Hello, my name is Élodie Asselot. My family and I recently completed a 2-week trip to Cambodia last month. During our stay in Cambodia, we spent 3 days in Phnom Penh. Usually, Phnom Penh is often overlooked in favor of Siem Reap with its iconic Angkor Wat. However, we believe this city is truly worth a visit if you wish to explore the cultural and historical values of Cambodia. We hope the experiences shared in this Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary with Autour Asia, Cambodia Travel Agency, will be helpful for any family planning to visit this city. Our plan was simple: a first day for history and culture, a second day for the children at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center and a water park, and a last day on the Mekong. If you have only 2 days and no children with you, the historical sites are described in more detail in Mr. Leroy's 2-day itinerary in Phnom Penh.
I. Overview of our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary and Phnom Penh weather
During this
Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary, besides my husband and myself, we were accompanied by our two children: Clément (12 years old) and Camille (9 years old). That’s why we wanted to dedicate some time in Phnom Penh to ensure the children could fully enjoy themselves.
Our
3-day family trip in Phnom Penh was thoughtfully designed with the support of the Autour Asia team. On the first day, we explored the historical and cultural sites of Phnom Penh. On the second day, we set aside time for the kids to enjoy popular entertainment spots. Finally, on the last day, we relaxed by the Mekong River.
Regarding
Phnom Penh weather, we were fortunate to travel to
Cambodia in November, which is one of the best times of the year for tourism as it falls during the dry season. However, the number of tourists was quite significant since it’s also the peak season. This did not bother us, and we thoroughly enjoyed our decision to travel in November. Nevertheless, if you prefer to explore Cambodia in a quieter and less crowded setting, you might consider traveling during the low or mid-season of
Phnom Penh weather.
II. Our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary
1. Day 1: Exploring Phnom Penh's Culture and History
The Royal Palace, still the residence of the King of Cambodia, was the first stop of our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary. Its many buildings and well-kept gardens kept the children busy: Clément took many photos, and the kids insisted on taking pictures of us in front of all the statues and temples!
The Silver Pagoda is in the same complex (parts of it, still the King’s residence, are closed to visitors). We paid an entrance fee of $25, and luckily I had changed into pants, because anything above the knee would have kept us out. So pack appropriate clothing for the whole family.
During our 3 days in Phnom Penh, we also visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), the former school turned prison under the Khmer Rouge regime. With children, our approach was simple: no audio guide, as the visuals and atmosphere alone were impactful, and plenty of time afterwards to answer their questions about this dark period and the civil war. We decided not to visit the Killing Fields, fearing the violent imagery might affect them.
Before lunch, we climbed to
Wat Phnom, the hilltop temple that is a sacred place for locals. After a morning of heavy history, its serene atmosphere and lush greenery were a welcome breather for the kids, and the views over the city made it a great spot for souvenir photos of our
Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary.
After a busy morning, the afternoon of our first day was more relaxed. We visited the
Russian Market, a truly iconic place in Phnom Penh. It’s the perfect spot to find souvenirs and affordable clothing. The atmosphere was quite stifling due to the lack of air conditioning, but we got to experience an authentic slice of local culture. The market is a maze of stalls offering a wide variety of items: handmade jewelry, spices, textiles, musical instruments, and antiques. There were also many food stalls serving delicious local specialties and fresh tropical fruits. We spent hours browsing and picked up a few items: a new dress for Camille, some Cambodian silver bracelets, and a wooden elephant statue for our eldest, Clément.
To end our first day of the
Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary, we opted for a
guided cyclo tour - a fun and unique way to explore the city. This traditional tricycle offers a slower-paced experience compared to cars or tuk-tuks. During the ride, we admired several beautiful temples, including one with monkeys, much to the delight of the children. Among them was a majestic pagoda where monks dine, and street children wait at the end to collect leftovers. This impressive place stood out for its walls adorned with frescoes depicting the story of Buddha.
2. Day 2: Immersion in Nature and Leisure
The second day of our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary was entirely dedicated to Clément and Camille, and the kids were already excited from the morning. Our first destination of the day was the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. Located about 40 km south of Phnom Penh, this sanctuary houses over 1,200 animals from more than 100 different species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Among its residents are elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons, and crocodiles. The center's primary goal is to rehabilitate and care for wildlife affected by poaching or habitat destruction. The animals roam in large enclosures where they can move freely before being treated and potentially reintroduced into their natural environment. While Camille was a bit shy around the larger animals, Clément was extremely excited to see the elephants strolling peacefully. This young man has a particular fondness for elephants and tigers, and this experience seemed to fulfill his enthusiasm.
Children always love water parks, and
Garden City Water Park was our family’s choice for the afternoon of the second day in our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary. Located about 15 km north of Phnom Penh, it is the largest water park in Cambodia. The park offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including fun slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a playground designed specifically for kids. Additionally, we rented folding chairs and a cabin for the whole family as it wasn’t practical to prepare a picnic on our own. We had lunch nearby, though restaurants are also available within the water park. Clément and Camille had a refreshing and enjoyable time here.
3. Day 3: Relaxation and Enjoyment Along the Mekong
On our last day in Phnom Penh, we decided to do some shopping at AEON MALL Sen Sok after reading positive reviews. Like many shopping malls, it offers a wide variety of stores, although the prices are slightly high. Most shops favor card payments. The mall is very family-friendly, with several play areas, making it an ideal spot for families. My children settled into a bowling zone and seemed to have a great time.
To wrap up our
3 days in Phnom Penh, we opted for a
boat cruise on the Mekong to enjoy the sunset. It was a stunning experience, offering breathtaking views of Phnom Penh as we gently glided along the water. During the cruise, we spotted local fishermen at work and floating houses, while the children watched the sun go down over the river. It was a magical moment for the whole family. We captured many beautiful photos, thanks to the enchanting sunset.
III. Practical Tips for a family trip of 3 days in Phnom Penh
- Choose family-friendly activities: Opt for child-friendly excursions, such as a visit to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center or a Mekong river cruise, both perfect for families.
- Bring water and snacks: With Phnom Penh's heat, it's essential to stay hydrated and have snacks on hand to avoid fatigue.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.
- Use local transportation: Tuk-tuks or cyclos are convenient and affordable ways to explore the city leisurely with your family.
I hope my insights into our family trip of 3 days in Phnom Penh will be helpful, especially if you plan a similar visit. I also want to thank Autour Asia for their invaluable assistance in organizing our Phnom Penh 3 days itinerary and their excellent recommendations on places to visit. I highly recommend Autour Asia to anyone planning to visit Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries!
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