Close to the capital, you touch mellow sand. Koh Dach sits only fifteen kilometres north. Its river beach glows a cream under a vast sky, and silk weavers sell soft scarves in stilt homes nearby. South of town, taxi boats skim to Koh Russey off the coast near Sihanoukville, where caramel sand meets clear swell and teak villas rest behind casuarina trees. You blend temple mornings with lazy island swims and return by sunset cruise each day.

Begin at dawn with a cycle along Sisowath Quay as the river wakes. Guides from Rainbow Dive Cambodia drive you south to Koh Rong Samloem reefs for clear lessons and coral sightings. Back in town, you steer a kayak through quiet canals behind the Mekong floodplain. After lunch, stroll Bassac Lane where local craft brewers pour jasmine pale ale. Night rises at the National Museum courtyard, where apsara dancers glide under the starlight, showing their grace.

Step inside the Silver Pagoda, where five thousand tiles of silver cover the floor and a tiny emerald Buddha shines at the centre. Walk next to Wat Phnom hill, the city's birth site, and watch fortune tellers burn sandalwood. The Central Market dome, built in 1937, combines Art Deco lines with Khmer stone motifs. Artists at Sa Sa Art Projects carve new ideas into old shop houses, keeping history alive through bold canvases and warm conversation.

Leave the traffic for Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, forty kilometres south. Rangers guide you along shaded paths and let you feed rescued sun bears fresh fruit. Drive on to Kirirom National Park, where fabulous pine scents drift through mist and waterfalls cut smooth pools for midday swims. Sail at dusk to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary on Tonle Sap Lake. Spot-painted storks circle above a flooded forest, while pink sunsets reflect across calm, glassy water.

Check into Raffles Hotel Le Royal, where doorkeepers in white uniforms open carved teak doors, and lemongrass scent greets you. Suites feature original art and claw-foot tubs. The rose-shaped pool sits beneath tall frangipani trees. Ride a Bentley to Rosewood Phnom Penh sky bar, Sora, and sip champagne while the city lights shimmer below. Charter the Aqua Mekong for a private dinner cruise, with a whole staff serving river lobster and fine Belgian chocolate to you.

Malis Restaurant wakes early and steams river fish with fragrant kroeung paste for breakfast amok. Topaz brings French flair, laying wagyu tartare beside roasted shallot and Kampot pepper. At Romdeng, former street kids train and cook creamy tarantula curry, both bold and kind. Street stalls on Street 123 fry kuy teav noodles in copper pans, filling the air with the sweet aroma of basil. End your walk at Le Moon terrace with a palm sugar espresso martini today.

Begin with a handheld stroll through the French Garden at the Royal Palace as lotus blooms open. Board a private long-tail boat at Sisowath Pier and glide toward the place where three rivers meet, champagne ready on ice. Silk lanterns drift from the deck while the sun paints gold on the water. Later, book a twin massage in the Bodia Spa suite, with rose petals scattered on cool stone and soft gong tones easing the heart.

Kids race go-karts at Kids City Asia, then scale the indoor climbing wall while you sip iced coffee nearby. The Phnom Tamao Safari limits crowds, so keepers guide families close to gibbons and elephants without a rush. Join a pottery class at Yodicraft where friendly teachers help small hands shape clay bowls. Evening tuk-tuk rides along Riverside sparkle with fairy lights, and safe drivers stop at coconut stalls so everyone can savour sweet water.