Phnom Penh falls into place if you give the Royal Palace a day and the National Museum half a day.
The National Museum opens daily at 7:00 and closes at 17:00, with the last tickets sold at 16:30.
The Royal Palace is a complex of the king's residence and royal buildings, with the Silver Pagoda inside the same grounds. The palace's admission fee and opening hours need checking on site.
The palace grounds are large, so allow plenty of walking time and plan a single loop that includes the Silver Pagoda. You can see both on the same day, morning and afternoon; we checked on 23 October 2026. Re-read the museum hours before your visit, and ask about the palace's opening status on the day.
Visa and entry requirements for Cambodia
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
- Cambodia e-Visa (official) (Kingdom of Cambodia)
- National Museum: 7:00–17:00
- Last entry: 16:30
- Royal Palace fee: No official listing; check on site
- Royal Palace area: 183,135 square metres
What is the Royal Palace like?
According to Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism, the Royal Palace covers 183,135 square metres. It includes the Throne Hall, used for coronations and official ceremonies, the temple housing the Emerald Buddha, stupas, the royal dining hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion and a French-style building given by Napoleon III. Visitors can enter the Throne Hall, and the gardens are well kept.
The Khemarin Palace inside the complex is the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni and isn't open to the public. The palace may close for royal events, so follow the on-site information on the day for prices and hours.
How late is the National Museum open?
According to its official information, the National Museum opens at 7:00, closes at 17:00 and sells its last tickets at 16:30. It officially opened in 1920 and displays Khmer cultural collections. Its Buddhist and Hindu sculpture collections mean it still serves as a place of worship.
The permanent exhibition "Post-Angkor Buddha", opened in 2000, was made possible with support from UNESCO and various individuals and local businesses. Read the price at the entrance before buying your ticket. Since it opens at 7:00, it's comfortable to visit in the morning before the heat.
How should I split 2 or 3 nights?
With 2 nights: on day one, check in, walk the centre lightly and visit the palace. On day two, see the National Museum in the morning and rest or walk the city in the afternoon. The museum's early opening suits a morning plan.
With 3 nights: add a city walk and rest on day three. The palace may close for events, so ask on site or at your hotel about the day you plan to go. On sunny days, bring water and a hat.
| Plan | Day | What |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Day 1 | Centre and the Royal Palace |
| 2 nights | Day 2 | National Museum |
| 3 nights | Day 3 | City walk and rest |
An example of how to split the days.
What should I eat?
Plan meals in Phnom Penh around amok, kuy teav and lok lak. Amok is fish or meat steamed with coconut cream and spices; kuy teav is rice noodles in clear broth; lok lak is stir-fried beef dipped in a pepper and lime sauce. We don't pick restaurants or prices here. On a museum morning, eat lunch nearby to keep travel short. Menus vary by place, so ask staff about price and portion size before ordering.
How do I handle the airport and getting around?
Phnom Penh's international airport is the capital's gateway. Fares and times from the airport to the city vary by transport type, so asking your hotel before you arrive is the most accurate way.
Between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh there are flights and overland options, with times and fares changing by date. Check with the operator before booking.
What should I check before I go?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many visitors apply online through Cambodia's official e-Visa site, and you should complete the arrival formalities before you fly. Check the palace's opening status on the day and keep to the museum's last entry time. At temple sites, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check the palace's opening status
- National Museum last entry 16:30
- Check your e-Visa approval and arrival declaration
- Ask your hotel about airport transport
- Save your embassy's emergency number
Which plan suits my trip?
- Seeing the palace: check its opening status on site first.
- Seeing the museum: go in the morning to match its 7:00 opening.
- Only one day: the museum in the morning, then the palace in the afternoon.
FAQ
How late is the National Museum open?
From 7:00 to 17:00, with the last tickets sold at 16:30.
How much is the Royal Palace?
Check on site. It sometimes closes for royal events, so follow the information on the day.
Are there parts of the palace I can’t enter?
The Khemarin Palace is the king’s official residence and isn’t open to the public.
What’s inside the palace?
The Throne Hall, the temple housing the Emerald Buddha, stupas, the royal dining hall, the Chan Chaya Pavilion and a French-style building.
When did the museum first open?
It officially opened in 1920.
What Buddha exhibition does the museum have?
The permanent exhibition “Post-Angkor Buddha”, opened in 2000.
What if I miss the last entry time?
The last tickets are sold at 16:30, after which it’s hard to get in. If you go in the afternoon, check the time first.
Sources
- Royal Palace · Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia · accessed 2026-10-23
- Museum admission · National Museum of Cambodia · accessed 2026-10-23
- Cambodia e-Visa · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cambodia · accessed 2026-10-30
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.