Phnom Penh is a beautiful
Southeast Asian city and the capital of
Cambodia. Once the capital of the French colony of Cambodia and Manchuria, Phnom Penh has an interesting pre and post-colonial history, giving rise to a plethora of things to do in Phnom Penh.
Its great boulevards are still lined with old colonial French villas and buildings but the country’s Buddhist heritage endures in the many gorgeous monasteries and pagodas located here. As a busy capital and major economic and cultural center, Phnom Penh gets a lot of visitors. So, become one of them and witness a culture trip to experience Combodia like never before.
National Museum of Cambodia
Located next to the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is home to more than 5,000 artefacts dating back to the ancient Angkorian period. Various rooms display a range of rare statues, lingas and other items, including the Leper King from
Siem Reap and a giant 11thcentury bronze Vishnu. It equips visitors with some great knowledge ahead of a trip to Angkor Wat Archaeological Park.
Killing Fields
If you are looking for some unusual things to do in Phnom Penh, this is where you must head to. S-21 prison was the most brutal of Khmer Rouge extermination camps. It is the site of the mass killing burial of over 15,000 people.
After its discovery, a Buddhist monument called the Choeung Ek was built as a mark of respect for their souls. You can get half-day tours of the Killing Fields where you are provided with informative audio guides as well as tours of the prison facility that housed the victims. This is a must on your Phnom Penh itinerary.
The Royal Palace
Built in the 1860’s, this opulent palace has since served as the royal residence in
Phnom Penh, discounting a brief point of abandonment during the Khmer Rouge.On site, there are multiple golden temples and quarters, each more beautiful than the next. The entire complex sits riverside where you can watch motorboats and paddle boats floating on by and capture some great photos of daily river life in Phnom Penh.
You will get a chance to learn about the history of the royal family in Cambodia and the history of Phnom Penh with the help of informational plaques and guide available on site.
The Old Market
The Old Market, also known as Phsar Chas, is an authentic Cambodian market known to the locals as the best produce shopping spot. If you want to taste truly fresh and organic mangoes or jackfruit- this is the place.
Located in the Old French Quarter next to the river, this market is the perfect place to start your morning. Sit on a bench with your fresh finds and watch morning traffic zooming motorbikes and food stalls feeding workers on their way to work.
Koh Dach
Also known as Silk Island, Koh Dach is approximately an hour’s journey from the capital, including a short ferry ride to the island that sits in the middle of the Mekong River. Guests can learn about Cambodian silk weaving by visiting the weaving villages dotted across the islands, where they can watch workers use handlooms to spin silk while others dye materials to create stunning designs. The quiet island is also home to pristine countryside and a great way to escape the city for the day without going too far.
Sisowath Quay Boardwalk
Visit the boardwalk in the evening and you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the orange sun setting over the city. The boardwalk is lined with comfy benches where you can rest as vendors, both adult and adolescent, come up to you selling peanuts, popcorn, beer, coconuts, and more. Keep you beer or soda cans to give to can-collecting kids passing by.
On the main street across from the boardwalk, you will find both Khmer and Western restaurants, as well as bars serving ice-cold Ankor beer. There are shops to get your shoes repaired, keys made, passport photos taken, hair cut- the whole lot.
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The Vibe Café
Enjoy a dinner at The Vibe Cafe. This is the only totally vegan restaurant in the Cambodian capital. There are plenty of homemade recipes that are a rage here. At dirt cheap prices, this is your destination for the great and the healthy. The restaurant is located in a trendy locale with chic interiors and terrace seating as well, so it is a great place to have dinner if you are staying in Phnom Penh city.
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