Phnom Penh: 3 Excursions Around Cambodia's Capital
Just a few kilometers away from Phnom Penh's hustle and bustle, temples, lakes, pagodas, and silk-weaving islands await. Discover rewarding day trips around Cambodia's vibrant capital.
Spending a few days in Phnom Penh? Already explored the city? Then why not venture out on an excursion around Cambodia's capital? Today, we suggest three must-see day trips that blend culture, nature, and craftsmanship during your stay in Phnom Penh.
Oudong and Its Majestic Temple
Located roughly 40 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, this quiet town once served as Cambodia's capital for 250 years. Relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism, it's the perfect place to explore a chapter of Cambodia's history in peaceful surroundings. Upon arrival, you'll encounter the magnificent Oudong Temple, perched atop a mountain and offering breathtaking panoramic views. To reach it, however, you'll need to climb 509 steps—and socks are advised, as shoes must be removed before the final staircase leading to the sacred monument. Once at the hilltop, you can admire the temple's singular, grand architecture and take in the sweeping vistas of surrounding landscapes and pagodas. Plan for about an hour and a half on-site, and don't miss exploring the traditional Oudong market—a wonderfully authentic experience.
To extend this magical moment, venture a short drive further to visit the Phnom Reap temple, which rivals the famous Angkor complex in grandeur.
Tonlé Bati & Phnom Chisor: Two Excursions in One
What is Tonlé Bati?
Tonlé Bati is located in Takéo Province, about 40 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, and refers to the lake found here. Many Cambodians visit on weekends to relax by its waters or enjoy water activities. Nearby, you'll discover the Tonlé Bati Pagoda and the Ta Prohm Temple, where you can explore at leisure and capture stunning photographs of your getaway.
Phnom Chisor
Continuing south for about 20 kilometers, you'll reach the summit of Phnom Chisor. This remarkable site features several Khmer pagodas and other religious monuments perched at approximately 130 meters above sea level.
Silk Island: The Island of Silk Weaving
Looking to escape Phnom Penh for an afternoon? Keen to discover the surrounding nature? It may seem challenging when you know Cambodia's capital lacks parks. Yet, have you heard of Silk Island or Koh Dach? Silk Island is the name given to this peaceful islet in the Mekong River, surrounded by lush vegetation and renowned for its silk weaving heritage. You can explore silk farms and witness the entire artisanal production process of fabrics. Silk weaving is woven into daily island life—literally—as most households operate traditional looms. After your visit, stroll, cycle, or take a tuk-tuk to explore landscapes utterly unlike Phnom Penh's urban sprawl. A brief ferry crossing will transport you to the island's opposite shore.
Frequently asked questions
Costs vary depending on your choice of transport. Expect around $15-25 for a full-day tuk-tuk rental, plus temple entrance fees (typically $1-3 per site).
The dry season (November to March) is ideal, with cooler temperatures. Avoid the rainy season (May to October) for hikes and climbs.
Oudong is 40 km north of Phnom Penh. You can reach it by tuk-tuk (1.5 hours), private taxi, or local bus from the Central Market.
Covering everything in one day is challenging. We recommend visiting Oudong alone, or combining Tonlé Bati and Phnom Chisor together. Silk Island deserves a dedicated half-day.
