’s find out.

Table 1:  Phnom Penh at a Glance

72-Hour Itinerary: The Perfect 3-Day Plan to Explore Phnom Penh in Cambodia

Here you can find a 3-day plan to Phnom Penh in Cambodia!

Day 1: Culture, History & Riverside Relaxation

On day 1, you can experience the rich culture, history, and riverside relaxation in Phnom Penh!

Morning – Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are a historical complex in Phnom Penh, featuring Khmer architecture. While the Royal Palace includes the Throne Room, the Silver Pagoda is mostly famous for its floor, made of more than 5000 silver tiles and treasures like a gold Maitreya Buddha and an Emerald Buddha. You can experience the intricate craftsmanship here, with Hindu text Ramayana-based murals on the Silver Pagoda’s outer walls.

Late Morning – National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia, founded in 1920, is one of the notable cultural institutions in Cambodia, holding a prestigious collection of Khmer art and various artifacts, dating back to prehistory and the post-Angkorian era.

The museum is housed in a building, carries the legacy of Khmer-style architecture, and you can experience a wide array of ethnographic objects, sculptures, and ceramics spanning various periods of Cambodian history, focusing on the Khmer.

This is a must-visit place if you are interested in Cambodian heritage.

Afternoon – The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek) or Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum holds the chronicle of the tragic Cambodian genocide. It is located around a courtyard lined with palm trees, three-story and four whitewashed buildings, which was used as Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge, during its regime between 1975 and 1979. Here you can find the original prison and interrogation rooms, torture instruments, photographic archives of victims, iron beds and shackles, and memorial monuments.

Sunset – Riverside Promenade

The Riverside Promenade (also known as Sisowath Quay) in Phnom Penh is a popular area for experiencing the sunset over the Mekong River. It is a lively place with restaurants and cafes, providing a great view as the skyline comes to sight. You can find the best location for photography in front of the Royal Palace and walk or jog. Around the Royal Palace area, you can purchase bird food to feed pigeons.

Evening – Night Market & Street Food

Especially on Saturday night, the evening street food and night market of Phnom Penh become more vibrant, and the street becomes pedestrian-only. You can enjoy multiple street foods as per your preferences, from grilled octopus and skewers to adventurous options like insects. You can also purchase clothing and accessories while enjoying the live music.

Day 2: Markets, Temples & Nightlife

On the second day, you can visit the local markets and temples, before experiencing the vibrant nightlife.

Morning – Wat Phnom

Located on a 27-meter-high man-made hill, Wat Phnom is a historic Buddhist temple and the city’s namesake, founded in 1373 by Daun Penh. The architectural blend of Khmer and French colonial style is memorable, with ornate decorations and intricate carvings. You can find a large bronze Buddha statue sitting in the main sanctuary, and the interior walls show multiple murals, depicting Jataka (Buddha’s previous lives) and religious tales. 

Late Morning – Central Market (Psar Thmei)

Central market or Psar Thmei is a landmark Art Deco building and one of the busiest marketplaces. The four-winged, specialized in various goods, with a large central dome, and a popular sport for tourists and locals to find various items, including jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs, as well as local delicacies and fresh food.

Remember, bargaining is a key part of the shopping experience to find the best thing at a reasonable price.

Afternoon – Silk Island (Koh Dach)

Located approximately 15 km from Phnom Penh in Cambodia, is Koh Dach, one of the key attractions for tourists to experience peace and beauty. Here, you can find the traditional Khmer craft of silk weaving. 

However, it is referred to as an island of treasures, which influences the travelling plans and decisions through its natural charm. If you are seeing authentic local encounters, Koch Dach, a true oasis, can be the best place, while a short ferry ride, hand-woven silk villages and workshop visits can also be the centre of attractions.

Night – Phnom Penh Nightlife

The nightlife of Phnom Penh offers a diverse range of options, including energetic bars and clubs. You can also experience sophisticated rooftop lounges and cultural experiences, as well as the popular activities, such as exploring lively streets, food, and drinks, enjoying cocktails, dancing at various clubs and visiting night markets. The city life also includes options like karaoke, jazz clubs and gay bars, catering to various tastes. 

Day 3: Local Life, Food & Arts

The third day can be ideal to get the taste of local food, daily life, and art, before you return home.

Morning – Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung)

The Russian Market in Phnom Penh is widely known for the availability of various goods, including local food, souvenirs and clothing. Psar Toul Tom Poung, often referred to as the Russian Market, was a popular zone for Russian expatriates during the 1980s. You can find almost everything, from silk items and carved wood to fresh produce and knockoff clothing, with the layout being a maze of winding aisles. An early morning visit is mostly preferable to avoid the heat.

Midday – Cambodian Cooking Class

The Cambodian cooking classes in Phnom Penh involve hands-on learning of various traditional dishes, such as fish amok. Several classes you can attend, including a guided market tour to find the best products, like fresh fish and local ingredients, which provide cultural insights into Cambodian cuisine. You can access multiple options, ranging from urban classes to countryside experiences, including local life and a calm and natural setting.

Note: Apart from Fish Amok, you should also try Beef Lok Lak, Nom Banh Chok, grilled river prawns, and fruit shakes & local coffee.

Afternoon – Contemporary Art Galleries and Wellness

The contemporary art scene in Phnom Penh in Cambodia, is vibrant with both national and international artists and galleries like the Gallerist. Apart from these, Romcheik 5 Art Space & Café and Sa Sa Art Projects also play a key role in improving the local art perceptions through educational programs and exhibitions. These art spaces feature a range of mediums, from performance and photography art to traditional oil painting and sculpture. If you are driven by the true sense of global art, you will cherish the local initiatives and art designs.

However, you can also find traditional Khmer massage, which involves firm pressure and no-oil technique, combining acupressure and stretching. It promotes psychological and physical wellness, and the holistic practice with Ayurvedic principles secures balanced body function.

Table 2: 72-Hour Itinerary Summary Table

How to Plan for a 3-days Trip to Cambodia

Here’s a plan to make a safe and secured trip to Cambodia!

Get to Know About the Flights’ Availability

Before planning your trip to Cambodia, you should know about the availability of flights. Find the best time and schedule to book your flight online, so that you do not experience any delays.

Book Your Hotel

Since it’s a 3-day trip, you must find good accommodation, as per your preferences. It’s highly recommended to find a hotel with local food options and bars, and cultural opportunities, like live music.

Clothes You Need to Carry

Carry lightweight T-shirts or tops, loose-fitting shorts and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton for heat and comfort. However, to visit temples, you can carry light long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts and a sarong or scarf, while a swimsuit, comfortable walking sandals or shoes and flip-flops can also be useful.

Get Your e-Visa

Of course, as a tourist, you will need documentation to enter Cambodia. The most important of these is the visa. If you’re eligible, you will be able to enter with an eVisa. Here’s what you need for that. 

Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months, considering the day of arrival in Cambodia, and have at least 1 blank page.

Photograph: A recent passport-sized digital photo, taken within the last 6 months (JPEG or PNG format).

Proof of funds: Provide credible evidence of sufficient funds required for the trip.

Travel documents: Provide proof of an onward or return flight ticket.

Accommodation: Evidence regarding hotel reservation or accommodation booking is essential to get the e-Visa without any hassle.

Application Steps to Get Your e-Visa

Go to the e-Visa website: You need to navigate to a verified e-Visa website to avoid threats of scams.

Complete the online form: Fill out the e-Visa application, providing essential personal details, such as full name, age, citizenship and others, passport information, and intended entry port.

Upload documents: This is a crucial stage. You must upload a digital passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of the bio page of the passport. In some cases, you will be asked to provide some other documents like flight tickets, bank statements and accommodations.

Pay the fee: Use a valid debit or credit card to pay the e-visa fee online.

Submit and wait: Once the above-mentioned processes are done, submit your application. Don’t panic or be anxious, since you will receive the e-Visa via the registered email within 2-3 working days. 

Are You Ready for Phnom Penh?

Start by securing your Cambodia e-Visa and enjoy a memorable weekend trip. Your weekend in Phnom Penh can be memorable and exciting, since the history, heritage, food, and culture offer plenty of opportunities to experience the uniqueness. Plan a 72-hour trip and find the best locations according to your desired places, so that you do not have to travel much. However, make sure you apply for the visa on time and provide reliable personal details as per the requirements.