Day Trips from Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh’s surroundings are filled with enchanting sites, from ancient Brahman temples and lush rice paddies to workshops where women weave golden silk and create clay pots by hand. There’s much to discover just beyond the Cambodian capital.
After exploring Phnom Penh, consider these top 12 day trips to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
Golden temples and verdant landscapes grace the Cambodian countryside outside Phnom Penh. Oudong Temple offers stunning views and is a highlight of nearby excursions.
This list also features a mystical waterfall in the Cardamom Mountains, a prospective UNESCO World Heritage Site as historic as Angkor Wat, a floating village that provides a quieter alternative to those near Siem Reap, and more!
To help you plan the ideal getaway from Phnom Penh, I’ve included practical advice and travel tips for each location.
Planning a Day Trip from Phnom Penh
Day Tours from Phnom Penh
If group tours aren’t your style, they can still be a convenient and cost-effective choice. With all transportation and logistics arranged for you, you often find interesting itineraries that go beyond the usual destinations. Many companies also offer private tours.
You can select from boutique companies like Grasshopper Adventures, which specializes in cycling tours, or explore various itineraries on platforms like Get Your Guide. I prefer this site for booking tours – it features vetted companies, secure online payments, and a flexible refund policy in case of changes. Check out all their Phnom Penh itineraries here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Facebook Group Phnom Penh Hike organizes weekly full-day nature and trekking excursions. Minivan transfers from Phnom Penh are included, and you’ll have an English-speaking guide. The group sizes are small, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with expats, locals, and other travelers.
Hiring a Driver in Phnom Penh
Another option is to hire a car and driver for the day, offering more flexibility to customize your itinerary, though it comes at a higher cost. Prices typically range from 30-40 cents per kilometer for an SUV accommodating up to four passengers.
It’s advisable to find a driver with strong recommendations from other travelers, either through online inquiries or by asking at your accommodation.
12Go Asia provides the option to book taxis online through various private companies, though prices can be higher (up to double in some cases).
Renting a Bicycle
For shorter journeys around the countryside and Mekong/Bassac islands, renting a bicycle can be ideal. I cycled around Phnom Penh daily during my time there, but experienced some challenging situations. I recommend biking outside the city, such as on the islands, where traffic is lighter.
Always exercise caution and use proper safety gear, including a helmet. For added peace of mind, consider joining a guided bike tour with Grasshopper Adventures.
Using Public Transport
Public transportation in Cambodia is generally slow and not always suited for day trips. Only a few destinations are accessible by bus or train.
When traveling by bus, I recommend booking a day or two in advance (longer for popular routes) directly through the company’s website or on Bookaway.
Top Short Day Trips from Phnom Penh (Less than 3 Hours by Road)
These popular and alternative day trips require under 3 hours of driving one way. Be sure to account for extra time for traffic when entering or leaving the city.
1. Oudong Temple – A Favored Day Trip
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 43 kilometers (27 miles)
- Travel Time: About 75 minutes one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Bicycle, taxi/tuk tuk, or guided tour Oudong,
- Cambodia’s former royal capital, is a popular nearby destination. Its close distance to Phnom Penh and numerous tour options make it easy to visit. Situated in Kandal Province, Oudong was the capital for over 250 years until 1866 and is now on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The site features a ‘royal necropolis’ with gilded and white stupas scattered across a mountaintop. Visitors can admire these stupas and enjoy panoramic views of the Cambodian countryside. At the mountain’s base, there’s a Buddhist Meditation Centre with additional pagodas. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) to explore the grounds. The centre also offers popular Vipassana retreats. Many visitors to Oudong also visit the nearby village of Por Touch, known for its silversmithing artisans. You can observe craftsmen creating beautiful metal objects. A scenic way to experience Oudong is by chartered boat up the Tonle Sap river from Phnom Penh.
- Day Tours to Oudong
A half-day tour departs early from Phnom Penh and includes a visit to the silversmith village and main stupas. The tour price covers door-to-door van transfers, an English-speaking guide, and lunch at a local restaurant.
2. Angkor Borei & Phnom Da
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 85 kilometers (53 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2.5 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Situated south of Phnom Penh in Takeo province, Angkor Borei is a significant yet lesser-known archaeological site. Artifacts from this site date back to 400BC, featuring the earliest Khmer inscriptions and some of the oldest Khmer sculptures. The site spans 740 acres, surrounded by moats and defensive walls. During ancient times, it was connected to other important centers across the border in Vietnam by a canal network. Due to its low-lying location, the site can be accessed by boat during the rainy season. The Angkor Borei Museum, located in an old Buddhist temple, displays many of the unearthed items. Nearby, Phnom Da mountain features an 11th-century temple from the Funan period and several caves used during the Khmer Rouge era. Angkor Borei can be reached either by road (year-round) via Phnom Chisor or by boat (rainy season) from Takeo.
3. Phnom Chisor, Ta Prohm & Tonle Bati
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 53 kilometers (33 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2.25 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Phnom Chisor, an 11th-century Brahman temple on Chi So mountain, features elegant sandstone galleries reminiscent of Angkor temples. The views of Takeo province’s rice paddies are spectacular. Ta Prohm, built in the 12th-13th centuries, showcases intricate carvings depicting daily life and celestial scenes. Located by Tonle Bati lake, it’s one of Cambodia’s most charming temples. The lake and the three spots are often visited together. I suggest visiting Phnom Chisor first, then exploring Tonle Bati and enjoying lunch at one of the lake’s bungalow restaurants.
4. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 43 kilometers (27 miles)
- Travel Time: About 1.75 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Bear Care Tour (includes transfers)
- Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, founded in 1995, houses animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, including monkeys, tigers, snow leopards, and elephants. The center operates as a large park with open-plains-style enclosures. Most animals here cannot be released into the wild and live in semi-captivity. It’s home to over 1,000 rescued animals, including endangered species and the world’s largest group of Malayan sun bears. The Bear Care Tour, provided by NGO Free the Bears, offers transfers from Phnom Penh and a ‘day-in-the-life’ experience as a bear caretaker. Proceeds support the organization’s work in Cambodia. Alternatively, Wildlife Alliance also offers tours to Phnom Tamao. Check out details here.
5. Koh Dach (Silk Island) – An Easy Day Trip
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 14 kilometers (9 miles)
- Travel Time: About 45 minutes one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Tuk tuk or bicycle
- Koh Dach, or Silk Island, is an easy day trip from Phnom Penh. Located in the Mekong river just north of Sisowath Quay, this 12-kilometer-long island is renowned for its traditional silk weaving. I had the chance to visit Silk Island and meet artisans who continue traditional spinning, dyeing, and weaving techniques. Silk production in Cambodia has declined since the 1970s, making this one of the few places where the art is preserved. Koh Dach is accessible by local ferry from Preak Leap. The fare is around 500 riel one way for pedestrians. Once on the island, it’s best to have your own transport to explore. Silk vendors welcome visitors for demonstrations, and you can purchase handmade souvenirs. On Koh Oknha Tei, a smaller island, there’s a silk museum explaining the process from worm to loom. Other activities include renting a bamboo hut on Koh Dach beach, dining by the water, or exploring the island’s trails to visit small villas and pagodas.
6. Southern Bassac Islands
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 19-22 kilometers (12-14 miles)
- Travel Time: About 1-1.5 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Bicycle
- The Tonle Bassac river islands include Koh Anloung Chen and Koh Kor, known for their peaceful village life and traditional crafts. Accessible from Phnom Penh via boat or bicycle, the islands provide a quiet retreat from city life. A bike ride along the river offers scenic views and a glimpse into daily Cambodian life.
7. Cambodian Weaving Village (Takeo)
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 84 kilometers (52 miles)
- Travel Time: About 2.25 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi, bus, or train
- The Cambodian Weaving Village in Takeo Province is renowned for its traditional textile production. Operated by The Weavers Project, it supports local women by preserving traditional weaving techniques. The village is known for its fine silk weaving, providing an opportunity to observe traditional techniques and purchase beautiful textiles. While it’s feasible to visit for a day, staying overnight is recommended to fully appreciate the area.
Extended Day Trips from Phnom Penh (3+ Hours by Road)
For these destinations, consider a reliable driver or guided tour, as they require more travel time and are best enjoyed with a longer visit.
8. Kampong Cham
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 125 kilometers (78 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Kampong Cham, a city along the Mekong River, is known for its picturesque surroundings and vibrant markets. Though a long day trip is possible, staying overnight offers a more relaxed experience. Activities include cycling around town, visiting local markets, and exploring pagodas like Banteay Prey Nokor.
9. Kampong Chhnang
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 93 kilometers (58 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Kampong Chhnang, famed for its pottery production, offers a glimpse into traditional Cambodian craftsmanship. Visitors can see local workshops and take boat rides around floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. The area also includes a former Khmer Rouge airport, providing an eerie historical context.
10. Kirirom National Park
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 114 kilometers (71 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3.25 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Cambodia’s first national park, Kirirom, features diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Ideal for trekking and nature lovers, the park is also home to community-based ecotourism projects in Chambok.
11. Chreav Waterfall
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 113 kilometers (70 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Chreav Waterfall, located near Phnom Aural, is a striking seven-tiered waterfall that’s a favorite for local picnics. It’s a bit off the beaten path and requires a combination of driving and hiking to reach.
12. Phnom Bayang Temple
- Distance from Phnom Penh: 132 kilometers (82 miles)
- Travel Time: About 3.25 hours one way by road
- Recommended Transport: Taxi
- Phnom Bayang Temple, dating back to the 7th century, offers a rare look at Cambodia’s early Hindu-Brahman architecture. Situated near the Vietnam border, it’s best suited for dedicated history enthusiasts and those willing to make the journey.
