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)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Open-top double-decker bus with live English commentary covering Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and Independence Monument. Includes a free 1-hour Mekong River boat cruise.
Tuk-tuks are the classic Phnom Penh transport and wait at the waterfront dock. Negotiate the fare beforehand or use an app for fixed pricing.
Both apps offer fixed-price tuk-tuk and car bookings, eliminating haggling. Grab is widely used and reliable throughout the city.
Half- or full-day private car hire is available for deeper exploration. Book via Grab, PassApp, or through your ship's shore excursion desk.
The riverside promenade and key landmarks like the Royal Palace are within walking distance of the Mekong waterfront docking area.
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.