Why visit
Phnom Penh sits where the Mekong and Tonlé Sap meet, with royal architecture, riverfront life, markets, and difficult but essential modern history. It gives Cambodia depth beyond Angkor.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Phnom Penh is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Cambodia. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Phnom Penh, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Cambodia better matches the trip style.
Phnom Penh at a glance
City population
1.6 million
Elevation
20 m
66 ft
Time zone
UTC+7
Asia/Phnom_Penh
Airport
KTI
Techo International Airport
Cambodia at a glance
Country center
13.0°, 105.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
181,035 km²
69,898 mi²
Country population
16.8 million
93/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Cambodian riel (៛)
KHR
Dial
+855
Language
Khmer
Demonym
Cambodian
Internet
.kh
UN
Member state
ISO code
KH / KHM
Where in the world
13.0° - 105.0°
Cambodia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Phnom Penh stands where the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac river systems meet.
- The city became Cambodia's capital in the 15th century after the decline of Angkor.
- By legend the city was founded by Lady Penh, who found sacred Buddha statues washed up by the river in the 14th century.
- Angkor Wat, once the capital of the Khmer Empire, is the largest religious monument in the world by land area.
- Cambodia's flag is the only national flag that features a building (Angkor Wat).
Bordering Cambodia
Traveler notes
- The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda anchor the civic center
- Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek require time and respect
- The riverside is the easiest first orientation walk
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Phnom Penh
What currency is used in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh uses the Cambodian riel (៛), ISO code KHR.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia?
The primary language is Khmer.
What is the international calling code for Cambodia?
The calling code is +855.
When is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
Nov–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Phnom Penh?
Techo International Airport (IATA: KTI).
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