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 motive why it’s best to stick round for a number of days and benefit from the websites. Phnom Penh has among 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 one in every of essentially the most brutal re-education camps in Cambodia, the place 1000’s 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 outdoors of Phnom Penh.

Each sights are heartbreaking and a variety 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, stored alive to work as a mechanic fixing typewriters.

On the very least, get the audioguide.

Though it’s unhappy, I believe you will need to study this level in historical past, to go away with the mindset that occasions like it will by no means occur once more. It’s particularly respectful so that you can know so you’ll be able to empathise with the Cambodian folks, who’s current ancestors endured this.

2. Try 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 stunning complicated with tons 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.

You’ll want to try the Silver Pagoda, also called Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Preah Keo Morakot).

It’s well-known for its silver tiles which beautify the ground and silver stupas on both facet, that are mentioned to include the cremated our bodies of former kings.

3. Go Temple Hopping

There are additionally various stunning buddhist temples (or wats) scattered round Phnom Penh, which are all price seeing.

You received’t discover many vacationers visiting these temples, so many of the time you’ll have all of them to your self. Essentially 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 be certain to take off your footwear 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

My favorite neighbourhood for exploring is the riverfront, which is gorgeous for a stroll, but in addition 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 for those who fancy getting energetic you’ll be able to even be a part of one of many out of doors cardio classes with the locals for $0.25.

5. Attempt Khmer Meals

Khmer meals just isn’t very well-known outdoors of Cambodia, however it’s positively price making an attempt. 

Avenue meals may be discovered in every single place in Phnom Penh, as distributors have cell kitchens hooked up to their motorbikes and so are capable of put together meals anyplace they cease.

It’s scrumptious and actually low-cost the place dishes typically solely prices $1.

If you’re thirsty be certain to attempt scrumptious Khmer ice espresso, contemporary sugarcane juice with lime or contemporary coconut juice, all obtainable from cell drink carts for roughly $0.50.

My favorite restaurant has bought to be Samaky Restaurant, a social enterprise that trains road kids within the catering enterprise and teaches them English.

I’ve by no means seen extra pleasant employees in every other restaurant and by consuming there you assist a very good trigger as nicely.

I like to recommend the nationwide dish, Fish Amok, a candy coconut curry that’s sort of candy. Pair it with mango sticky rice such as you would discover in Thailand, and a ice chilly cocktail.

6. Get pleasure from 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 pleased hours the place a glass of ice-cold Angkor beer will often price you $0.75, and a cocktail $2. Most bars are down the riverfront, on road 278 or 51. You may be spoiled for alternative.

If you like consuming with the locals you’ll be able to check out one of many plentiful Khmer beer gardens, the place a pitcher of beer will price you round $1.50. Be ready for some karaoke although.

Or, take into account a sundown cruise on the Mekong, Tonle Sap and 4 Faces Rivers, which comes with limitless beer. Not unhealthy for a $15 funding!

Or, if you wish to occasion in a personal area, you’ll be able to lease one of many many boats alongside the river which may host as much as 50 folks.

Prices are round $20 for a 2-hour cruise and you may carry your personal drinks and meals. The boat takes you down each the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap – very enjoyable approach to spend your evening.

7. Watch a Conventional Cambodian Apsara Dance

If you want to see some conventional Cambodian dancing I like to recommend the Chaktomuk Theatre on Sisowath Quay the place you’ll be able to 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 Avenue 163, which sells all the pieces from souvenirs, to engine elements, antiques or contemporary meals.

Then there may be the Central Market on Avenue 128, situated in a phenomenal artwork deco constructing, however sells related 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 Avenue 108. It’s open on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a great spot to pattern some road meals and to purchase souvenirs.

Haggling is a should on all three markets to get the most effective deal. If you’re into artwork and handicrafts in specific I like to recommend a go to to Avenue 178 the place galleries and workshops line the road reverse the College of Arts.

9. Try the Water Pageant in October

The largest occasion every year is the Water Pageant in October.

The three-day competition is of nice significance because it celebrates the top of the wet season, the beginning of the fishing season, and in addition the distinctive pure phenomenon – the circulation of the Tonle Sap river altering path!

Many villagers all through the nation spend nearly a full yr getting ready their villages boat for the well-known boat races. These are elaborately and brightly embellished dug out canoes with massive eyes on the prows to keep at bay 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 a very good or unhealthy harvest.

11. Take a day journey to Tonle Bati

I might actually suggest a go to to Tonle Bati and its close by Angkorian temple destroy Ta Promenade. 

Tonle Bati is a lake the place locals typically 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 calm down in a hammock and eat snacks offered by the assorted road distributors or eating places.

A couple of minutes away from the lake is the Ta Prohm Break, which dates again to the late twelfth century. While you get larger ruins within the Angkor Wat temple complicated in Siem Reap, you may have this destroy all to your self for a real Tomb Raider expertise.

You may get there by reserving personal vehicles through tour operators or negotiate a cope with any tuk tuk driver on the town. It takes about 1 hour in a automotive and 1.5 hours in a tuk tuk. Count on 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 may be 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 turned the brand new capital in 1866. It’s now the official resting place of essentially 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 a beautiful view all the way down to the encompassing Wats, rice fields and floodplains. You may 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 house to over 1,200 animals, lots of which have been rescued from the unlawful wildlife commerce or from habitats that have been threatened by improvement.

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 concerning the unbelievable work being performed to rehabilitate these superb creatures and protect their pure habitats.

Not solely is a go to to Tamao an effective way to satisfy the native wildlife of Cambodia, nevertheless it’s additionally an effective way to assist the vital 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 essentially the most cheerful of locations to go to in Phnom Penh, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Heart is an extremely vital and sobering expertise and shouldn’t be missed.

This web site is likely one of 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 folks.

The Killing Fields, as they’re generally recognized, are a testomony to the atrocities dedicated throughout this darkish interval of Cambodian historical past.

You’ll be able to stroll previous the mass graves and see areas that have been used for torture. You’ll want to get the audio information for info. It’s very nicely knowledgeable and detailed, and permits guests to be taught concerning the horrors that passed off right here and pay their respects to the victims.

Whereas it might not be the best or most uplifting expertise, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Heart is a crucial reminder of the risks of totalitarianism and the significance of by no means forgetting the tragedies of the previous.

15. See stunning artwork on the Nationwide Museum of Cambodia

The Nationwide Museum of Cambodia is a surprising museum that’s house 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’ll be able to discover reveals that span from the prehistoric period to the fashionable day, with a specific give attention to the Angkor interval between the ninth and fifteenth centuries.

You’ll be taught concerning 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 in addition the gorgeous constructing during which it’s housed.

The museum’s structure was impressed by conventional Khmer design, with a phenomenal central courtyard lined with galleries.

16. Head to Koh Dach (Silk Island) and leanrn about silk weaving

A beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town is to Silk Island.

This small island in the midst of the Mekong River is thought for its stunning surroundings, conventional weaving practices, and tranquil environment.

You’ll be able to discover native villages and be taught concerning the silk weaving course of, which has been handed down by means of generations.

You’ll be able to watch expert weavers creating intricate patterns on conventional looms and even buy stunning, handmade silk merchandise to take house as souvenirs.

Koh Dach can be an excellent place to calm down and unwind. The island is house to a number of quiet seashores and scenic spots the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the Mekong River and the encompassing countryside.

17. See the Magnificent Independence Monument

The Independence Monument is likely one of 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 exquisite structure impressed by conventional Khmer design.

It’s surrounded by a lush park, which is a well-liked spot for locals to calm down and benefit from the outdoor.

The world across the monument is house to many outlets, eating places, and cafes, making it an excellent spot to seize a chunk to eat or do some memento purchasing.

The place to remain in Phnom Penh

There are a variety of low-cost guesthouses on the Golden Mile on road 278, referred to as golden mile as a result of most guesthouses have the phrase golden of their identify.

An awesome trendy lodge in a really perfect location is Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh. It has very pleasant and useful employees of the employees 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 scorching day of sightseeing. The meals is Khmer and Swiss and really scrumptious.

If you’re into extra upmarket resorts then I can suggest the Raffles Le Royal Resort, which is merely stunning in structure, luxurious, gives scrumptious excessive midday teas and in addition has an excellent swimming pool.

For extra locations to remain in Phnom Penh select from the most important vary of resorts, flats, and guesthouses with our varied companions utilizing the map beneath.

Attending to and round Phnom Penh

Sadly, there aren’t 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 price range 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 rather a lot longer as nicely. Should you come from Vietnam you’ll be able to take a bus or boat from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

The bus journey takes about 6 hours, and may be very comfy. The boat trip takes about 4 hours and is de facto picturesque because it takes you thru the Mekong Delta.

There are additionally buses obtainable from Bangkok, however they take a complete day with varied adjustments 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’ll be able to both take a tuk tuk or a moto taxi.

There are many these round and also you received’t be capable to 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 choose tuk tuks. They’re protected and also you get to calm down on the cozy seats while having the ability to take within the surrounding sights. Negotiate a worth in advance and count on to pay between $2-$4, relying on how far you go.

Phnom Pehn isn’t essentially the most walkable metropolis. It’s also possible to 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 scorching season (November to January), the very popular season (February to Could) and the wet season (June to October).

The common temperature throughout the scorching season is round 32°C (89.6°F), so it is a good time to go to.

The very popular season is nearly 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 a little bit bit.

Is Phnom Penh Price Visiting?

I discussed earlier that Phnom Penh is just a whistle cease for a lot of vacationers who simply cease by on their approach to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, however in my view, it’s positively price visiting and shouldn’t be overseen.

Phnom Penh right now is nearly unrecognizable to the Phnom Penh of 10 years in the past, when folks nonetheless lived in conventional picket homes, rice paddies lined the river, and UN autos roamed the filth tracks making an attempt to carry peace to a rustic after 30 years of battle.

In the present day 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’s not simply the sights although. For me Phnom Penh is all concerning the folks, the environment 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 no less than 2 or 3 days, which. is the right period of time to see the highlights and get a really feel for the town.

Gradual down, take walks, get misplaced and discover the jewel of Southeast Asia.

Standard Excursions in Cambodia