48 Hours in Phnom Penh

From history buffs and foodies to shopaholics and partygoers, there’s something for everyone in Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh.

The city has been transformed in recent years with an explosion of developments & improved infrastructure but still retains pockets of its historical and cultural charm. Phnom Penh is also increasingly easy to reach on international and regional flights, while it's the perfect launching pad to explore the country,

Here’s how to spend 48 hours exploring the vibrant city at the heart of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Day 1: Morning

The early bird catches the worm, and the capital springs to life at dawn. Join the fitness conscious crowds that head to the riverside's esplanade (with a marked running track), Hun Sen Park, or Olympic Stadium and start the day with an exercise class, complete with pumping music.

The range of people is fascinating and many start their day early with joggers, cyclists, martial arts classes and more.

Markets form an integral part of daily life in Cambodia and are at their most vibrant in the early morning, when locals compete to snap up the freshest foods. For an authentic market experience, visit Phsar Kandal and watch fish flapping in pans, dodge slabs of beef hanging from hooks and gaze in awe at the rainbow selection of fruit and vegetables.

A less frantic alternative is Central Market (Phsar Thmei), which caters more to the tourist crowd. Beneath the iconic Art Deco dome, which dates back to 1937, stalls sell everything from souvenirs, household goods, clothes and food, to flowers, shoes, bags and everything in between.

Having worked up an appetite, head to the historic French quarter – home to a stunning collection of colonial architecture that includes the grand Post Office. Khéma La Poste is located in a restored former French villa and serves a selection of fine French food, while a cross-section of restaurants has also taken up residency in the photogenic buildings.

Day 1: Afternoon

The Royal Palace Phnom Penh

The riverside area is home to many of the national museums and tourist attractions. Delve into Cambodia’s past at the National Museum, home to relics that date back to the pre-Angkorian period. The neighbouring Royal Palace still serves as the King’s official residence. However, parts of the sprawling grounds are open to the public. Manicured gardens contain a variety of ornate temples and structures.

The adjacent Silver Pagoda also welcomes guests – although photos of its decadent interior are not allowed. Inside sits five tonnes of silver spread across 5,000 tiles, an Italian marble staircase and life-sized gold Buddha draped in 2,086 diamonds.

The Wat Ounalom Pagoda is also a short walk away and is considered the centre of Cambodian Buddhism, with the stupa housed the alleged eyebrow hair of Buddha himself.

To sample Khmer fine dining, Malis is a must-visit although the dining options in the city are fantastic. Set up by revered master chef Luu Meng, the restaurant gives traditional dishes a contemporary twist. Crowned Asia’s top chef, Meng has been championing Khmer cuisine internationally, winning him prestige at home.

Other new additions to the city's gourmet dining such as the FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Hyatt, which opened in 2021, and has fantastic sunset views looking over the Royal Palace and the confluence of several rivers.

For a nightcap, head to Street 308 and Bassac Lane, with an entertaining maze of back streets and alleys that in recent years has transformed into a hub of lively boutique bars and eateries.

Day 2: Morning

Take a sobering step back in time to the brutal Khmer Rouge regime at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Under the Pol Pot-led regime that ruled from 1975 to 1979, the former school served as a political prisoners’ camp known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). Only an estimated seven prisoners survived. The rest were tortured and killed there, or sent to their deaths at nearby Choeung Ek killing fields.

You can follow this up and explore the revered temple and the capital’s namesake, Wat Phnom, which sits atop a 27-metre-high hill. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was built in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha discovered by Lady Penh in the Mekong River. The temple is surrounded by a small but well-manicured park.

For lunch, head to Friends Future Factory. It was operated by the non-governmental organisation Friends International, which provides vocational training for underprivileged young people.

There are restaurants on-site, run by students putting their newly learned skills to the test under the supervision of skilled mentors, but the new space also has art areas, cafes and the Friends 'n Stuff shop selling goods made by the NGO. These include souvenirs and premium crafts often creatively made from recycled goods.

Day 2: Afternoon

Spend the last afternoon in Phnom Penh on a high and hire a charter helicopter to soar the skies above the city. After viewing the capital from the ground, get an alternative perspective and enjoy stunning bird’s eye views of the city sprawling below from the comfort of a helicopter.

There are several organised helicopter tours from Yugo that offer passengers aerial views. Alternatively, helicopters can be chartered for private hire to hover above iconic landmarks of passengers’ choice.

In keeping with the views from above, head to Rosewood Hotel which occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower and provides pristine city views, excellent service and meals. Enjoy stylish sundowners from its Sora Skybar on the 37th floor before heading to one of the many delightful dining options the hotel is home to.

You can even venture out and head off to Siem Reap or the tropical with chartered flights.

Discover Cambodia’s Temples from a Helicopter

Cambodia’s main draw is the ancient temples that dot the country, with Angkor Wat being the jewel in its crown.

As Cambodia’s top tourist attraction, Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is home to hundreds of ancient temples and religious structures dotted throughout the 400-sq km site.

While Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm remain the most popular, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe daily, there are many more sacred sites worth veering off the well-trodden trail for.

Regardless of the temple, each is impressive and boasts its own unique history, intricacies, design and atmosphere. However, accessing the more remote temples on-land can be time consuming. That’s why an increasing number of tourists are exploring the temples from the sky.

There are several helicopter tours that offer an exciting way to discover the majestic religious relics from above. While helicopters are not able to fly directly above Angkor Wat itself, passengers can get close enough to soak up simply stunning vistas of the sacred site sprawling below without battling the crowds on the ground.

Helicopter tour options also include hovering above Angkor’s lesser-known treasures. These range from Banteay Srei and the Roluos Group, through to Koh Ker. Of course, there is also the option to charter a private flight with a personalized itinerary to really explore the temples in style.

Here is an introduction to some of Cambodia’s must-see temples.

Angkor Wat

This legendary 12th century temple complex needs little introduction and is the main impetus for many travelers to visit Cambodia. Standing as the world’s largest religious monument, spanning 1.6 sq-km, Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, before being converted into a Buddhist temple in the 14th century.

It is famed for its many bas reliefs etched with intricate carvings that depict folktales, battles fought and Angkorian life. Magnificent aerial views can be enjoyed from the comfort of a helicopter.

Bayon

Another much-loved temple on the tourist trail, Bayon is best known for the 216 huge faces carved into its stone towers. Although small in comparison to Angkor Wat, this sacred building is much more condensed. It was built in the late-12th and early-13th century as the official state temple of King Jayavarman VII. Huge restoration work has since taken place, and is ongoing.

Hovering in the sky in a helicopter is a memorable way to view the iconic temple.

Ta Prohm

Another favorite with visitors, Ta Prohm found international fame when Angelina Jolie was filmed amid the dramatic, root-riddled walls for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Ta Prohm dates back to the 12th century and was built by Jayavarman VII to honour his family.

It features a five-tiered pyramid with steep staircases on each side. With many of the ruins consumed by the roots of towering trees, this temple is by far one of the most magnificent and incredible to view from a helicopter.

Banteay Srei

This 10th century temple sits 35 km from Siem Reap center, meaning it comes without the crowds of the main three temples. Nestled amid pristine countryside, vast paddies and farmland and lotus ponds, flying to Banteay Srei serves up breath-taking panoramas.

Boasting intricately-carved buildings made from soft, pink sandstone, this miniature temple could be plucked straight from a fairy tale.

Roluos Group

This pre-Angkorian group of temples sits slightly off the well-trodden temple trail, meaning most visitors on tight timetables skip it. Dating back to the 9th century, the remains of three temple complexes are all that remain of the King Indravarman I’s former capital.

The group comprises three distinctively-different temple complexes – Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko, which can be seen peeking out of lush jungle from above.

Koh Ker

Rarely touched by visitors, due to it sitting an enduring 120 km from Siem Reap, Koh Ker is another jaw-dropping temple complex that Cambodians hold close to their heart. Serving as the capital of the Angkor Empire from 928 A.D. to 944 A.D., the remote site boasts 42 religious structures and monuments spread across a 9 km by 4 km area nestled among jungle. The focal point is striking Prasat Krahom, a 50-meter-wide sandstone pyramid that stretches 40 meters into the sky.

Love is in the Air: Take to the Skies in a Helicopter in Cambodia

Nothing says I love you more than hovering above stunning scenery flying with a loved one on a helicopter in Cambodia. Forge unforgettable memories soaring through the skies during your travels, whether it’s to mark a special occasion, pop the question, or enjoy extra-special time together.

Hiring a helicopter in Cambodia is the perfect way to soak up incredible bird’s eye views of Cambodia alongside a loved one. From, flying over the ancient temples of Angkor Wat Archaeological Park and visiting an idyllic tropical island, to planning a personal itinerary, travelling by helicopter ensures love remains in the air.

Visit Islands

Sitting off Cambodia’s coast is a smattering of pristine tropical islands waiting to be explored. The largest and most developed island of Koh Rong is speckled with deserted stretches of powder white sand lapped by turquoise waters. Its smaller sister Koh Rong Samloem also boasts long isolated beaches – perfect for a romantic sunset stroll.

A great way to upgrade a romantic break is to book a helicopter for an airport transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport. From here, the pier to the islands is a short drive away. Alternatively, charter a private helicopter, enjoy Cambodia from above and fly directly to tropical island paradise.

Jungle Experience

Take a walk on the wild side with your loved one and experience remote jungle life in the Cardamom Mountains. Standing as Southeast Asia’s largest remaining intact rainforest, the Cardamoms is home to an incredible wealth of wildlife.

Escaping civilization deep in the jungle and spotting endangered monkeys swinging from treetops among exotic flora and fauna is the ideal experience to share with someone special. However, the Cardamoms remote location makes getting there over land a long and arduous task.

Instead, charter a private helicopter in Cambodia and make magical moments in the dense rainforest. Marvel at the sweeping bird’s eye views of the Cardamom sprawling below before landing at its base to set off on a romantic journey into the wilderness.

Discover Temples

Exploring Angkor from the sky is the ultimate in romantic moments. Charter a private helicopter in Cambodia and discover the amazing ancient sites, or board an organised temple heli-tour.

Indulging in a helicopter ride over sprawling Angkor Wat Archaeological Park offers the unique chance to spot the ruins of ancient temples peeking through jungle well off the tourist trail.

It also serves up breath-taking bird’s eyes views of famed Angkor Wat and surrounding temples, unveiling the true might of the Angkor Empire.

And for those wanting to soak up views of Siem Reap province’s abundance of natural beauty, helicopters can also fly above the Tonle Sap Lake. Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake is home to a handful of floating villages and sprinkled with fishermen at work.