Cheap Flights to Phnom Penh from $602

Phnom Pehn, the capital of Cambodia, was once considered to be the “Gem of Indo-China”. Situated at the confluence of three rivers –Mekong, Beesac and Tonle Sap, the city holds a unique allure and individuality. Phnom Pehn exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquility with its French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards along with monumental Angkorian architecture. The shining towers of the Royal Palace, the winging saffron of the monk’s robe and the exquisite location on the banks of the mighty Mekong play a factor in making the city an exotic destination. The cosmopolitan city is full of contrast – traditional and modern, poverty and wealth, local and tourist.  A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous hospitality of Phnom Pehn eagerly awaits visitors.

Tip: The US Dollar and the Cambodian Riel are both commonly accepted currencies.

How to get to Phnom Pehn

Phnom Pehn International Airport is the largest airport in Cambodia as well as the busiest. It is located 10 kilometers west of Phnom Pehn in the Dangkao District. Direct flights to Phnom Pehn see a lot of traffic from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Singapore, and Malaysia among other countries. These cheap flights to Phnom Pehn are offered by world-class carriers such as AirAsia, Thai Airways and Cambodia Airways. There are more than 50 flights to Phnom Pehn daily and consequently, more than 6 million tourists fly down to experience the Kingdom of Wonder for themselves. Ordinary visas are the best choice for those wishing to stay for over two months and these visas can generally be extended indefinitely.

Tip: Ideally it takes about 2-3 days to grasp the entire city.

What to do/see

A melting pot of culture, Phnom Pehn is the gateway to an exotic land that houses the largest religious complex in the world, pristine beaches on its southern coast, a vibrant nightlife and every tourist’s dream. A city heavily dependent on tourism, Phnom Pehn has something to offer to everyone. 

The Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum of Cambodia, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Wat Botum among others are popular tourist attractions. These sites will successfully help you to devour Cambodia’s past and enhance your interest in the history of their unique culture and traditions. They depict the recent painful history of the country and allow you to pay your respects.

A stroll along the Sisowath Quay aka Riverside is considered to be soothing, to cool off in the evening and is a sort of a self-guided tour. The built-up street side is lined up with small cafes, shops, and bars. It is a crowded time here during dawn because people gather to marvel at the beautiful sunrise over the river while the locals continue with their calisthenics in front of the Royal Palace.

Bicycle tours and cruises along the Tonle Sap and Mekong River are heavily sought after. They allow you to relish the natural beauty of the region while providing you with local experience. Deep-sea diving and scuba adventures are also quite common in the city.

Tip: Daytime bag-snatching and pickpocketing are quite common. Be careful and never wear your bag on your back!

Where/what to shop and eat

The city is a sort of a haven for shoppers. The Central Market in Phnom Pehn near the Riverside District sells everything ranging from flowers to video games. The O’Russey Market is a wholesale market and is ideal for a thrifty shopper whereas the Aeon mall is the biggest of its kind in the city. Tourists typically gravitate towards the silk, silverware, handicrafts, and curios mainly Buddha figures sold here. Every item sold throughout the country tends to promote Cambodia’s heritage and cultural legacy. However, counterfeit products can also be found across the city in bulk.

Phnom Pehn offers some interesting culinary treats not found anywhere else in the world. Cambodian cuisine is an amalgamation of French, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian dishes. The Riverside is a popular area to go to which hosts everything from stand up stalls to French bistro restaurants. It’s an ideal place to visit to experience the nightlife that the city has to offer as well. The Central Market is a hawker food center and the dishes here are pocket-friendly and finger-licking good. Local exotic treats that are a must-try here include duck embryo eggs, chicken claws, small crabs and barbeque prawns. If the local dishes fail to grab your interest, famous fast-food restaurants are sprawled around all over the city.

Tip: As in most developing countries avoiding the cold, uncooked food is desirable to avoid stomach upsets.

How to commute and where to stay

Buses are commonly used in the city to commute from place to place. They are ideal for tourists and are cost-efficient. The bus system here has three lines and advertisement boards with large maps of the bus routes will help you locate bus stops. Taxis and motorbike taxis also operate in the city and generally, charge by the meter. However, they are difficult to find depending on the area. Another common mode of transportation are tuk-tuks. They are basically motorcycles with a cabin for passengers at the back. Tuk-tuks in Phnom Pehn is cheap and plentiful.

If you are an economical backpacker, the Lakeside area houses a variety of hostels. There is a wide range of hotels and inns in the city center that cater to those pursuing a mid-grade experience whereas hotels like Raffles Le Royal and the Phnom Pehn Hotel are committed to providing you with a luxurious stay.

Tip: Phnom Pehn is a dusty city all year round and riding tuk-tuks means a lot of dust in your eyes. Be sure to carry your largest pair of sunglasses.

Trip.com helps you experience the vibrant and bustling city of Phnom Pehn. Organizing a trip can be quite an ordeal. It is especially tiresome to locate the right destination, flights, and hotels. Along with the cheap deals and great offers, Trip.com narrows down flight and hotel options to those most suitable to you. In addition, their efficient 24*7 customer service assures that you have a pleasant and user-friendly experience. Travel to Phnom Pehn with Trip.com for a mind-blowing and surreal voyage.