Visiting a capital city can quickly become a bad experience if you don’t prepare well beforehand. These tips for visiting Phnom Penh without any hassle should help you make the most of this bustling city.
Tips to plan your transportation in Phnom Penh
Navigating Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, can be an adventure. Traffic can be sometimes chaotic. Fortunately, Phnom Penh offers many ways to get around and explore it in depth.
First of all, as soon as you arrive at the airport, our first tips for visiting Phnom Penh is to buy a SIM card and download a ride application. Certainly the best way to travel with peace of mind. It’ll save you long, frustrating negotiations over the price of your trip. There are 2 main applications: Grab (Credit Card and cash) and PassApp (Only cash).
Tuk-tuks and rickshaws are a popular and affordable means of transport. Negotiate fares before departure if you don’t wish to use an app. Motorbike taxis (motodops) are quick but ensure you have a helmet. Taxis are available at the airport only.
Walking can be enjoyable, but be cautious of traffic and sidewalks! The latter are often cluttered with cars, street restaurants and merchants of all kinds. You’ll end up walking on the road most of the time.
Download maps.me for offline navigation before your departure.
Embrace the chaotic traffic (traffic has increased considerably in recent years), be patient and take care as a pedestrian, as traffic regulations are often flexible outside the main streets.
Tips to be aware of your surroundings
While Phnom Penh is a safe city overall, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone during the night, keep your belongings close to you, and be cautious when interacting with strangers.
Like any big city, pickpockets are always on the lookout in crowded areas such as in front of the Royal Palace, riverside or night market.
if you’re in a tuk-tuk or taxi, make sure your bags are secure and don’t use your phone. The thieves come on motorcycles and you rip them off.
Learn some basic Khmer phrases
Learning a few basic Khmer phrases, the official language of Cambodia, can go a long way in making your visit to Phnom Penh more enjoyable. Simple greetings like “sous-dey” (hello) and “arkoun” (thank you) can help you connect with locals and show that you respect their culture.
Overall, learning Khmer phrases not only enriches the tourist experience but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and respect.
Tips to stay hydrated
Staying hydrated in a city like Phnom Penh is of paramount importance due to its hot and humid tropical climate. With average temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C (86°F) and high humidity levels, the risk of dehydration is significantly elevated. In such conditions, regular water intake is crucial your physical well-being.
Our advice? Always carry a bottle of water with you, and remember to take breaks in air-conditioned areas to cool down. You can buy water anywhere, on the street, in cafés or markets. It’s really easy.
What’s more, Cambodia is the city of cafés. They’re everywhere. Starbuck’s is very present. But you’ll also find the local Amazon and Brown coffee brands or regional chains like the famous KOI.
Dress appropriately
When visiting Phnom Penh’s temples and other cultural sites, it’s important to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing, and cover your shoulders and knees. Not only is this respectful, but it will also help you stay cool in the heat.
The tropical climate can be quite hot and humid, making lightweight, conservative attire not only a sign of cultural sensitivity but also a practical choice for staying comfortable in the local weather conditions.
And why not imitate the monks and go out with your parasol or umbrella? We strongly recommend it when visiting temples where shade is scarce.
Be open-minded
Finally, keep an open mind when visiting Phnom Penh. This city has a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life, and experiencing it with an open mind will help you get the most out of your visit. Enjoy your trip !
We hope you will find these tips for visiting Phnom Penh useful for your next visit to the kingdom of wonders.
