Phnom Penh is a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past and tradition, with unbelievable meals, gorgeous structure, and bustling markets.
Regardless of being comparatively small in measurement, there are many issues to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital metropolis.
Whereas most individuals go to the capital as a gateway to succeed in Siam Reap or the island of Koh Rong, there’s no cause why you need to stick round for a number of days and benefit from the websites. Phnom Penh has a number of the most historic and enlightening sights in Cambodia, from the Royal Palace to the Killing Fields.
On this information, we’ll present you what to do in Phnom Penh. So seize a pen and paper, and jot these unmissable locations down.
1. Go to The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Jail)
To actually perceive Cambodia as a rustic, its tradition and other people, I actually suggest studying a bit about Cambodia’s tragic previous and the genocide throughout the Khmer Rouge regime within the late 70’s.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or Safety Jail 21 (S-21), is a former highschool that was once certainly one of probably the most brutal re-education camps in Cambodia, the place hundreds of individuals have been killed and tortured.
Most prisoners have been taken right here for questioning, earlier than being taken to the Killing Fields simply exterior of Phnom Penh.
Each sights are heartbreaking and lots of guests can get vicarious trauma from listening to the tales, because the brutality of the regime is portrayed in a lot element. So do go at your personal discretion.
Should you do go, typically there’s a person who visits this jail to inform travellers about his time as a prisoner there. He was one of many survivors of the Regime, saved alive to work as a mechanic fixing typewriters.
On the very least, get the audioguide.
Though it’s unhappy, I feel you will need to find out about this level in historical past, to go away with the mindset that occasions like this may by no means occur once more. It’s particularly respectful so that you can know so you may empathise with the Cambodian individuals, who’s current ancestors endured this.
2. Take a look at The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
A extra cheerful sight is the Royal Palace, which is a stark distinction to Phnom Penh’s dusty streets with its manicured gardens, gilded throne corridor, and golden buildings.
It’s a lovely advanced with heaps of spectacular Khmer structure to discover. It’s the official residence of the Cambodian King and is a web site of sacred significance, so cowl your shoulders and knees earlier than visiting, as you can’t get in in any other case.
Remember to take a look at the Silver Pagoda, often known as Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Preah Keo Morakot).
It’s well-known for its silver tiles which adorn the ground and silver stupas on both aspect, that are mentioned to include the cremated our bodies of former kings.
3. Go Temple Hopping
There are additionally plenty of lovely buddhist temples (or wats) scattered round Phnom Penh, which are all price seeing.
You gained’t discover many vacationers visiting these temples, so a lot of the time you should have all of them to your self. Probably the most well-known one is Wat Phnom, the place Phnom Penh was allegedly based in 1422.
Different temples actually price seeing for his or her architectural delights are Wat Lanka, Wat Ounalom, and Wat Botum.
Should you go to any temples make sure that to take off your sneakers earlier than you enter, cowl your shoulders and knees and by no means level your foot soles at anybody, particularly not the Buddha statues.
4. Take a stroll alongside the riverfront
spot for individuals watching
My favorite neighbourhood for exploring is the riverfront, which is gorgeous for a stroll, but additionally nice to seize a chunk to eat, get pleasure from a chilly drink and go to some native markets, such because the outdated market (phsar chas) within the outdated French quarter.
It’s at all times busy with locals and vacationers alike and in the event you fancy getting lively you may even be part of one of many outside cardio periods with the locals for $0.25.
5. Attempt Khmer Meals
Khmer meals will not be very well-known exterior of Cambodia, however it’s undoubtedly price attempting.
Road meals may be discovered in every single place in Phnom Penh, as distributors have cellular kitchens hooked up to their motorbikes and so are capable of put together meals wherever they cease.
It’s scrumptious and actually low cost the place dishes usually solely prices $1.
In case you are thirsty make sure that to strive scrumptious Khmer ice espresso, contemporary sugarcane juice with lime or contemporary coconut juice, all out there from cellular drink carts for roughly $0.50.
My favorite restaurant has bought to be Samaky Restaurant, a social enterprise that trains avenue kids within the catering enterprise and teaches them English.
I’ve by no means seen extra pleasant workers in some other restaurant and by consuming there you assist a extremely good trigger as nicely.
I like to recommend the nationwide dish, Fish Amok, a candy coconut curry that’s form of candy. Pair it with mango sticky rice such as you would discover in Thailand, and a ice chilly cocktail.
6. Take pleasure in Phnom Pehn’s Vibrant Nightlife
As Phnom Penh has a big expat neighborhood there are many bars scattered round Phnom Penh.
Most of them have comfortable hours the place a glass of ice-cold Angkor beer will often value you $0.75, and a cocktail $2. Most bars are down the riverfront, on avenue 278 or 51. You can be spoiled for alternative.
If you like consuming with the locals you may check out one of many plentiful Khmer beer gardens, the place a pitcher of beer will value you round $1.50. Be ready for some karaoke although.
Or, contemplate a sundown cruise on the Mekong, Tonle Sap and 4 Faces Rivers, which comes with limitless beer. Not dangerous for a $15 funding!
Or, if you wish to occasion in a personal area, you may hire one of many many boats alongside the river which may host as much as 50 individuals.
Prices are round $20 for a 2-hour cruise and you’ll convey your personal drinks and meals. The boat takes you down each the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap – very enjoyable solution to spend your night time.
7. Watch a Conventional Cambodian Apsara Dance
If you need to see some conventional Cambodian dancing I like to recommend the Chaktomuk Theatre on Sisowath Quay the place you may see the Apsara Dance and a few very elaborate costumes.
8. Go to the native markets
There are three markets the place you should buy souvenirs. The largest is the Russian Market on Road 163, which sells every little thing from souvenirs, to engine elements, antiques or contemporary meals.
Then there’s the Central Market on Road 128, positioned in a lovely artwork deco constructing, however sells comparable merchandise to the Russian market, however is a bit smaller.
The third is the Phnom Penh Night time Market on the riverfront on the nook of Road 108. It’s open on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a excellent place to pattern some avenue meals and to purchase souvenirs.
Haggling is a should on all three markets to get one of the best deal. In case you are into artwork and handicrafts in explicit I like to recommend a go to to Road 178 the place galleries and workshops line the road reverse the College of Arts.
9. Take a look at the Water Competition in October
The largest occasion annually is the Water Competition in October.
The three-day pageant is of nice significance because it celebrates the tip of the wet season, the beginning of the fishing season, and likewise the distinctive pure phenomenon – the movement of the Tonle Sap river altering route!
Many villagers all through the nation spend nearly a full 12 months making ready their villages boat for the well-known boat races. These are elaborately and brightly adorned dug out canoes with giant eyes on the prows to beat back evil spirits.
10. Witness the Royal Ploughing Ceremony
One other huge occasion is the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which marks the start of the wet and rice rising season (often held in Could).
The Royal household is often concerned and it is possible for you to to see parades on the grounds of the Nationwide Museum, Buddhist rituals, marching bands and the precise ploughing ceremony the place two royal oxens plough the bottom and are then provided a varierty of meals and spirits.
Relying on what the oxen chooses to eat is an indication for or dangerous harvest.
11. Take a day journey to Tonle Bati
I’d actually suggest a go to to Tonle Bati and its close by Angkorian temple damage Ta Promenade.
Tonle Bati is a lake the place locals usually come for the weekend to have a picnic by the lake, go for a ship trip or a dip within the cool water.
While I wouldn’t suggest swimming within the lake for well being causes, the picnic areas by the lake are the right spot to loosen up in a hammock and eat snacks offered by the varied avenue distributors or eating places.
A couple of minutes away from the lake is the Ta Prohm Wreck, which dates again to the late twelfth century. While you get larger ruins within the Angkor Wat temple advanced in Siem Reap, you can have this damage all to your self for a real Tomb Raider expertise.
You will get there by reserving non-public automobiles through tour operators or negotiate a take care of any tuk tuk driver on the town. It takes about 1 hour in a automobile and 1.5 hours in a tuk tuk. Anticipate to pay about round $30 for both mode of transport.
12. Take a day journey to Oudong
I’ve already talked about Tonle Bati above, however there’s additionally one other place that’s simply reachable for a half-day journey, which is Oudong.
Oudong has been Cambodia’s former capital till Phnom Penh grew to become the brand new capital in 1866. It’s now the official resting place of probably the most sacred of Buddha’s bones possessed by Cambodia. The bones are in a temple on prime of a mountain.
After a ten to twenty minute climb from the bottom of the mountain it is possible for you to to witness an exquisite view right down to the encompassing Wats, rice fields and floodplains. You will get there through tuk tuk or reserving a tour with a tour operator for roughly $30.
13. Go to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Heart
Should you’re an animal lover visiting Phnom Penh, a go to to the Tamao Wildlife Rescue Heart, owned by the Wildlife Alliance, is an absolute should.
This unbelievable sanctuary is residence to over 1,200 animals, a lot of which have been rescued from the unlawful wildlife commerce or from habitats that have been threatened by growth.
At Tamao, guests can rise up shut and private with all kinds of animals, together with tigers, elephants, bears, gibbons, and extra.
You’ll be taught in regards to the unbelievable work being accomplished to rehabilitate these superb creatures and protect their pure habitats.
Not solely is a go to to Tamao an effective way to fulfill the native wildlife of Cambodia, nevertheless it’s additionally an effective way to assist the essential work of wildlife conservation.
By visiting the middle and studying about these unbelievable animals, you’ll be serving to to boost consciousness and encourage others to take motion to guard endangered species.
14. Pay your respects on the Choeung Ek Genocidal Heart (Killing Fields)
Whereas not probably the most cheerful of locations to go to in Phnom Penh, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Heart is an extremely essential and sobering expertise and shouldn’t be missed.
This web site is among the most vital memorials to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, which dominated Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and oversaw the deaths of roughly 1.5 – 3 million individuals.
The Killing Fields, as they’re generally identified, are a testomony to the atrocities dedicated throughout this darkish interval of Cambodian historical past.
You may stroll previous the mass graves and see areas that have been used for torture. Remember to get the audio information for data. It’s very nicely knowledgeable and detailed, and permits guests to be taught in regards to the horrors that happened right here and pay their respects to the victims.
Whereas it is probably not the best or most uplifting expertise, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Heart is a vital reminder of the risks of totalitarianism and the significance of by no means forgetting the tragedies of the previous.
15. See lovely artwork on the Nationwide Museum of Cambodia
The Nationwide Museum of Cambodia is a shocking museum that’s residence to the world’s largest assortment of Khmer artwork and artifacts, together with sculptures, ceramics, and textiles from all through Cambodia’s wealthy historical past.
You may discover reveals that span from the prehistoric period to the fashionable day, with a selected give attention to the Angkor interval between the ninth and fifteenth centuries.
You’ll be taught in regards to the historic Khmer civilization and the unbelievable artwork and structure they created, in addition to the challenges they confronted over the centuries.
What units the Nationwide Museum of Cambodia aside isn’t just the unbelievable assortment on show, but additionally the gorgeous constructing wherein it’s housed.
The museum’s structure was impressed by conventional Khmer design, with a lovely central courtyard lined with galleries.
16. Head to Koh Dach (Silk Island) and leanrn about silk weaving
An exquisite escape from the hustle and bustle of town is to Silk Island.
This small island in the midst of the Mekong River is thought for its lovely surroundings, conventional weaving practices, and tranquil ambiance.
You may discover native villages and be taught in regards to the silk weaving course of, which has been handed down by generations.
You may watch expert weavers creating intricate patterns on conventional looms and even buy lovely, handmade silk merchandise to take residence as souvenirs.
Koh Dach can also be an amazing place to loosen up and unwind. The island is residence to a number of quiet seashores and scenic spots the place you may get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the Mekong River and the encompassing countryside.
17. See the Magnificent Independence Monument
The Independence Monument is among the most iconic landmarks in Phnom Penh.
This gorgeous monument was inbuilt 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953.
It options intricate carvings and delightful structure impressed by conventional Khmer design.
It’s surrounded by a lush park, which is a well-liked spot for locals to loosen up and benefit from the outside.
The world across the monument is residence to many retailers, eating places, and cafes, making it an amazing spot to seize a chunk to eat or do some memento purchasing.
The place to remain in Phnom Penh
There are lots of low cost guesthouses on the Golden Mile on avenue 278, referred to as golden mile as a result of most guesthouses have the phrase golden of their title.
An excellent trendy lodge in a super location is Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh. It has very pleasant and useful workers of the workers and clear and cozy rooms.
A mid-range lodge I can actually suggest is the Plantation City Resort & Spa. It has a swimming pool, which may be very refreshing after a sizzling day of sightseeing. The meals is Khmer and Swiss and really scrumptious.
In case you are into extra upmarket motels then I can suggest the Raffles Le Royal Resort, which is merely lovely in structure, luxurious, presents scrumptious excessive midday teas and likewise has an amazing swimming pool.
For extra locations to remain in Phnom Penh select from the biggest vary of motels, flats, and guesthouses with our numerous companions utilizing the map beneath.
Attending to and round Phnom Penh
Sadly, there are not any direct flights from Europe, the US or Australia to Phnom Pehn, so that you both have to cease in Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and switch there.
Air Asia is a well-liked funds airline in Asia that connects most main cities. There are some professionals and cons to Air Asia, however they’re very low cost and often dependable.
Buses are less expensive, however take quite a bit longer as nicely. Should you come from Vietnam you may take a bus or boat from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
The bus journey takes about 6 hours, and may be very snug. The boat trip takes about 4 hours and is de facto picturesque because it takes you thru the Mekong Delta.
There are additionally buses out there from Bangkok, however they take an entire day with numerous modifications concerned. A bus from Pakse/Laos is about 15 hours.
Public Transport in Phnom Pehn
Phnom Penh hasn’t bought the posh of public buses or an underground system that different Asian metropolises have. So to get spherical you may both take a tuk tuk or a moto taxi.
There are many these round and also you gained’t be capable of stroll a meter with out being provided a trip. Motos are a bit cheaper, however don’t count on the driving force have a helmet for you.
I favor tuk tuks. They’re secure and also you get to loosen up on the comfortable seats while with the ability to take within the surrounding sights. Negotiate a value in advance and count on to pay between $2-$4, relying on how far you go.
Phnom Pehn isn’t probably the most walkable metropolis. You can even use Seize and Bolt to order bikes and taxis.
What’s the finest time to go to Phnom Penh?
There are three seasons in Cambodia. The sizzling season (November to January), the highly regarded season (February to Could) and the wet season (June to October).
The typical temperature throughout the sizzling season is round 32°C (89.6°F), so it is a good time to go to.
The highly regarded season is sort of insufferable when it will get as excessive as 39°C-42°C (102°F-107°F) levels.
The wet season is kind of a pleasant time to go to as nicely, because the rice paddies are very inexperienced and lush and the afternoon rainfalls cool the excessive temperatures down just a little bit.
Is Phnom Penh Price Visiting?
I discussed earlier that Phnom Penh is barely a whistle cease for a lot of vacationers who simply cease by on their solution to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, however for my part, it’s undoubtedly price visiting and shouldn’t be overseen.
Phnom Penh at the moment is sort of unrecognizable to the Phnom Penh of 10 years in the past, when individuals nonetheless lived in conventional wood homes, rice paddies lined the river, and UN automobiles roamed the filth tracks attempting to convey peace to a rustic after 30 years of battle.
As we speak there are respectable roads, trendy bars and eating places, purchasing malls, a quite a few quantity of high-rise buildings, and plenty of historic sights. Phnom Penh is a metropolis on the up.
For me, it isn’t simply the sights although. For me Phnom Penh is all in regards to the individuals, the ambiance and tempo of life. Not like different Asian cities, corresponding to Bangkok, Phnom Penh is the right sized metropolis and far extra enjoyable.
Should you go to Cambodia come and discover Phnom Penh for not less than 2 or 3 days, which. is the right period of time to see the highlights and get a really feel for town.
Sluggish down, take walks, get misplaced and discover the jewel of Southeast Asia.
Standard Excursions in Cambodia
What are you most trying ahead to doing in Phnom Penh? Share your ideas within the feedback.
