Phnom Penh

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster along Sisowath Quay and the side streets just behind it, putting you within walking distance of the Royal Palace and the National Museum. BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1), about 10 minutes south by tuk-tuk, runs cheaper and has a denser mix of local restaurants and cafes without the waterfront markup.

Getting around

• Download PassApp before you arrive. It is Phnom Penh's main ride-hailing app and locks in a fare upfront, so you skip the inflated quotes from tuk-tuk drivers at the airport or bus drop-offs.
• Phsar Tuol Tom Poung, known as the Russian Market, has lower starting prices on souvenirs, clothing, and silk than the tourist-facing stalls at Phsar Thmei (Central Market). Go before 10 a.m. before it heats up.
• Choeung Ek is about 15 km south of the city center. Hiring a round-trip tuk-tuk and asking the driver to wait costs a fraction of what organized group tours charge, and you control how long you stay.

When to go

Hostels fill up and prices rise from November through February when temperatures drop and the roads dry out. May through September is the cheapest window, with fewer crowds, though expect short afternoon downpours most days.