Jan

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Phnom Penh Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s largest city and its capital, located at the point where the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers merge in the south-centre of the country. Once considered the region’s most beautiful city, it has more recently been associated with the genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime of the late 70s. As past troubles fade, tourists are returning in ever-increasing numbers, drawn by Cambodia’s compelling cultural heritage and lovely colonial architecture.

Flights to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s international airport is served by carriers arriving from all major points in Asia, although most tourists fly in from Bangkok. Buses connect the capital with most all parts of the country although road conditions are not good. Buses also arrive daily from Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam.

As the major attractions of interest to tourists in Phnom Penh are found in a reasonably compact area, it’s possible to make the rounds by a combination of walking and motorcycle taxi. Bicycles are another option, but it can be quite hot and humid, making that choice somewhat less appealing. Taxis are also available, but there isn’t a city bus service. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Phnom try Expedia.

Phnom Penh


Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s attractions include some interesting museums focussed on the country’s history, a number of spectacular temples and also a selection of art galleries. The city’s famous silver pagoda is a highlight, boasting more than 5000 silver tiles and a golden Buddha image studded with 9000 diamonds.

Grim reminders from the Khmer Rouge period also attract many visitors. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek stand as memorials to the unbelievable number of Cambodians massacred between 1975 and 1979. Although disturbing places to visit, they are of significant historical interest.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
You’ll find plenty to do at night here, with many clubs and bars to choose from, and a small selection of live music venues as well. The choice of nightspots ranges from the seedy to the quiet and friendly and also includes some of the ‘hostess bar’ type clubs. Sisowath Quay, along the river, features the highest concentrations of places to try out.

One particularly popular spot for a drink is the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, which also has a good restaurant with views out over the river. The Club offers up a selection of western and Asian dishes, ranging from curries to pizza. For traditional Cambodian fare, you’ll find such popular dishes throughout Phnom Penh as machou bangkang, a prawn soup, samla chapek, which is a pork and ginger soup and samla machou banle, a fish soup. Khao phoune is a local favourite, a rice noodle dish served with a coconut-based sauce.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
The city boasts plenty of markets, with the central market, known as Psar Thmei, the largest and the best – where tons of bargains can be found. Located in an art deco structure dating from the late 1930s, it’s divided into four wings that are packed with goods, including such items as antique coins, clothing, fake designer brands and jewellery. Another interesting market is called Psar Tuol Tom Pong, or the Russian Market. Located to the south of the centre, it features a similar selection of goods and souvenirs.


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