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.