Phnom Penh: The Walking Street Experience

From Quiet Village to Non-Stop Metropolis

I first arrived in Phnom Penh in November 2003, and this city captured my heart instantly. Back then, though it was the capital, it felt like a tranquil village. There were no high-rises, virtually no traffic chaos, and the city lights dimmed by 8 PM. If I rode my motorcycle through the streets around 9 PM, everything was abandoned—hardly a soul in sight! This was, of course, just after the war, and many residents were still too afraid of danger to venture out at night. Power outages were a regular occurrence, adding to the quiet atmosphere.

The City That Never Sleeps

Fast forward 23 years, and the city has undergone a complete metamorphosis! Phnom Penh has exploded into a thrilling, vibrant metropolis that runs 24 hours a day. Like any major city now, it boasts soaring skyscrapers and bustling traffic. Almost every major intersection is dominated by massive video screens broadcasting dazzling advertisements. Buildings are spectacularly illuminated, and the city is dotted with luxurious shopping malls. These centers offer everything from cinemas, go-karts, and entertainment to top luxury brands. Balenciaga, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Baccarat, alongside popular names such as Apple, Samsonite, KFC, Starbucks, Puma, and Rolex!

New Ways to Explore

While most tourists still visit the iconic sites—the Royal Palace, the S-21 Genocide Museum, the Killing Fields, and Wat Phnom—the city’s tourist offering has expanded dramatically! Recent additions include exciting foodie tours, immersive cooking classes, and bicycle tours. The lively night market, primarily offering clothing, is also a favorite. The government is actively fueling this growth, notably through the spectacular annual Water Festival, a three-day celebration of music, food, and thrilling boat races that draws huge crowds. Most recently, the government launched the new “Walking Street” initiative, adding another fantastic dimension to the city’s nightlife!

Umbrella Walking street

Street food

The Phnom Penh Walking Street (also known as Chaktomuk Walk Street) is one of the city’s newest and most exciting developments, transforming the riverside into a vibrant cultural and social hub. It extends from the Cambodian Post Office to the area directly in front of the Royal Palace. Every Saturday and Sunday evening. The street is closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It launched as a pilot project on February 1, 2025, and has since been highly popular among both locals and tourists, with over 80,000 to 100,000 visitors per weekend.

The Walking Street is designed to be a car-free promenade that amplifies the energy of the riverside, providing a safe, open space for community and culture.

Our experience in the Walking Street:

My amazing Cambodian family and I headed straight to the Chaktomuk Walking Street for some fun. We kicked things off right outside the Tribe Post Office Square Hotel and took a gorgeous stroll along the riverside, all the way to the Royal Palace.

Lily with little niece

Street artists

The absolute highlight was seeing our little niece’s joy! She had a blast, especially when a street artist gave her a balloon! Then, to make the night even more magical, she started dancing right along with the lively local musicians! It was a truly stunning and vibrant evening we’ll never forget.

We enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary acts, including classical Khmer music, ancient dances (like the Phuong Nay dance), comedy performances (Nay Krem), and even circus acts.

The street is lined with food stalls and vendors, offering a huge range of culinary delights.  You can find everything from iced Khmer coffee and fresh coconut water to popular street snacks like:

• • Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodle)
  • Nom Pang (Cambodian sandwiches)
  • Grilled meats and seafood skewers.

We dove right in, trying all sorts of amazing local snacks and drinks! We sat shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals on tiny plastic chairs, and honestly, there’s no better way to truly connect with the wonderful Cambodian people.The project is a key government initiative to boost tourism and urban livability, making it a very safe and organized experience with public restrooms and designated parking areas nearby.

What we think about the Chaktomuk Walking street:

The Phnom Penh Walking Street isn’t just about taking a stroll—it’s a vibrant sensory celebration! The city has packed the riverside promenade with incredible street food and dynamic cultural performances, making every weekend evening a unique festival.

In short, we really enjoyed the Walking Street  and we are happy to see that it has successfully transformed a busy traffic area into a delightful nighttime destination for sunset strolls, delicious street food, and free cultural shows!