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    Last verified: March 2026by Cambodia Travel Team
    3 Days in Phnom Penh — Complete City Guide (2026)
    The ultimate 3-day Phnom Penh itinerary: history, food, markets, nightlife, and a day trip. Complete with budget estimates and insider tips.
    3 Days
    Phnom Penh

    3 Days in Phnom Penh

    Three days lets you experience Phnom Penh at a relaxed pace — covering all the major sights plus hidden gems, day trips, and the city's incredible food scene.

    How should I spend 3 days in Phnom Penh?

    Day 1: Royal Palace, National Museum, S-21, riverside. Day 2: Killing Fields, Russian Market, BKK1, Bassac Lane. Day 3: Silk Island day trip or Oudong temples. Budget $60–$180 total.

    Day 1: Royal Heritage & Dark History

    7:00 AM

    Breakfast at Central Market

    $1–$2

    Noodle soup in the art deco dome.

    8:00 AM

    Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

    $10

    Royal compound tour.

    10:00 AM

    National Museum

    $10

    Khmer sculpture collection.

    12:00 PM

    Lunch at Friends

    $5–$10

    Social enterprise dining.

    1:30 PM

    S-21 Genocide Museum

    $8

    Powerful audio-guided tour.

    5:00 PM

    Riverside sunset

    $3–$6

    Drinks overlooking the confluence.

    7:00 PM

    Dinner at Romdeng

    $10–$20

    Upscale Cambodian cuisine.

    Day 2: Markets, Food & Nightlife

    7:00 AM

    Bai sach chrouk breakfast

    $1

    Grilled pork and rice.

    8:30 AM

    Killing Fields

    $9

    Memorial site visit.

    11:00 AM

    Russian Market

    $5–$20

    Souvenirs and shopping.

    1:00 PM

    Cooking class

    $20–$35

    Learn to make fish amok and spring rolls.

    5:00 PM

    BKK1 cafe time

    $3–$5

    Coffee and people-watching.

    7:30 PM

    Bassac Lane bar crawl

    $15–$30

    Phnom Penh's cocktail alley.

    Day 3: Day Trip & Hidden Gems

    7:00 AM

    Ferry to Silk Island

    $2 ferry + $2 bike rental

    Cycle around Koh Dach and visit silk weaving houses.

    12:00 PM

    Lunch on Silk Island

    $3–$5

    Fresh river fish at a local restaurant.

    2:00 PM

    Return & explore Wat Phnom

    $1

    The city's founding temple on a shaded hill.

    3:30 PM

    SOSORO Museum

    Free

    Free monetary history museum in a beautiful building.

    5:00 PM

    Eclipse Sky Bar sunset

    $6–$12

    26th-floor panoramic views.

    7:30 PM

    Farewell dinner at Malis

    $15–$30

    Cambodia's most celebrated restaurant by chef Luu Meng.

    💰 Budget Estimate

    🎒

    Budget

    $60–$90

    🏨

    Mid-Range

    $120–$180

    🌴

    Luxury

    $250–$400

    💡 Tips

    • • Spread heavy sites (S-21, Killing Fields) across Day 1 and 2.
    • • Day 3 Silk Island trip is the perfect antidote to the city.
    • • Consider a food tour — Phnom Penh has amazing hidden eateries.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Not at all. Most travelers say they wish they'd spent more time. Day 3 can be a day trip to Silk Island, Oudong, or Phnom Tamao Wildlife Centre.

    More City Itineraries

    1 Day in Phnom Penh

    $40–$60

    2 Days in Phnom Penh

    $80–$120

    1 Day in Siem Reap

    $70–$100

    2 Days in Siem Reap

    $140–$200

    3 Days in Siem Reap

    $200–$300

    1 Day in Kampot

    $30–$50

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    On This Page

    • Quick Answer
    • Day 1: Royal Heritage & Dark History
    • Day 2: Markets, Food & Nightlife
    • Day 3: Day Trip & Hidden Gems
    • Budget Estimate
    • Tips
    • FAQ

    Data Sources & Official References

    Ministry of Tourism, CambodiaGeneral Department of ImmigrationWorld Bank Open Data
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