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Phnom Penh or Siem Reap? An honest comparison
The short answer
Pick Siem Reap if you visit Cambodia once: Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm are the reason most people come, at about €94 a day mid-range. Pick Phnom Penh for the capital's markets, riverside, Royal Palace and the hard history of Tuol Sleng, a little cheaper at about €76 a day.
Phnom Penh: suits solo travellers, friends and backpackers who want a real Asian capital, markets, food and recent history.
Siem Reap: suits first-timers and families who want the temples of Angkor with an easy, relaxed town base.
Side by side
| Phnom Penh | Siem Reap | |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day* | €76 US$85 local | €94 US$106 local |
| Budget day* | €32 | €44 |
| Value for money | ●●●●●About €76 a day mid-range, cheaper. | ●●●●●About €94 a day mid-range; Angkor pass extra. |
| Crowds (5 = calm) | ●●●●●Busy traffic, but few tourist crowds outside the palace. | ●●●●●Angkor Wat at sunrise is very crowded. |
| Food | ●●●●●Markets, noodle soups and Khmer cooking at low prices. | ●●●●●Amok and lok lak; Psar Leu and good restaurants. |
| Nightlife | ●●●●●Riverside bars and rooftops. | ●●●●●Pub Street is loud and busy every night. |
| Family-friendly | ●●●●●Heavy traffic and heavy history; plan carefully. | ●●●●●Temples, bike rides and an easier town. |
| Getting around | ●●●●●Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps; traffic is heavy. | ●●●●●Small town; tuk-tuk or bike to the temples. |
| Best months | year-round, see below | year-round, see below |
| Warmest / coolest | Mar 34°C / Jan 30°C | Mar 34°C / Jan 30°C |
| Known for | Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Central Market, Mekong River | Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Tonlé Sap, Pub Street |
* Per person per day with two sharing a room: bed, food, sights and local transport, from our Phnom Penh and Siem Reap day-cost tables (approximate 2026 prices; other currencies converted at recent rates). Ratings are our editorial judgement.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Phnom Penh if…
- you want to understand Cambodia's recent history.
- you want markets and street food.
- you want to spend less per day.
- you want riverside city life.
Pick Siem Reap if…
- you want Angkor Wat and the temples.
- you are travelling with children.
- you want an easy, relaxed base.
- you want Tonlé Sap floating villages.
Weather month by month
| Month | Phnom Penh high / rainy days | Siem Reap high / rainy days |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C · 4 | 30°C · 3 |
| Feb | 32°C · 4 | 32°C · 7 |
| Mar | 34°C · 6 | 34°C · 8 |
| Apr | 33°C · 19 | 33°C · 19 |
| May | 33°C · 26 | 32°C · 23 |
| Jun | 33°C · 22 | 33°C · 22 |
| Jul | 32°C · 26 | 32°C · 28 |
| Aug | 32°C · 27 | 32°C · 27 |
| Sep | 31°C · 29 | 30°C · 29 |
| Oct | 30°C · 27 | 30°C · 23 |
| Nov | 30°C · 20 | 30°C · 16 |
| Dec | 30°C · 5 | 30°C · 4 |
Average daily high and number of rainy days. Copernicus ERA5, 2021–2023.
What you will eat
Phnom Penh
Noodle soup · Pork and rice · Khmer noodles · Fish amok · Beef lok lak · Baguette sandwich
Where: Central Market (Psar Thmei), Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung), Orussey Market (Psar O'Russey), Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Siem Reap
Fish amok · Lok lak · Khmer noodles · Pork and rice · Noodle soup · Prahok dip
Where: Psar Leu (main local market), Psar Chas (Old Market), Pub Street and the night markets, Wat Damnak area and Sok San Road
Doing both in one trip
6 days: 2 in Phnom Penh + 4 in Siem Reap
Either order; give Siem Reap the extra days, as the temples need at least two to three.
Getting between them: Bus or minivan about 5 to 6 h; flight about 50 min to Siem Reap Angkor International, which is about 40 to 50 km from town. Check current timetables. Distance about 231 km as the crow flies. Check current timetables.
- Day 1: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the riverside
- Day 2: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Russian Market
- Day 3: Travel to Siem Reap, Psar Chas in the evening
- Day 4: Angkor Wat at sunrise, Angkor Thom and Bayon
- Day 5: Ta Prohm and outer temples
- Day 6: Tonlé Sap or Banteay Srei
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Common questions
Is Phnom Penh or Siem Reap cheaper?
Phnom Penh, a little. Our mid-range estimate is about €76 per person per day in Phnom Penh against about €94 in Siem Reap. The Angkor temple pass is an extra cost in Siem Reap and is sold for one, three or seven days. US dollars are widely used in both cities alongside riel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the most comfortable: dry and around 30°C in January. March and April are the hottest, about 34°C, which is hard for temple days. The rainy season, roughly May to October, is greener and quieter, with heavy afternoon showers.
How many days do I need for Angkor?
Two to three full days is right for most people. One day covers Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with the Bayon and Ta Prohm, but feels rushed. A three-day pass lets you add Banteay Srei and outer temples, and you can go back for sunrise or quieter hours.
How do I get between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?
Buses and minivans run many times a day and take about 5 to 6 hours. Flights take about 50 minutes, but Siem Reap's newer airport is about 40 to 50 km from town, so allow time for the transfer. Private taxis are also available. Check current timetables.