Cambodia's capital sprawls across the confluence of three rivers, its gilded palace towers glinting over a waterfront promenade where tuk-tuks jostle and locals do aerobics at sunset — a city that has survived tragedy and come out vivid.
River cruise ships dock directly at Sisowath Quay — you step off onto the riverside promenade in the heart of the city.
💡 Pro move: Ocean cruise passengers visiting from Sihanoukville face a 3–4 hour drive each way; Phnom Penh is typically an overnight excursion from that port.
All river cruise ships dock at the Sisowath Quay waterfront terminal — a floating pontoon facility right in the city center.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| AmaWaterways, Viking, Scenic, Uniworld | TS1 Passenger Terminal, Sisowath Quay📍 | Docked |
| Most other Mekong river cruise lines | Sisowath Quay riverside pontoons📍 | Docked |
Phnom Penh delivers one of the most historically weighty days in Southeast Asian cruising — from gilded palace courtyards to the sober reminder of the Killing Fields.
The former Khmer Rouge prison S-21 and the Choeung Ek memorial are essential, sobering visits that contextualise modern Cambodia. The audio guide at Choeung Ek is outstanding.
Find Killing Fields tours →The King's official residence features gleaming Khmer rooflines and the Silver Pagoda, whose floor is laid with over 5,000 silver tiles. Strict dress code: covered shoulders and knees required.
Book Royal Palace guided tours →A beautiful terracotta pavilion next to the Royal Palace housing the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture and Angkorian artifacts, including pre-Angkorian bronzes.
Find National Museum tours →Phnom Penh's 1937 Art Deco Central Market (Psar Thmei) is worth a visit for the architecture alone. Sample Fish Amok, Lok Lak beef, and iced Khmer coffee at nearby stalls.
Book Phnom Penh food tours →The Riverside promenade comes alive at dusk. For a spectacular view, head to the Sora Sky Bar at Rosewood Hotel (37th floor) for cocktails over the Mekong–Tonle Sap confluence.
Explore Phnom Penh evening tours →A short boat ride from the pier, this Mekong island is home to traditional silk weaving families and quiet village lanes — a peaceful contrast to the city's intensity.
Find Koh Dach day trips →Phnom Penh's riverside core is surprisingly walkable — most major landmarks sit within a 20-minute stroll of the pier.
Head south along Sisowath Quay from the pier, passing riverside cafés and the Colonial-era FCC building, to reach the Royal Palace gates. The National Museum is a one-minute walk further.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk north along the quay to the small wooded hill of Wat Phnom — the founding temple of the city. It costs $1 USD entry for foreigners but the hilltop temple and resident monkeys are charming.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 88°F / 31°C | 73°F / 23°C | 4 | 6:24 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Feb | 91°F / 33°C | 74°F / 23°C | 2 | 6:21 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Mar | 94°F / 34°C | 77°F / 25°C | 5 | 6:07 AM | 6:10 PM |
| Apr | 94°F / 34°C | 79°F / 26°C | 16 | 5:49 AM | 6:11 PM |
| May | 93°F / 34°C | 79°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:37 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Jun | 91°F / 33°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:37 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Jul | 90°F / 32°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:44 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Aug | 90°F / 32°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 5:49 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Sep | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 5:49 AM | 6:01 PM |
| Oct | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 25 | 5:49 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Nov | 87°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 15 | 5:57 AM | 5:32 PM |
| Dec | 87°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 7 | 6:12 AM | 5:38 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.