Cambodia's modern capital is a vibrant bustling city nestling majestically on the banks of the confluence of the two mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. These rivers then split again as the Mekong and the Tonle Bassac at a place known to the Khmers as Chaktomuk, meaning four faces. Phnompenh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. With wide tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings Phnompenh still harks back to the colonial days of this former French playground and the many older French colonial buildings, much in evidence, add to the ambiance.
The area surround the Royal Palace has magnificent Khmer towers and remains particularly delightful. There are many open spaces and parks in the center which the locals use for recreation and relaxation. Pedaled rickshaws, called cyclos, still ply the streets as in colonial days and provide an excellent opportunity for sightseeing and people watching as well as the taxi service.
Major Sights and Attractions in/around Phnompenh
Silver Pagoda - Phnom Penh
Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha), formerly a wooden building, was rebuilt in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with over 5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90 kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarant crystal. Sharing the pagoda are many other interesting artifacts and jewels and was one of the few temples to remain intact during the Khmer Rouge regime. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee US$ 3 per person. Camera fee US$2. Video fee US$ 5. Photography is allowed in the outside exhibition areas only. Please remember that exposed knees and shoulders are considered disrespectful.
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National Museum Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Designed by George Groslier and the Ecole des Arts Cambodgiens the National Museum was built in 1917 in traditional Khmer style and inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowat. The National Museum houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer archeological, religious, and artistic artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. There are over 5000 pieces and is the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to the largest bat colony in the world living in an artificial structure. Every evening these bats flock out of the roof and swarm around in the sky before searching for food. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Photography is forbidden inside. | ||
| Royal Palace Phnom Penh - Cambodia | |
Unfortunately the royal residence, set back from the riverfront, is closed to visitors but is still visible from the outside and well worth seeing, located as it is between the Silver Pagoda and National Museum.
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Wat Phnom (Hill Temple)
Phnom Penh - Cambodia
| Silver Pagoda | National Museum | The Royal Palace | Wat Phnom | Tuol Sleng Museum | Killing Fields of Choeung Ek | Independence Monument | Tonle Sap Riverfront | National Library | Markets | Mekong Land | Kien Svay | Mo Ha Liep Resort Center | Udong | Phnom Chisor | Tonle Bati / Taphrom Temple Located on a man-made hill twenty seven meters high in the middle of Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is a revered place of worship for all Khmers and is the namesake of the capital. The original pagoda was built in 1373 to house four Buddha statues said to have been deposited by the waters of the Mekong. The temple is the focal point for many Buddhist ceremonies especially Pchum Ben and his highly revered by Phompenh residents. Wat Phnom has a unique atmosphere and is surrounded by various fortune tellers, mystics, faith healers and elephant rides around the site are available. |
Genocidal Tuol Sleng Museum
Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Tuol Sleng Museum, known as the Museum of Genocidal Crimes it was used by the Khmer Rouge as a detention and torture center in the late 1970. Today the building houses exhibits, paintings and photographs of many of the victims. Visitors can see the crude cells built in the classrooms and the torture devices used to extract confessions in Stalinesque purges of the regime. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Killing Fields of Cheung Ek
Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Killing Fields of Cheung Ek is situated 15 kilometers south-west of Phnom Penh and made famous by the film of the same name "Killing Field". it was a place where more than 17,000 civilians were killed and buried in mass graves; many of them transported here after detention and torture in Toul Sleng. This place is a chilling reminder of the brutalities of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. In the center of the area is a 17 story glass stupa which houses 8000 skulls exhumed from mass graves. Open daily.
Note: Both Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields exhibits may be disturbing for some and aren't suitable for younger children and adults who are easily shocked.
Independence Monument Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Built in 1958 as a memorial to Cambodia's war dead after the gaining of independence from France in 1953, the monument, built in the Angkorian style, consists of five levels decorated with 100 snake heads. It is at its most impressive later in the afternoon with shadows highlighting the complexity of the design and giving the structure a warm orange glow.
Tonle Sap Riverfront Phnom Penh - Cambodia
The recently refurbished riverfront park is the focal point for the Phnom Penh residents' leisure activities. Early risers can see the many locals welcoming the new day with Tai Chi and other exercises while the sun rises majestically over the river. In the early evening and all day Sunday many people stroll, picnic or just sit and watch the world go by. Local delicacies are served by vendors all along the riverfront and visitors can indulge in dried salted fish or another favorites, boiled duck embryos still in the shell.
National Library Phnom Penh - Cambodia
It is located next to the Royal Hotel and just West of Wat Phnom. This graceful building, another example of French colonial architecture, built in 1924 and set in floral gardens was sacked by the Khmer Rouge and turned into a stable. Many of the discarded books were picked up by the locals who donated them back to the library after 1979. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Markets in Phnom Penh Cambodia
Of the more a dozen markets in Phnom Penh many of them are little interest to visitors, selling, as they do, general household purchases in many of the districts of the city. There are, however, several centrally located markets of real interest to shoppers, browsers, and souvenir hunters alike. Be warned that nothing is priced and bargaining is a must.
Central Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh. Built in 1937 by French architects and surprisingly cool, even in the heat of the hottest day, many interesting products are available. The eastern side, which is the main entrance, has many souvenirs and ornaments on sale from T-shirts to large stone heads. In the center are the many jewelry stores and precious stone vendors as well as a plethora of electronic goods merchants, cloth sellers and other dealers; most of them selling thing considerably cheap.
Toul Tom Pong Market (or Russian Market) is probably the city's best source of objects d'art. Items for sale include wooden and stone carvings, various ritual objects, silverware, and old Indochinese notes and coins. There is a large range of antiquities and curios for those prepared to ferret around the various stalls and there are also gold and silversmiths inside the market who can be seen custom making jewelry. This too is a good source of both Cambodian and Chinese Silk and Clothes. This is one of the most popular markets in Phnom Penh with foreign residents and tourists who can spend many an interesting hour browsing before choosing the perfect gift.
O'Russei Market on the North side of the Olympic Stadium is a typical Cambodian market catering to the every needs of the populace. Here the sights and smells of this market give the visitor the feel of a local market with many house-wives still purchasing their foodstuffs on a daily basis. This market is full of local character and one can only imagine the banter that takes place between all the vendors and customers. Here, is one of the best selections of the different types of fruit from all over the region, though the choice, naturally, depends on the season.
Olympic Market is probably one of the cheapest markets in town with lots of whole-saling going on here. It was renovated and re-opened in 1994 as a three story modern building with reportedly Cambodia's only escalators.
Mekong Land Phnom Penh - Cambodia
A full day trip to Mekong Island is an excellent way to sample the daily lives and traditions of rural life in Cambodia. This ten hectare island has been planned as an authentic showcase of the cultural, zoological, and agricultural diversity and richness of Cambodia. The tour price includes transport, excellent lunch and a captivating show of traditional Cambodian dance. There are also elephant rides available on very friendly Asian elephants
Kien Svay Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Eighteen kilometers away from Phnom Penh, Kien Svay is the definitive Cambodian leisure resort. Every weekend many Phnom Penh residents get away from it all and relax by the water. Here they rent "Water Houses", covered platforms built on stilts sunk into the river, and picnic on the water. They are accessible by boat and the platform owners take you there and back. There are also relaxing boat cruises that take you around the resort area.
Mohabieb Resort Center
The recreation area is out of Phnom Penh on the route to Kien Svay. This is a large park where 70 kinds of fruit trees have been planted with all of them being labeled in English and Khmer. There is a large swimming pool and Khmer food is served daily.
Udong Phnom Penh - Cambodia
An ancient capital from the latter stages of the Khmer Empire and crowning site of the king is located atop two parallel ridges 40 km north of Phnom Penh. Udong offers spectacular views of the surrounding country and the innumerable sugar palm trees that punctuate the countryside. King Ang Dung, the great grandfather of the present king; King Sihanouk, was crowned here and many locals and foreign residents alike picnic here on weekends.
Phnom Chisor Phnom Penh - Cambodia
This ancient Khmer temple stands on an 80 by 100 km square plateau and faces East. Constructed in the 11th century of laterite and bricks with carved sandstone lintels, the complex is surrounded by the partially ruined walls of a two and a half meter wide gallery with inward facing windows. As with the other hilltop temples there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Phnom Chisor makes an ideal excursion combined with Tonle Bati/Ta Prohm Temple
Tonle Bati / Ta Phrom Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Not far South of Phnom Penh on the route to Phnom Chisor is a 12th Century temple, Ta Prohm, built by Jayavaraman VII (1181-1201). Consecrated to the Buddha and the Brahma, the temple is noted for its refined bas reliefs. Nearby is a smaller temple, Yeay Peau, which also has remarkable stone carvings. Near Ta Prohm is a small lake, Tonle Bati, which is similar to Kien Svay as a leisure resort though on a smaller scale. Again there are "Water Houses" for rent and various food stalls.
Siemreap and Angkor
Cambodia - Southern Coast
Kampot
The pretty riverine town of Kampot is just five kilometers from the sea and serves the very popular seaside resort of Kep. Once a fashionable haunt of the French elite, it was known as La Perle de la Cote d' Agathe and has stunning offshore islands and a beautiful bay, King Sihanouk owned one of these islands and would often use it for entertaining. This region is famous for its production of durian, the foul smelling fruit, and reputedly has the best seafood in the country.
Kompong Som (Sihanoukville)
Kompong Som, Cambodia's only maritime port is 232 kilometers from Phnompenh and accessible via one of the best inter-provincial roads in the country. Kompong Som is not only a seaport but an area famous for its picture-postcard tropical beaches. Situated as it is on a headland, visitors can choose from a range of beaches, several of which can often remain completely deserted. The most popular are Ochatial beach and Sokha Beach due their immediacy to the town.
Local fishermen will take visitors to any one of the nearby islands where the coral, teeming with tropical fish, is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. There are many restaurants catering to various national tastes but its well worth trying the freshly caught crab, shrimps and other seafood the region has to offer.
The resort was established in 1964 and can be visited all year round to appreciate the warm sands, cool breezes and clear blue skies.
Bokor Hill Station
In keeping with the colonial practices of the time, many of the French elite, unwilling to become accustomed to the heat of Cambodian summer, retreated to the Bokor Hill Station set in the Elephant Mountains. At an elevation of just over 1000m it is famous for its pleasant climate, clear streams and tranquil surroundings. Visitors will be taken in by the stunning panoramas, forested vistas and breathtaking views of the sea. The best time to visit is between November and May.
Angkor Wat Tours (Siemreap)
Cambodia Travel
| Enjoy your holiday in Cambodia with fascinating tour packages to the glorious Angkor Wat temples in Siemreap, Cambodia
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| Angkor Wat Stopover Tour - 2 Days / 1 Night This stopover tour to Angkor Wat is suitable for travelers who has limited time to visit this magnificent temples and its surrounding.Angkor Wat - Bayon - Siemreap (Cambodia) - 3 Days / 2 Nights Travel to Siemreap and sightseeing around Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon) and other Khmer temples in 3 days.Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Tonle Sap Lake - 4 Days / 3 Nights Discover Cambodia with travel to Siemreap and visit the great Angkor temples such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, etc. You will enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Tonle Sap Lake to see the fishermen's villages.Angkor Wat - Tonle Sap - Banteay Srei - 5 Days / 4 Nights This Cambodia Tour portrays the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon), Elephant Terrace, Phnom Bakhem and many more with the boat trip along the world's largest inland Tonle Sap Lake. Visit Banteay Srei, a renowned Khmer temples in Cambodia. | 
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| Angkor Wat - Tonle Sap - Banteay Srei - Ethnic Village - 6 Days / 5 Nights Travel to glorious Angkor temples in Cambodia with tours to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon), Terrace of Elephant, Grand and Small Circuits, Banteay Srei. Cruise along the world's largest inland lake of Tonle Sap in Cambodia to see the floating fisherman's villages. Coming to the closer touch with Cambodian people to see the local ethnic village. | |
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Cambodia Travel - Angkor Wat Tours
| This Cambodia Tours section covers the trip to Angkor Wat and other Khmer Temples with sightseeing in Phnompenh to Cheung Ek Killing Field and genocidal Tuol Sleng Museum. |
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Cambodia Travel: Angkor Wat - Phnompenh 4 Days - 3 Nights Visit to one of the world's greatest wonders, the Angkor Wat and excursion around Phnompenh
Angkor Wat - Bayon - Grand Circuits - Phnompenh 5 Days - 4 Nights Take your trip to Cambodia in 5 days with 2 nights in Angkor (Siemreap) and 2 nights in Phnompenh with excursion to the main attractions.
Angkor Wat (Siemreap) - Bayon - Roluos Group - Tonle Sap - Phnompenh 6 Days - 5 Nights Travel to Cambodia and visit the main attractions in Siemreap such as the magnificent Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Grand and Small Circuits, Roluos Group. Enjoy beautiful cruising around the world's largest inland lake of Tonle Sap. Apart from touring the Angkor or Khmer temples, you will travel to Phnompenh which is a capital of Cambodia. Sightseeing around the city to the renowned places such as Cheung Ek Killing Fields, genocidal Tuol Sleng Museum, Silver Pagoda and more.
Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Tonle Sap - Banteay Srei - Phnompenh 7 Days - 6 Nights Exclusive Cambodia Tours to Angkor Wat and the Khmer temples, with boat trip along Tonle Sap Lake. Visit of Banteay Srei, Rolous Group with cruise to Phnompenh. Sightseeing around the city to the Cheung Ek Killing Field and genocidal Tuol Sleng Museum.
Cambodia Tours: Angkor Wat - Bayon - Banteay Srei - Tonle Sap - Phnompenh (Killing Field) 8 Days - 7 Nights Discover Cambodia with the trip to Siemreap and excursion around the fascinating to Angkor Wat and other Khmer temples of Angkor Thom, Baphoun, Phnom Bakheng, Banteay Srei, Roluos Group, Grand and Small Circuits, with scenic cruise around Tonle Sap Lake. Onward trip to tour around the capital of Phnompenh to see Tuol Sleng and Cheung Ek Killing Field. |
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| Travel to Cambodia with tours to Angkor Wat, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Rolous Group, Tonle Sap, Banteay in Siemreap and Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda in Phnompenh | |
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| Cambodia Tours: Phnompenh - Angkor Wat 3 days This fascinating Cambodia Tours take you to visit the main attraction in Phnompenh such as Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, museum before travel to the glorious Angkor Temples in Siemreap. Cambodia Discovery Tours - 4 days Discover Cambodia - visit to Phnompenh and the surrounding before taking the boat trip to Siemreap. Sightseeing around the great Angkor Wat temples. Cambodia Exclusive Tours - 5 days Travel to Cambodia with excursion of its main capital. Continue to Siemreap by scenic river cruise and tour around the Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (Bayon), Rolous Group and Tonle Sap Lake. Premier Cambodia Tours - 6 days Besides touring of Phnompenh, you will enjoy visiting the magnificent Angkor Wat Temples, Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Scenic boat trip around the world's largest inland lake of Tonle Sap, and the formerly forbidden Banteay Srei. Explore Cambodia and the glorious Angkor Wat 7 days Explore the charm of Cambodia in 7 days to Phnompenh and Siemreap. Tour around Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Phnom Bakeng, Grand and Small Circuits, Elephant Terrace, Banteay Srei, Ethnic Village, and floating fisherman village of Tonle Sap. |
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