17 Unmissable Things To Do In Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Are you in search of issues to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital metropolis? Then gt prepared for an unforgettable journey!

Phnom Penh is a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past and tradition, with unimaginable meals, gorgeous structure, and bustling markets.

Whereas most individuals go to the capital as a gateway to achieve Siam Reap or head to the island of Koh Rong, there’s no scarcity of points of interest in Phnom Penh that make it a worthy cease on anybody’s journey to Cambodia.

On this information, we’ll present you what to do in Phnom Penh, from visiting iconic landmarks just like the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields, to sampling conventional Khmer delicacies at native markets.

So seize a pen and paper, and jot these unmissable locations down.

Is Phnom Penh Value Visiting?

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

Phnom Penh in the present day is nearly 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 dust tracks making an attempt to carry peace to a rustic after 30 years of battle.

As we speak there are first rate roads, trendy bars and eating places, buying 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. In contrast to different Asian cities, comparable to Bangkok, Phnom Penh is the proper sized metropolis and far extra enjoyable.

For those who go to Cambodia come and discover Phnom Penh for a minimum of 2 or 3 days, which. is the proper period of time to see the highlights and get a really feel for the town.

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

Issues to Do in Phnom Penh

There’s no scarcity of issues to do and see right here, whether or not you’re keen on exploring historic temples or immersing your self within the native artwork scene.

Listed here are some unmissable issues to not miss!

1. Go to The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Jail)

To actually perceive Cambodia as a rustic, its tradition and folks 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), in Phnom Penh, is a former highschool that was once one in all essentially the most brutal re-education camps in Cambodia, the place hundreds of individuals acquired killed and tortured.

Most prisoners have been then purchased to the Killing Fields simply outdoors of Phnom Penh.

Each sights are heartbreaking and plenty of guests can’t take it, because the brutality of the regime is portrayed in a lot element. There’s even a person who typically visits this jail, who was as soon as captured and stored within the jail by the Khmer Rouge.

He shares his story of torture and torment to guests who’re keen on listening to it.

Though it’s unhappy, I feel you will need to remind individuals about what occurred right here to be sure that this stuff won’t ever occur once more, particularly as for the Cambodian individuals it was their current ancestors who endured this.

2. Verify Out 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 and golden buildings.

It’s a stunning complicated 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.

You’ll want 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 enhance 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 value seeing.

You gained’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 value seeing for his or her architectural delights are Wat Lanka, Wat Ounalom, and Wat Botum.

For those who go to any temples be sure that 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, take pleasure in a chilly drink and go to some native markets, such because the outdated market (phsar chas) within the outdated French quarter.

It’s all the time busy with locals and vacationers alike and in the event you fancy getting energetic you’ll be able to even be part of one of many out of doors cardio classes with the locals for $0.25.

5. Attempt Khmer Meals

Khmer meals is just not very well-known outdoors of Cambodia, however it’s positively value making an attempt. 

Avenue 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 typically solely prices $1.

In case you are thirsty be sure that to strive scrumptious Khmer ice espresso, contemporary sugarcane juice with lime or contemporary coconut juice, all obtainable from cellular drink carts for roughly $0.50.

In case you are a vegetarian I extremely suggest Ok’nyay Restaurant, which affords vegan and vegetarian delicacies and strange native specialties, comparable to jackfruit or banana curries.

My favorite restaurant has acquired to be Samaky Restaurant although. Samaky is a social enterprise that trains avenue kids within the catering enterprise and teaches them English.

I’ve by no means seen extra pleasant employees in another restaurant and by consuming there you assist a extremely good trigger as properly.

I like to recommend the nationwide dish Fish Amok, and candy and sticky rice with mangoes.

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 completely happy 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 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 value you round $1.5. Be repared for some karaoke although.

Finest Place for a Night time on the City in Phnom Penh

No go to to Phnom Penh is accomplished with out a go to to the well-known International Correspondence Membership (FCC).

The FCC is a really historic constructing, because it was right here the place the battle correspondents filed their breaking tales within the early days of the Khmer Rouge regime, till they have been all pressured to go away the nation.

Its rooftop bar affords stunning views over the riverside. The meals is scrumptious, however a bit extra on the expensive facet. There’s additionally common reside music.

If you wish to get together in a personal house you’ll be able to lease one of many many boats alongside the river which might host as much as 50 individuals.

Prices are round $20 for a 2-hour cruise and you’ll carry your personal drinks and meals. The boat takes you down each the Mekong river and the Tonle Sap – very enjoyable method 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’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 purchase souvenirs.

• The largest is the Russian Market on Avenue 163, which sells every part from souvenirs, to engine elements, antiques or contemporary meals.
• The Central Market on Avenue 128 is a gorgeous artwork deco constructing, however sells comparable merchandise to the Russian market, however is a bit smaller.

• The Phnom Penh Night time Market on the riverfront on the nook of Avenue 108 is open on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a excellent spot to pattern some avenue meals and to purchase souvenirs.

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

9. Take a look at the Water Pageant in October

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

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

Many villagers all through the nation spend virtually a full 12 months getting ready their villages boat for the well-known boat races. These are elaborately and brightly adorned dug out canoes with massive eyes on the prows to chase away evil spirits.

10. Witness the Royal Ploughing Ceremony

One other massive occasion is the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which marks the start of the wet and rice rising season.

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 supplied 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’d actually suggest a go to to Tonle Bati and its close by Angkorian temple smash 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 experience 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 proper spot to loosen up in a hammock and eat snacks supplied by the varied avenue distributors or eating places.

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

You may get there by reserving non-public vehicles by way of 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’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 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 by way of tuk tuk or reserving a tour with a tour operator for roughly $30.

13. Go to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Middle

For those who’re an animal lover visiting Phnom Penh, a go to to the Tamao Wildlife Rescue Middle, owned by the Wildlife Alliance, is an absolute should.

This unimaginable sanctuary is dwelling 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 unimaginable work being carried out to rehabilitate these wonderful creatures and protect their pure habitats.

Not solely is a go to to Tamao a good way to fulfill the native wildlife of Cambodia, but it surely’s additionally a good way to assist the essential work of wildlife conservation.

By visiting the middle and studying about these unimaginable animals, you’ll be serving to to lift consciousness and encourage others to take motion to guard endangered species.

14. Pay Respects on the Choeung Ek Genocidal Middle (Killing Fields)

Whereas not essentially the most cheerful of locations to go to in Phnom Penh, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Middle is an extremely essential and sobering expertise and shouldn’t be missed.

This web site is likely one of the most important 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 possibly can 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 properly knowledgeable and detailed, and permits guests to be taught in regards to the horrors that passed off right here and pay their respects to the victims.

Whereas it might not be the simplest or most uplifting expertise, a go to to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Middle is a crucial reminder of the hazards 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 dwelling 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 possibly can discover displays that span from the prehistoric period to the fashionable day, with a specific deal with the Angkor interval between the ninth and fifteenth centuries.

You’ll be taught in regards to the historic Khmer civilization and the unimaginable artwork and structure they created, in addition to the challenges they confronted over the centuries.

What units the Nationwide Museum of Cambodia aside is not only the unimaginable 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 gorgeous central courtyard lined with galleries.

16. Head Over to Koh Dach (Silk Island) And Study About Silk Weaving

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

This small island in the course of the Mekong River is understood for its stunning surroundings, conventional weaving practices, and tranquil ambiance.

You possibly can discover native villages and be taught in regards to the silk weaving course of, which has been handed down by generations.

You possibly can watch expert weavers creating intricate patterns on conventional looms and even buy stunning, handmade silk merchandise to take dwelling as souvenirs.

Koh Dach can be an amazing place to loosen up and unwind. The island is dwelling to a number of quiet seashores and scenic spots the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in the great 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 loosen up and benefit from the open air.

The realm across the monument is dwelling to many retailers, eating places, and cafes, making it an amazing spot to seize a chunk to eat or do some memento buying.

The place to Keep in Phnom Penh

There are plenty of low-cost guesthouses on the Golden Mile on avenue 278, known as golden mile as a result of most guesthouses have the phrase golden of their title.

A terrific 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 Lodge 252. 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 resorts then I can suggest the Raffles Le Royal Lodge, which is merely stunning in structure, luxurious, affords 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 resorts, flats, and guesthouses with our numerous companions utilizing the map under.

Getting To and Round Phnom Penh

Sadly, there are not any direct flights from Europe, the US or Australia to Phnom, so that you both have to cease in Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

Air Asia is a well-liked price range airline in Asia that connects most main cities. There are some execs and cons to Air Asia, however they’re very low-cost and often dependable.

Buses are less expensive, however take lots longer as properly. For those who 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 snug. The boat experience takes about 4 hours and is admittedly picturesque because it takes you thru the Mekong Delta.

There are additionally buses obtainable from Bangkok, however they take a complete day with numerous modifications concerned. A bus from Pakse/Laos is about 15 hours.

Public Transport in Phnom Pehn

Phnom Penh hasn’t acquired 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 gained’t have the ability to stroll a meter with out being supplied a experience. Motos are a bit cheaper, however don’t count on the motive force have a helmet for you.

I desire tuk tuks. They’re protected and also you get to loosen up on the comfortable seats while with 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.

Finest Time to Go to Phnom Penh

There are three seasons in Cambodia. The sizzling season (November to January), the very popular season (February to Could) and the wet season (June to October).

• The typical temperature throughout the sizzling season is round 32 levels Celsius, so it is a good time to go to.
• The very popular season is nearly insufferable when it will get as excessive as 39-42 levels.
• The wet season is sort of a pleasant time to go to as properly, because the rice paddies are very inexperienced and lush and the afternoon rainfalls cool the excessive temperatures down a bit bit.

Earlier than You Go To Phnom Penh

I like Phnom Penh as a result of it’ i’s dwelling to essentially the most wonderful and pleasant individuals I’ve ever met.

They don’t rip you off and locals will all the time greet you with the most important smiles you’ll be able to think about. I like Phnom Penh as a result of I really feel dwelling right here.

Common Excursions in Cambodia