Phnom Penh is a funny old place. After a couple of days here, we still can’t quite work it out.
Locals earn maybe £200 a month, but a coffee can cost $5. The whole place runs on US dollars, and prices in the city often feel closer to Europe than Southeast Asia. You’ll spot tuk-tuks weaving through traffic beside gleaming SUVs, and it all sort of works even if it shouldn’t.
Honestly? Don’t ask too many questions or your brain will melt.
Anyway, onto us.
Wednesday – A Much-Needed Pool Day
After bouncing around from city to city, we finally had a proper down day. The hotel had a rooftop pool with views over the skyline and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Dotty loved the shallow kids’ area, and Georgia spent most of the time jumping in and out like a maniac.
Ali got some paperwork done (power mum mode), and I finally got to just stop, breathe, and enjoy a moment of stillness. No tours, no plans just the us having a splash and a bit of peace. It’s these kinds of days that keep the big adventure ticking else you just fizzle out!.
Thursday – Big Bus, Big Sights, Big Bonus
Back into explore mode, we jumped on an ope -top bus tour in the afternoon one of those hop on hop off jobs (not that they were letting anyone on or off), but it was open air.
We passed some of Phnom Penh’s main landmarks:
The Royal Palace, gleaming in the sun Wat Phnom, perched at the city’s highest point The Independence Monument Riverside markets buzzing with life And countless little glimpses into everyday Cambodian life along the way
The breeze was much needed, and it gave us a better sense of the city’s layout (and chaos).
After the bus, we stopped at a nearby mall for lunch classic food court affair with noodle bowls, and enough air conditioning to revive us.
Crocodile Cruise at Sunset
At 6 PM, we boarded a river cruise the kind with food served on board and a perfect view of the sunset. The boat glided along the river as Phnom Penh’s skyline lit up, locals waved from the shore, and music played softly in the background.
The food was simple tofu and rice but it was tasty, and the atmosphere was great. And here’s the thing the whole lot the bus tour and the cruise came to just £20 total for all of us, and that even included four free beers.
In a city where prices sometimes feel bonkers, this felt like an absolute win.
Phnom Penh FAQ: What We Wish We Knew Before Arriving
💰 Is Phnom Penh cheap?
Not really. It can be, but don’t expect classic backpacker prices in the city centre. A coffee can cost $4–5, a meal in a mall might be $8–12 per person, and Western-style supermarkets are as pricey as the UK.
💸 What currency do they use?
Mostly US dollars. Cambodian riel is used for small change (you’ll often get coins back as riel), but prices are usually listed in USD and that means tourist pricing is real.
🚌 Is public transport easy to use?
Tuk-tuks are everywhere and cheap-ish, especially if you use the Grab app (like Southeast Asia’s Uber). No need to haggle or carry small cash.
🍽️ Is street food safe?
Yes just go where it’s busy and cooked fresh. We stuck mostly to malls and cafés this time, but loads of travellers swear by the local BBQ stalls and noodle stands.
🏨 Are hotels good value?
You’ll get more space and a pool for less than in Europe, but prices aren’t dirt cheap. Budget $30–$50 a night for family-friendly places in central areas.
🐊 What’s the deal with the crocodile cruise?
We paid £20 total for two adults, which included an open-top bus tour, dinner on the boat and four free beers. An absolute bargain by Phnom Penh standards ask around at your hotel for local deals like this.
📶 Is the internet decent?
Yep fast enough for Netflix and work. Most cafés, hotels, and even buses have free Wi-Fi.
😕 Anything that surprised you?
Yeah the cost of imported goods, the shiny new malls, and the weird mix of luxury and poverty side by side. It’s a place full of contradictions.
