Phnom Penh - Cambodia's capital city

Phnom Penh Highlights

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia with an estimated population of more than one million people.  It is much smaller and easier to get around than many other capital cities in Asia and it is definitely a good place for visitors to spend a few days.  It is often bypassed by many travellers who fly in and out of Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat however you won’t be disappointed with your visit.  Many travellers often regret not spending more time in Phnom Penh so take your time and enjoy what it has to offer

At the confluence of three rivers – the Mekhong, the Bassac and the Sap, Phnom Penh’s riverfront is a draw card for not only visitors but many locals who love to spend their evenings picnicking along the river front

Close to the riverfront is the Royal Palace which gives the visitor a bird’s eye view of Cambodia’s Royal Family – both past and present.  Guided tours can be arranged to show the visitor the Throne Hall, the beautiful Silver Pagoda (with its beautiful silver tiles and many Buddha statues), the Iron building donated by France’s Napoleon III and a display area depicting Cambodia’s way of life

Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the National Museum - a beautiful building with many wonderful Khmer artefacts and a lovely inner courtyard

Cambodia’s recent grisly past can be experienced by visiting Tuol Sleng Museum (a former prison and torture centre) and the 'Killing Fields' of Choueng Ek where the thousands tortured at Tuol Sleng were transported and killed

There are various markets to visit in Phnom Penh and the range of goods is astonishing.  Food (ready to cook or already prepared), household items, clothes and shoes, artefacts, electrical goods, precious stones, tailors making clothes, cobblers making or repairing shoes are often to be found under one roof!  The colours, smells and hive of activity is worth experiencing.  Markets include the Russian, Central, Olympic, O’Russei, Bang Keng Kong – tell us what interests you and we will ensure you enjoy your visit to a market

There are numerous temples (‘Wats’) in Phnom Penh that are worth visiting.  These include the popular Wat Phnom (with a large clock erected on the lawns at the foot of the small hill), Wat Lanka (close to our accommodation) and Wat Ounalom (where Cambodia’s head Buddhist monk resides)
The Independence Monument (erected in 1958), close to Wat Lanka is not easy to miss and is often used as a landmark by visitors

Other things to do in Phnom Penh

• Massage is becoming more commonly available and a favourite amongst expatriates.  There are numerous ‘Seeing Hand Massage’ establishments where trained blind persons perform reasonably priced and relaxing and therapeutic massages.  Traditional Khmer massage – ‘coining’ and ‘cupping’ can also be organised for those interested in experiencing the local traditions or the more commonly known about oil massages are also now readily available
• Visit Friends restaurant and shop – a place where street children have the opportunity to learn vocational skills and improve their lives
• Visit Nyemo and Tabitha – two NGO run shops that provide vocational training, literacy classes, savings groups and other activities for women.  Other NGOs involved in Khmer art and crafts can also be visited
• If you are in Phnom Penh on a Friday or Saturday night it is well worth seeing a traditional shadow puppet show at Sovannaphum accompanied by traditional music, dance and occasionally circus.  Performances change weekly and you won't be disappointed by this local amateur company who is proud of re-establishing old traditions and mixing with contemporary ideas. Or you can see traditional dancing and theatre close to the National Museum at nights during the dry season (excluding Sunday). See Cambodian Living Arts for details
• There are special ‘shopping streets’ such as Street 240, 278, 178 and the Riverfront
• Phnom Penh is an easy city to walk around as it is small and traffic is manageable.  Many of the sites above can be walked if it is not too hot or raining
• Young children will enjoy the night time fair close to the Cambodiana Hotel which also has snacks for sale which can be enjoyed by lying in hammocks
• See a movie at the French Cultural Centre or visit Meta House where locally made films and documentaries are often shown

Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Visit the palace and the museum in the morning before enjoying lunch at ‘Friends the Restaurant’ close to the Museum or enjoy a local Khmer lunch at another local restaurant
In the afternoon visit Wat Phnom, Wat Lanka or Wat Ounalom, view the city sites including the Independence Monument and one or two markets

Day 2
Visit Tuol Sleng then the Killing Fields in the morning
Eat lunch in a Khmer restaurant and hear about Souen's own experiences before, during and after the Pol Pot regime
Visit the Russian Market in the afternoon, take a massage, sit by the river, go shopping or take a rest!

OR for those with limited time in Phnom Penh
Visit Wat Phnom, Royal Palace and National Museum in the morning
Lunch at Friends, Romdeng, Boat Noodle or Khmer Surin restaurant
Visit Wat Ounalom or Wat Lanka before heading to Tuol Sleng then the Killing Fields in the afternoon

These are just suggestions - we organise private trips to suit your interests, fitness level and time so let us know what you would like and we can give you a quote

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