Day Trips from Phnom Penh

Overview

Phnom Penh's location at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers makes it a natural hub for day trips. From ancient temples and silk-weaving islands to wildlife rescue centers and floating villages, there's enough within 1-3 hours to fill weeks of exploration.

Koh Dach (Silk Island)

15km (30 min)

Half day

$15-25 total

Tuk-tuk + ferry ($15-20 return)

A tranquil island in the Mekong famous for traditional silk weaving. Watch artisans at hand looms, buy scarves direct from weavers, and cycle through rice paddies. The ferry ride itself is scenic.

Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, families

Silk weaving workshopsCycling rice paddiesLocal lunchMekong ferry

Tip: Rent a bicycle on the island ($1) and explore the quiet villages away from the weaving workshops.

Oudong (Ancient Capital)

40km (1.5 hours)

Half day

$10-35 total

Tuk-tuk ($25-30 return) or bus ($3)

Cambodia's former capital (1618-1866) with hilltop stupas containing royal remains. Climb the 509 steps for panoramic views over the Cambodian plains. A peaceful alternative to crowded Phnom Penh temples.

Best for: History buffs, hikers, photographers

Royal stupasPanoramic views509 steps climbSilver-working village

Tip: Visit the silver-working village at the base of the hill, where artisans craft traditional Khmer silverware.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

44km (1.5 hours)

Full day

$15-45 total

Tuk-tuk ($30-40 return)

Southeast Asia's largest wildlife rescue center, home to sun bears, elephants, tigers, and gibbons. Unlike zoos, animals here are rescues from the illegal wildlife trade. The "behind the scenes" tour is exceptional.

Best for: Families, animal lovers, ethical tourists

Sun bear feedingElephant encountersConservation educationBehind-the-scenes tour

Tip: Book the "Phnom Tamao Experience" through Wildlife Alliance ($75) for a behind-the-scenes tour with animal keeper access.

Tonle Bati & Ta Prohm Temple

33km (1 hour)

Half day

$10-30 total

Tuk-tuk ($20-25 return)

A lakeside recreation area with an 800-year-old Angkorian temple (not to be confused with the famous Ta Prohm in Siem Reap). Popular weekend spot for Cambodian families with floating pavilions and local food stalls.

Best for: Temple lovers, local culture immersion

Angkorian templeLake pavilionsLocal foodWeekend atmosphere

Tip: Visit on a weekend to see Cambodian families picnicking on the floating pavilions — a genuinely local experience.

Phnom Chisor Temple

60km (2 hours)

Full day (combine with Tonle Bati)

$15-50 total

Tuk-tuk ($35-45 return)

An 11th-century hilltop temple with commanding views over the surrounding plains. Less visited than other Angkorian temples, offering a more authentic archaeological experience.

Best for: History enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path seekers

Hilltop templeStunning viewsFew tourists11th-century ruins

Tip: Combine with Tonle Bati for a full day — they're on the same road south of Phnom Penh.

Mekong River Cruise

On-river

Half day or sunset

$15-40

Boat from Riverside pier

Cruise the Mekong and Tonle Sap confluence on anything from a traditional wooden boat to a restored vintage cruiser. Sunset cruises with cocktails are particularly popular.

Best for: Couples, photographers, relaxation seekers

Mekong viewsSunset cocktailsRiver life observationPhotography

Tip: Book a sunset cruise ($15-25) rather than midday — the light on the water and Royal Palace is magical.

Kirirom National Park

112km (2.5 hours)

Full day

$25-65 total

Private car ($50-60 return)

Cambodia's first national park, set on a 800m-high plateau with pine forests, waterfalls, and cool mountain air. A dramatic contrast to Phnom Penh's heat. Great for hiking and picnicking.

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, families

Pine forestsWaterfallsCool mountain airHiking trails

Tip: Bring a jacket — the elevation makes it noticeably cooler than Phnom Penh, especially in the morning.

Kampong Cham & Bamboo Bridge

124km (2.5 hours)

Full day

$15-65 total

Bus ($5-7) or private car ($50-60)

A charming riverside town famous for its seasonal bamboo bridge to Koh Paen island. The bridge is rebuilt by hand each dry season. Visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Wat Nokor.

Best for: Adventure seekers, culture lovers, photographers

Bamboo bridgeKoh Paen islandWat Nokor templeRiverside town

Tip: The bamboo bridge only exists during dry season (roughly Dec-Jun). Call ahead to confirm it's been built.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Phnom Penh?

Koh Dach (Silk Island) is the easiest and most rewarding day trip — it's just 30 minutes away with a scenic ferry crossing. For nature lovers, Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center offers an exceptional experience. Combine Tonle Bati and Phnom Chisor for a full day of temples.

Can I do a day trip to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh?

How do I arrange day trips from Phnom Penh?

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Day Trips from Phnom Penh

Overview

Koh Dach (Silk Island)

15km (30 min)

Half day

$15-25 total

Tuk-tuk + ferry ($15-20 return)

A tranquil island in the Mekong famous for traditional silk weaving. Watch artisans at hand looms, buy scarves direct from weavers, and cycle through rice paddies. The ferry ride itself is scenic.

Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, families

Silk weaving workshopsCycling rice paddiesLocal lunchMekong ferry

Tip: Rent a bicycle on the island ($1) and explore the quiet villages away from the weaving workshops.

Oudong (Ancient Capital)

40km (1.5 hours)

Half day

$10-35 total

Tuk-tuk ($25-30 return) or bus ($3)

Best for: History buffs, hikers, photographers

Royal stupasPanoramic views509 steps climbSilver-working village

Tip: Visit the silver-working village at the base of the hill, where artisans craft traditional Khmer silverware.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

44km (1.5 hours)

Full day

$15-45 total

Tuk-tuk ($30-40 return)

Best for: Families, animal lovers, ethical tourists

Sun bear feedingElephant encountersConservation educationBehind-the-scenes tour

Tip: Book the "Phnom Tamao Experience" through Wildlife Alliance ($75) for a behind-the-scenes tour with animal keeper access.

Tonle Bati & Ta Prohm Temple

33km (1 hour)

Half day

$10-30 total

Tuk-tuk ($20-25 return)

Best for: Temple lovers, local culture immersion

Angkorian templeLake pavilionsLocal foodWeekend atmosphere

Tip: Visit on a weekend to see Cambodian families picnicking on the floating pavilions — a genuinely local experience.

Phnom Chisor Temple

60km (2 hours)

Full day (combine with Tonle Bati)

$15-50 total

Tuk-tuk ($35-45 return)

An 11th-century hilltop temple with commanding views over the surrounding plains. Less visited than other Angkorian temples, offering a more authentic archaeological experience.

Best for: History enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path seekers

Hilltop templeStunning viewsFew tourists11th-century ruins

Tip: Combine with Tonle Bati for a full day — they're on the same road south of Phnom Penh.

Mekong River Cruise

On-river

Half day or sunset

$15-40

Boat from Riverside pier

Cruise the Mekong and Tonle Sap confluence on anything from a traditional wooden boat to a restored vintage cruiser. Sunset cruises with cocktails are particularly popular.

Best for: Couples, photographers, relaxation seekers

Mekong viewsSunset cocktailsRiver life observationPhotography

Tip: Book a sunset cruise ($15-25) rather than midday — the light on the water and Royal Palace is magical.

Kirirom National Park

112km (2.5 hours)

Full day

$25-65 total

Private car ($50-60 return)

Cambodia's first national park, set on a 800m-high plateau with pine forests, waterfalls, and cool mountain air. A dramatic contrast to Phnom Penh's heat. Great for hiking and picnicking.

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, families

Pine forestsWaterfallsCool mountain airHiking trails

Tip: Bring a jacket — the elevation makes it noticeably cooler than Phnom Penh, especially in the morning.

Kampong Cham & Bamboo Bridge

124km (2.5 hours)

Full day

$15-65 total

Bus ($5-7) or private car ($50-60)

A charming riverside town famous for its seasonal bamboo bridge to Koh Paen island. The bridge is rebuilt by hand each dry season. Visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Wat Nokor.

Best for: Adventure seekers, culture lovers, photographers

Bamboo bridgeKoh Paen islandWat Nokor templeRiverside town

Tip: The bamboo bridge only exists during dry season (roughly Dec-Jun). Call ahead to confirm it's been built.