Free Things to do in Phnom Penh: As Southeast Asian cities go, Cambodia’s capital can sometimes be pricey. Fortunately, Phnom Penh offers a plethora of free activities and events throughout the year, perfect for those traveling on a budget.
Still finalizing your trip plans? Don’t miss my Phnom Penh accommodation guide and my 1-3 day Phnom Penh itinerary.
While some activities might cost a few dollars, the majority are open to everyone and, best of all, completely free! Whether you’re into music, art, workshops, culture, architecture, exercise, networking, or food and drink, this list of budget-friendly and free things to do in Phnom Penh has something for everyone.
Exploring Cambodia on a budget? This comprehensive list of free things to do in Phnom Penh features events, art, live music, free food, markets, and much more!
41 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Watch the Monks in the Morning: Witness Phnom Penh’s monks in their saffron robes and bare feet as they collect morning alms and food offerings starting around 6 am. They make their way through the streets, chanting blessings at shop doorways during their daily procession.
- Explore a Farmers’ Market: Discover locally grown and organic produce at Farm to Table’s Mindful Market on Street 360, open every Saturday. Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, artisan goods, live music, and $5 seasonal cocktails—all for free entry.
- Learn Something New at Nerd Night: Inspired by Pecha Kucha, Nerd Night features rapid-fire public speaking on various topics by expats and locals. From marine conservation to meme history, you’ll gain insights in just seven minutes. Check their Facebook page for dates and locations.
- Take a Free Meditation Class: Wat Langka offers free meditation classes four days a week. Each hour-long session involves sitting cross-legged in silence. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, and remove your shoes before entering the wat. YK Art House also offers a free trial for new yoga clients (book online).
- Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour: Discover Phnom Penh’s architectural gems with a free PDF walking map covering significant buildings and New Khmer modernism. For a guided experience, Khmer Architecture Tours offers local student-led walking tours for $15, which can be booked online.
- Brush Up on Your Khmer: Gain basic Khmer language skills at Khmer Study Group’s free classes every Sunday afternoon at Eleven One Kitchen. Join their regular Sunday dinners for $3-$4 to practice language exchange with locals and expats.
- Refresh Your Wardrobe: Swap used garments at Bee Vintage & Craft on Street 93 for store vouchers or visit Bee Vintage’s PI Dollar Sale events for $2 garments. YK Art House Craft and Flea Market also hosts monthly clothes swap events.
- Watch a Documentary at Meta House: Enjoy free screenings of documentaries, subtitled Khmer films, and international movies at Phnom Penh’s German cultural centre, Meta House. For alternative screenings, check out Never Land Art Space and the Phnom Penh Film Club.
- Exercise at Olympic Stadium: Despite its name, Phnom Penh’s 1964-built Olympic Stadium still offers a functional asphalt track and field. Use the stadium for your workout or relax on the bleachers and people-watch.
- Enjoy a Food Festival: Attend Phnom Penh’s growing number of food festivals. In February, visit the Khmer Crafts and Food Festival by Villageworks, or join the Slaprea festival in March, featuring over 120 vendors. Alternatively, visit The Food Palace Chroy Changvar for a diverse range of affordable international cuisines.
- Tour Kingdom Breweries: Cambodia’s beer scene is notable, with Kingdom Breweries offering tours of Southeast Asia’s largest craft brewery. While tours cost $15, they include unlimited samples of Kingdom’s beers and ciders. On the first Friday of the month, join Kingdom’s TGIF nights for all-you-can-drink beer and burgers for $13.
- Visit a Temple: While Wat Phnom and the Silver Pagoda have entry fees ($1 and $3, respectively), many smaller wats in Phnom Penh are free to enter. Make sure to visit Wat Moha Montrei, known for its pastel colors.
- Catch the Sunset: Watch the sunset from the Foreign Correspondents Club on Sisowath Quay or enjoy a budget-friendly alternative at Sundown Social Club in Tuol Tom Pong, offering stunning sunset views, $5 meals, free music, and cocktail-themed events.
- Enjoy a Movie Marathon: At The Flicks, for $3.50, you can hire a couchette and pillow to enjoy unlimited movies all day. The Flicks is a volunteer-run venue supporting community projects, making it a worthwhile spend.
- Wander Through Local Markets: Explore Phnom Penh’s wet and dry markets, such as Tuol Tom Poung (Russian Market), Central Market, Olympic Market, and the Night Market. Don’t miss out on lesser-known markets for a local experience.
- Participate in ‘Plogging’: Join Tuol Tompoung East’s monthly ‘Plogging’ events that combine jogging with trash collection. Volunteers help clean up the city while staying active.
- Join a Group Hike: The Phnom Penh Hike Group organizes day trips to Oudong Hill, usually requiring a $15 contribution for transport and local guide services.
- Discover Street Art: Seek out vibrant street murals in protected areas of Phnom Penh, such as Street 93 and the laneway off Street 240.
- Do Aerobics on the Waterfront: Join or observe outdoor aerobics classes along Sisowath Quay’s riverfront promenade in the evenings. The enthusiasm of the participants is both impressive and entertaining.
- Explore Futures Factory: Visit Friends Futures Factory, a creative space with cafes, performance venues, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy free live music, clothes swaps, maker’s markets, and talks in the Factory’s courtyard.
- Join an OPC Photo Walk: The Overseas Press Club of Cambodia offers free ‘photo walks’ with a photojournalist, providing a unique perspective on Phnom Penh and a chance to improve your photography skills.
- Attend Breakfast with an Expert: Impact Hub Phnom Penh hosts Breakfast with the Expert events, linking entrepreneurs with professionals in social enterprise and start-ups. These events, along with others like Mindful Monday meditation and Impact Talks, are free to attend.
- Try a Conditioning Class: Prokout Fitness Centre offers free conditioning classes at their Khmer boxing gym near Aeon Mall. Drop in for your first class free of charge, or join the Phnom Penh Dodgeball Club for $2 games.
- Find a Vintage Treasure: Explore pop-up sales by Amanda Bloom’s The History of Things to Come for vintage finds. While browsing is free, you might end up purchasing a new item.
- Enjoy Live Music: Experience live music in Phnom Penh at various locations, including Farm to Table, Bouchon Wine Bar, and Hanger 44. The Leng Pleng website lists free music events around the city.
- Participate in Buddhist Festivals: Join in the celebrations for Buddhist festivals like Visaka Bochea Day, Meak Bochea Day, Bonn Pchum Ben Day, and Bonn Om Touk (the water and boat race festival in November).
- Have a Picnic in a Park: Enjoy a peaceful picnic at Freedom Park or the smaller parks near the Royal Palace and National Museum. These spots are ideal for relaxing and people-watching.
- Sing at Show Box: Attend Wednesday open mic nights at Show Box on Street 330, where you can enjoy free beer between 6.30 and 7 pm and participate in karaoke sessions.
- Cycle Through Phnom Penh’s Green Spaces: Rent a bike and explore the Mekong Islands, cycling through rice paddies and small villages. Bikes can be rented from Mad Monkey Hostel.
- Visit the Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center: Attend free movie screenings at Bophana Center, which preserves and restores Khmer heritage. Donations are encouraged to support their work.
- Sample Khmer Cuisine: Join the Phnom Penh Food Tour’s free taste-testing events for samples of Khmer cuisine from various restaurants and street food vendors.
- Explore Phnom Penh’s Historical Sites: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields to gain insight into Cambodia’s history. While entrance fees apply, educational visits often provide valuable insights at no additional cost.
- Attend Workshops and Networking Events: Participate in free workshops and networking events hosted by Phnom Penh’s vibrant expat community. Check out Khmer Youth and other local organizations for opportunities.
- Wander the Riverside Promenade: Stroll along Sisowath Quay and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, local vendors, and street performers.
- Visit Local Temples: Explore small, lesser-known temples around Phnom Penh for a glimpse into local spiritual practices. Many of these temples are open to visitors without charge.
- Explore Hidden Gems: Discover Phnom Penh’s hidden gems, such as small art galleries, community spaces, and creative hubs. Places like Java Creative Café often host free events and exhibitions.
- Discover the Phnom Penh Railway Station: The historic railway station offers a glimpse into the city’s past. While the station itself is functional, the area around it is rich in history and architecture.
- Join a Community Clean-Up: Participate in community-led clean-up events organized by local groups and NGOs. These events are a great way to contribute to the community while exploring different parts of the city.
- Explore the Night Market: The Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment, and various stalls selling crafts and local snacks. Entry is free, and you can enjoy the lively atmosphere even without making a purchase.
- Attend Free Festivals: Keep an eye out for local festivals and events, which often feature live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibitions at no cost.
- Take a Boat Ride on the Tonle Sap River: While organized boat tours may cost money, you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverbanks and watch the boats go by.
