Capital city, Cambodia
Phnom Penh for solo travelers
Is Phnom Penh good for solo travel?
Cambodia's busy capital: riverfront cafés, markets, history museums and a big expat and nomad scene. Cheap and varied, but hot, congested and noisy, with bag-snatching and heavy traffic.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women by day. At night use app taxis, hold bags on the inner side and avoid empty side streets. |
How to meet people in Phnom Penh
Coworking events, Toul Tom Poung and BKK1 cafés, social hostels on the riverside, run clubs, Khmer cooking classes and language exchanges.
Good things to do alone
- Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early
- See Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields with an audio guide
- Browse Russian Market for food and crafts
- Walk the riverfront promenade at sunset
- Take a street food tour in Daun Penh
Where to stay in Phnom Penh
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang) | Nomads and expats: cafés, coworking, apartments, restaurants |
| Riverside and Daun Penh | First-timers: riverfront, palace, hostels, Night Market |
| Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) | Cheaper stays, local food, markets |
| Tonle Bassac | Upscale condos, cafés and river views |
Solo travel across Cambodia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kampot | 5/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Siem Reap | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Phnom Penh | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Rong | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Koh Rong Samloem | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Battambang | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Sihanoukville | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Kep | 3/5 | Common in tourist areas |
Quick answers
Is Phnom Penh good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Cambodia's busy capital: riverfront cafés, markets, history museums and a big expat and nomad scene.
How do you meet people in Phnom Penh?
Coworking events, Toul Tom Poung and BKK1 cafés, social hostels on the riverside, run clubs, Khmer cooking classes and language exchanges. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Phnom Penh?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Phnom Penh safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women by day. At night use app taxis, hold bags on the inner side and avoid empty side streets.
More about Phnom Penh
Going to Phnom Penh solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phnom Penh meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.