Once the ‘pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh ’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war and revolution. But that’s history and Phnom Penh has risen from the ashes to take its place among the ‘in’ capitals of Asia .
Delve into the ancient past at the National Museum or struggle to make sense of the recent trauma at Tuol Sleng Museum Phnom Penh on the style map. Street-surf through the local stalls for a snack or enjoy the refined surrounds of a designer restaurant. Whatever your flavor, no matter your taste, it’s all here in Phnom Penh
The riverfront Sisowath Quay, lined with myriad restaurants and a brand-new promenade, is where most visitors gravitate. The city sprawls west from there. The main thoroughfares, Sihanouk Blvd and Norodom Blvd , intersect a few blocks east of the river at lotus-flower-like Independence Monument
The Royal Palace dominates the diminutive skyline of the riverfront where the Tonlé Sap and Mekong meet, with its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding. It a striking structure, bearing a remarkable likeness to its counterpart in Bangkok . Hidden away behind protective walls and beneath shadows of striking ceremonial building, it’s an oasis of calm with lush gardens and leafy havens.
The Silver Pagoda is so named because it is constructed with 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each. It is also known as Wat Preah Keo (Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha) thanks to a 17th-century Buddha statue made of Baccarat crystal. Check out the life-sized gold Buddha, weighing in at 90kg, and decorated with 9584 diamonds.
Upper arms must be covered and shorts must reach the knee while visiting the palace.
The national Museum of Cambodia
Housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20), it provides the perfect backdrop to an outstanding array of delicate objects.
The Angkor collection includes a giant pair of wrestling monkeys, an exquisite frieze from Banteay Srei, and the sublime statue of Jayavarman VII (r 1181-1219) meditating.
No photography is allowed except in the beautiful central courtyard.
Once a centre of learning, Tuol Svay Prey High School Tuol Sleng Museum
Like the Nazis, the Khmer Rouge leaders were meticulous in keeping records of their barbarism and each prisoner who passed through S-21 was photographed. When the Vietnamese army liberated Phnom Penh in early 1979, there were only seven prisoners alive at S-21, all of whom had used their skill such as painting or photography to stay alive.
Most of the 1700 detainees held at the S-21 prison were executed at the Killing fields of Choeung Ek.
Prisoners were often bludgeoned to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. It is hard to imagine the brutality that unfolded here when wandering through this peaceful, shady former orchard, but the memorial soon brings it home, displaying more than 8000 skulls of victims and their ragged clothes.
Choeung Ek is 14km southwest of Phnom Penh . A trip out here will cost US$5 round trip on a moto or about US$20 by taxi.
Wat Phnom, Meaning Hill Temple , is appropriately set on the only hill (more like a mound at 27m) in Phnom Penh . The Wat is highly revered among locals, who flock here to pray for good luck. Legend has it that in the year 1373, the first temple was built by a lady named Penh to house four Buddha statues that she found floating in the Mekong . Penh’s statue is in a shrine dedicated to her behind the vihara (temple sanctuary).
Wat Ounalom is the headauarters of Cambodian Buddhism. It is unexceptional, but might be worth visiting just for one eyebrow hair of Buddha himself, preciously held in a stupa located behind the main building.
This monument is modeled on the central tower of Angkor Wat and was built in 1958 to commorate independence from France in 1953.
Travel Around Phnom Penh
In Phnom Penh, there are many interesting excursions sites. Phnom Chisor, Tonlé Bati, Phnom Tamao, Udon are all near each other in Phnom Penh , these sites make a great full-day remork excursion ($40) or self-drive motorbike ride. And Udong is a separate half-day trip.
Phnom Chisor
Phnom Chisor is a 11th-century structure is a well preserved laterite Temple (admission US$3) that is aligned with Angkor Wat Temple. Phnom Chisor has a peaceful setting on the summit of the hill, with stunning views of the country-site andthe sacred pond below, Tonle Om.
The access road for Phnom Chisor is sign posted (in Khmer) on the left, 12kh south of the turn-off to Phnom Tamao on NH2. The temple is 4.km from the highway - motos wait at the turn-off.
Tonlé Bati
Bonlé Bati is a popular place for Cambodian and foreign tourists (admission include drink $3) for picnics, as along the way they can stop off at the two 12th-century temple : Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. Ta Prohm is the more interesting of the two; this temple has some fine carvings in good condition, depicting scences of birth, dishonour and damnation.
Bonlé Bati is about 31km on the south of Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Buses going to Takeo can drop you here; find a moto to the temple (about 2.5km from the highway).
Udong
Before the capital moved to Phnom Penh in 1866, it was based 40km north in Udong, ruling over the country for more than two centuries from its hilltop. Now Udon seems rather abandoned, with only a few scattered temple and stupas left standing, some of which contain the royal remnants of old king. The 10-minutes climb up the main hill is hot but offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
To reach Udong you just take a bus from Phnom Penh bound for Kampong Chhnang ($2.5 on hour to Udong). They drop you off at access road and from there it's 3km ($1 by moto).
Phnom Tamao (Wildlife Sanctuary)
Phnom Tamao wildlife sanctuary (admission $5) for rescued animals in home to sun bears, elephants, lions, tigers, gibbons, deer, and massive bird enclosure. These animals and bird were taken from poachers or abusive owners and receive care and shelter here, as part of a sustainable breeding program.
The access road to Phnom Tamao is signposted on the right , 6.5km south of Tonlé Bati.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Bicycle
It is simple to getting around Phnom penh, bicycle can be hired from everywhere as guesthouse, hotel ($1 a day)
Cyclo, Moto & Remork
Motos are everywhere, especially near the tourist areas, Moto driver can generally speak a good level of street English. Short rides around the city cost (2000r , $0.50). At night these prices double. To charter one for a day, expect to pay $6 to $8. Remorks usually charge double the price of a moto, possibly more if you pile on the passengers.
Motorcycle
Exploring Phnom Penh and the surrounding areas on a motorbike is a very liberating experience if you are used to chaotic traffic conditions. You usually get what you pay for when choosing a steel steed.
Taxi
Taxis are cheap at 3000r per kilometer but don't expect to flag on down on the street.
Travel Around Phnom Penh
In Phnom Penh, there are many interesting excursions sites. Phnom Chisor, Tonlé Bati, Phnom Tamao, Udon are all near each other in Phnom Penh , these sites make a great full-day remork excursion ($40) or self-drive motorbike ride. And Udong is a separate half-day trip.
Phnom Chisor
Phnom Chisor is a 11th-century structure is a well preserved laterite Temple (admission US$3) that is aligned with Angkor Wat Temple. Phnom Chisor has a peaceful setting on the summit of the hill, with stunning views of the country-site andthe sacred pond below, Tonle Om.
The access road for Phnom Chisor is sign posted (in Khmer) on the left, 12kh south of the turn-off to Phnom Tamao on NH2. The temple is 4.km from the highway - motos wait at the turn-off.
Tonlé Bati
Bonlé Bati is a popular place for Cambodian and foreign tourists (admission include drink $3) for picnics, as along the way they can stop off at the two 12th-century temple : Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. Ta Prohm is the more interesting of the two; this temple has some fine carvings in good condition, depicting scences of birth, dishonour and damnation.
Bonlé Bati is about 31km on the south of Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Buses going to Takeo can drop you here; find a moto to the temple (about 2.5km from the highway).
Udong
Before the capital moved to Phnom Penh in 1866, it was based 40km north in Udong, ruling over the country for more than two centuries from its hilltop. Now Udon seems rather abandoned, with only a few scattered temple and stupas left standing, some of which contain the royal remnants of old king. The 10-minutes climb up the main hill is hot but offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
To reach Udong you just take a bus from Phnom Penh bound for Kampong Chhnang ($2.5 on hour to Udong). They drop you off at access road and from there it's 3km ($1 by moto).
Phnom Tamao (Wildlife Sanctuary)
Phnom Tamao wildlife sanctuary (admission $5) for rescued animals in home to sun bears, elephants, lions, tigers, gibbons, deer, and massive bird enclosure. These animals and bird were taken from poachers or abusive owners and receive care and shelter here, as part of a sustainable breeding program.
The access road to Phnom Tamao is signposted on the right , 6.5km south of Tonlé Bati.
Getting Around Phnom Penh
Bicycle
It is simple to getting around Phnom penh, bicycle can be hired from everywhere as guesthouse, hotel ($1 a day)
Cyclo, Moto & Remork
Motos are everywhere, especially near the tourist areas, Moto driver can generally speak a good level of street English. Short rides around the city cost (2000r , $0.50). At night these prices double. To charter one for a day, expect to pay $6 to $8. Remorks usually charge double the price of a moto, possibly more if you pile on the passengers.
Motorcycle
Exploring Phnom Penh and the surrounding areas on a motorbike is a very liberating experience if you are used to chaotic traffic conditions. You usually get what you pay for when choosing a steel steed.
Taxi
Taxis are cheap at 3000r per kilometer but don't expect to flag on down on the street.
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