Once considered the wild west of Southeast Asian cities, Phnom Penh has seen a dramatic revival in recent years. Chic new restaurants and bars are opening daily, cool cafes beckon with leafy gardens and artisan beverages, and a healthy mix of Khmers, expats and tourists means that you can find a wide range of cuisines and cultures in this up and coming urban center. Don’t let outdated guidebooks fool you—Phnom Penh is a city not to miss on your Southeast Asian travels.
STAY
Luxe: Raffles Hotel Le Royal, 92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh, Sangkat Wat Phnom, +855 23 981 888
Boutique: The Quay, Sisowath Quay, +855 23 224 894
Business: Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Sivutha Boulevard, +855 6321 1234
EAT
Chic Eats: Van’s Restaurant, No. 5, St. 102, Place de la Poste, +855 23 991 514
Local Haunts: Romdeng, #74 St 174, +855 92 219 565
Trendy Dining: Tepui at Chinese House, 45 Sisowath Quay, +855 (0) 92 553 330
DRINK
Drinks with a view: FCC, 363 Sisowath Quay, +855 23 724 014
Sunset: The Boat House, House 642, Tonle Sap Road, Chroy Chongva (over the Japanese Bridge), +855 092 553 743
Dance the night away: Heart of Darkness Club, 38 Pasteur, +855 23 222 415
MUST DO’s
Visit The Royal Palace, the official residence of the King.
Check out the Toul Sleng Museum which chronicles the genocide of Cambodia.
Visit the National Museum, the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art.