Phnom Penh

Nestled along the banks of the serene Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, is a vibrant metropolis that beautifully blends the nation's rich history with modern vitality. With its stunning Khmer architecture, bustling markets, and a lively street food scene, Phnom Penh is a city that captivates visitors with its unique charm. Steeped in a turbulent past yet displaying an unwavering spirit of resilience, this city offers a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia's cultural heritage and its path towards a promising future. Join us as we embark on a journey through the heart of Phnom Penh, where tradition meets progress, creating an enchanting tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Travel Guides

1. Top things to do in Phnom Penh

Sample the Street Food
Street food can be found all around Asia and it has earned a somewhat notorious reputation for causing harm to tourists stomachs. Nevertheless, we regard it as an integral aspect of experiencing Cambodia, and Phnom Penh's street food scene offers a delightful combination of affordability and taste. Whether you’re on a budget or not, make sure to step out of your culinary comfort zone and savor a meal from one of the many carts or street vendors.
Shop in the markets
It’s also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, as these markets primarily cater to the needs of residents rather than tourists. Take a stroll through these bustling markets to explore their vast offerings and gain a firsthand glimpse into the daily life of the city's inhabitants.
Take a stroll along Sisowath Quay
Stretching gracefully along the banks of the Mekong River, this enchanting promenade serves as an ideal initiation into the city. Here, you can leisurely amble along, observing the vibrant street life, or take a pause at one of the many delightful cafes and restaurants that dot its path. Moreover, this locale is a treasure trove for those seeking exquisite artisanal goods, including silk and captivating paintings. Don't forget to pay a visit to Riverside Park, where towering palm trees sway in the breeze, and an impressive array of flags from across the globe flutters in the wind. This tranquil oasis offers a splendid opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in the local culture before embarking on your exploration of nearby attractions.
Explore the joys of dance with Cambodian Living Art
While the artworks showcased in galleries are truly remarkable, Cambodia boasts a vibrant tradition of performance arts that are not to be missed, ranking among the top attractions in Phnom Penh. A prominent player in this domain is Cambodian Living Arts, renowned for its consistent delivery of captivating musical performances, engaging live storytelling, and enthralling theatrical plays. Additionally, their mesmerizing dance show, hosted at the National Museum of Cambodia, is a cultural treasure worth experiencing.
Find some fabrics at Olympic Market
While you're pondering your choice of renowned shopping destinations, make sure to include Olympic Market on your list. This three-story emporium is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, offering an exceptional array of clothing and accessories. It's especially renowned for its diverse and high-quality fabric selection. Even if you're not on a specific shopping mission, wandering through this market allows you to immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and marvel at the captivating items showcased. However, a word of caution: you might just stumble upon something uniquely appealing that you can't resist taking home!
See rice paddies up close with a bike tour
One of the best ways to see the surrounding countryside is by bike, and a rice paddy tour is an especially interesting excursion. Uncover the rich history and traditions of these rural areas as you pedal through lush landscapes and past serene rice paddies. Gain invaluable insights into the daily lives of villagers and the time-honored farming practices that define the region.

2. Phnom Penh Weather

3. Transportation: 

3.2. How to get there?
Phnom Penh has its own international Airport which serves many domestic as well as international flights in a day. Travelers often fly to Phnom Penh from Siem Reap or take a bus trip (for approximately 6 hours 30 minutes). For people who enjoy the scenery on the road also prefer taking bus from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) to cross the border and travel multi-destinations.
3.2. Ways to get around the city:
Remok Remok is a passenger carriage towed by a motorcycle, comparable to the tuk-tuk of Thailand. Remok, the most prevalent mode of tourist transportation, is ideal for small parties because it can carry 4 (or more) passengers at a time. Fares are negotiable and may differ significantly from one consumer to the next. They’re charged primarily based on duration and distance. Trips inside the city center of Phnom Penh are often inexpensive, but expect to pay more for additional places such as Phnom Penh International Airport and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial. Motorcycle Taxis Motorcycle taxis are ideal for short excursions within Phnom Penh, and those driven by English-speaking locals may be found primarily in tourist-friendly places like Sisowath Quay and Independence Monument. If you’re traveling late at night, expect to pay more. Moto services are offered at daily prices if you want to explore outside of the city center. If you’re riding a motorcycle in Cambodia, even as a passenger, you should wear a helmet, which your driver should provide. Tourists, in particular, are frequently targeted by traffic cops for riding without a helmet. Taxis City cabs can be found along Sisowath Quay and outside major hotels across Phnom Penh, but they can also be easily booked over the phone or through travel companies. Taxis are the quickest and safest mode of transportation in Phnom Penh, and many taxi firms provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Taxi drivers in the city are mainly English-speaking locals who are well-versed in Phnom Penh. Cyclo Traveling by cyclo is a great way to see the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum of Cambodia, and Wat Ounalom, all of which are located in the Phnom Penh City Center. While you can find cyclos parked near major hotels, restaurants, and sites, you can hire one from The Cyclo Centre on Street 158 for a full day of sightseeing. The Cycle Centre is a local NGO providing support for the cycle drivers who are some of the poorest members of Cambodian society.

Places Of Interest

Royal Palace

Constructed in 1866, the Royal Palace serves as the regal abode for Cambodia's monarch and their family. Beyond its residential function, it served as the hallowed venue for court ceremonies, rituals, and receptions of foreign dignitaries. Above all, the palace stands as an enduring symbol of the Cambodian Kingdom. Located south of the Throne Hall, you'll find the Royal Treasury and the Villa of Napoleon III, originally built in Egypt in 1866 for the Suez Canal's completion and later presented as a gift to the Cambodian king. The establishment of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh marks a relatively recent chapter in Khmer and Cambodian history. Between AD 802 and the early 15th century, the epicenter of Khmer sovereignty rested in Angkor, situated north of the expansive Great Tonle Sap Lake. Subsequently, in 1434, the Khmer court first established itself in Phnom Penh, where it lingered for several decades before moving through Basan, Lovek, and eventually Oudong in 1494.

Central Market

Phnom Penh's Central Market is an architectural gem that demands attention. Its colossal yellow structure, adorned with distinctive extensions radiating from an imposing dome, stands as a superb example of Art Deco construction techniques. As if the exterior weren't awe-inspiring enough, the interior is a bustling marketplace teeming with stalls selling a diverse range of products, from clothing and electronics to fresh produce and jewelry. It's also a treasure trove of unique trinkets typically found only in expansive bazaars. With its vibrant atmosphere and an array of eclectic offerings, visiting the Central Market is among the top activities in Phnom Penh, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant life while securing memorable souvenirs along the way.

National Museum

Phnom Penh, with its intricate and extensive history, naturally boasts a diverse array of exceptional museums. Among these, the National Museum of Cambodia stands out as a favored destination. Venture inside to immerse yourself in Cambodia's artistic legacy, featuring remarkable artifacts spanning various eras, from prehistory to the illustrious days of the Khmer Empire. Marvel at the ingenious use of different mediums like ceramics and stone in the creation of masterful artworks. Located adjacent to the Royal Palace, this museum allows you to embark on a comprehensive day of sightseeing, delving into the cultural heritage of Cambodia while enjoying the grandeur of the Royal Palace next door.

The Killing Fields

Exploring Cambodia's tumultuous history is a crucial aspect of your visit. A mere nine miles from the city, the Killing Fields serve as a somber and poignant reminder of the harrowing chapters this nation endured in the not-too-distant past.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a poignant complement to the Killing Fields tour, delving into the harrowing specifics of the S-21 prison's brutal conditions. Discover the transformation of this former high school into a detention center that held over 20,000 individuals and learn about the unspeakable horrors they endured while in captivity.

Wat Phnom

Amidst the array of remarkable religious edifices in the city, Wat Phnom stands as the tallest, soaring to a height of 88.6 feet. Situated in close proximity to the river, this Buddhist temple has been a source of awe and inspiration since its construction in the 14th century.

Wat Ounalom Monastery

Wat Ounalom Monastery seamlessly blends Buddhist iconography with a rich religious heritage, serving as a delightful complement to Wat Langka. As one of Cambodia's oldest temple complexes and arguably among the most significant, its 44 buildings stand as a cornerstone of Buddhism in the country. Explore the sanctuary's wealth of religious art, captivating architecture, and delve into its storied past as the former residence for hundreds of monks.

Suggested Itineraries

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