Phnom Penh

This city delivers sensory overload. It's a city of wild contrasts—gleaming temples sit next to crumbling French colonial buildings, and luxury SUVs navigate streets teeming with tuk-tuks. The vibe is chaotic yet captivating, a place where history is heavy in the air but the energy of the people is forward-looking and incredibly resilient.

Phnom Penh is an essential stop in Southeast Asia. Firstly, the history here is profound and deeply moving; visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields) offers a powerful lesson in resilience that you just can't get from a textbook. Secondly, the city is a feast for the senses. Imagine grabbing a plastic stool for a bowl of Kuy Teav noodle soup on a bustling street corner, then later sipping a cocktail at a swanky rooftop bar overlooking the Mekong River. Finally, it's incredible value. Your money goes a long way here, allowing you to experience amazing food, unique accommodations, and rich culture without breaking the bank.

The Khmer people are remarkably warm, gentle, and quick to smile, which is incredible given their recent history. In the main tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially among the younger generation. The primary language is Khmer. You'll see saffron-robed monks collecting alms in the morning, a beautiful and integral part of the city's daily rhythm. A respectful "Chum Reap Sour" (hello) will always be well-received.

The food here is incredible and so, so cheap. The core of Khmer cuisine is a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. You absolutely have to try Fish Amok, a fragrant and mild fish curry steamed in a banana leaf, and Beef Lok Lak, a delicious stir-fry with a peppery lime dipping sauce. For breakfast, nothing beats a bowl of Kuy Teav, a pork-based noodle soup. You can get a fantastic meal at a local restaurant for just a few dollars.

The infrastructure is definitely that of a developing city, which is part of its character. Wi-Fi is surprisingly decent in most cafes and hotels, but don't be shocked by the occasional power cut. Air conditioning is common in modern hotels and restaurants but not a given in more local spots. There's no metro or train system, so your life will revolve around ride-hailing apps for tuk-tuks. The streets can get flooded during heavy rains in the wet season, so pack accordingly!

You'll be flying into the newly opened Techo International Airport (TIA), Phnom Penh's main international airport. The best advice for getting to the city is to ignore the touts and head straight for the ride-hailing pickup area. Download either the Grab or PassApp app on your phone before you arrive. A ride to the city center via a digital tuk-tuk or car is affordable and saves you the hassle of negotiating. Expect tuk-tuks from the airport to cost around $9 USD, while a metered taxi might be $12-18 USD depending on the destination. A public bus is the cheapest option, costing only about $0.40 (1,500 KHR), but can be a bit of a slow-moving sauna.

Getting around is an adventure in itself! The city is not very walkable due to the heat, chaotic traffic, and inconsistent sidewalks. Your best friends will be the Grab and PassApp ride-hailing apps. Tuk-tuks (or more commonly, the smaller and cheaper Indian-style rickshaws) are the way to go. They're inexpensive, readily available, and let you soak in the city's sights and sounds. Short rides within the city typically cost $1-3 USD. The public bus system exists and is very cheap (about KHR 1,500 or $0.40), but the routes and schedules can be a bit tricky to navigate as a tourist.

While violent crime specifically targeting tourists is uncommon, Phnom Penh presents important security considerations. Petty theft and motorbike bag-snatching are frequent — thieves often grab bags, purses, or phones from pedestrians and people in tuk‑tuks, sometimes causing injury. If confronted in a robbery, surrender valuables without resistance to reduce the risk of harm; do not try to chase or intervene. Keep phones out of sight (especially near the edge of a tuk‑tuk), wear a cross‑body bag on the side away from traffic, and avoid unlit or quiet areas late at night. Be alert in nightlife areas: isolated incidents of sexual assault and drink‑spiking have been reported, so watch your drinks and travel with companions when possible. Organized crime exists in Cambodia and can influence the wider security environment, and if you travel outside the city be aware of regional border tensions and the lingering risk of landmines in some remote areas. In short, be vigilant — especially after dark and in crowded tourist zones — and take sensible precautions to reduce risk.