Phnom Penh is the popular
tourist destination you should not miss when coming to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Along with its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values, Phnom Penh also offers a wide range of free activities.
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Like
Vietnam, Cambodia was once a
French colony, which means breakfasts of cafe, crusty baguettes and fresh croissants, with tropical fruit, in stately colonial buildings. The main cafe-restaurant strip is on Sisowath Quay, the riverside road that hugs Tonle Sap River. Sink into the wicker chairs at Riverside Bistro, on the corner of Street 148 and start your day with a mocha frappe.
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Visitors who are feeling super ambitious should spend about an hour or two exploring the somewhat decrepit temples in the area before making their way to the next stop on our itinerary.
Many tourists leave these temples off their to-do lists for the day, however, the temples, even in their diminishing states, are certainly a sight to see. You will run into monks who reside at these temples.
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Another must-see is Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in downtown
Phnom Penh, a former high school that became S-21, Pol Pot's most feared prison. Tens of thousands of people were kept shackled in tiny, purpose-built cells, interrogated and tortured.
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Across the road from the genocide museum is the Boddhi Tree, a shady garden cafe that serves vegetarian and health food and was the first organic restaurant in Phnom Penh. It supports community projects such as ChildSafe, which works to reduce child abuse in
Cambodia. Order something long and cool from the menu, most iced drinks or shakes in Phnom Penh are made with “clean ice”.
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There are many ways that visitors can educate themselves on this genocide, including visiting the Killing Fields, or Choeung Ek, just outside of Phnom Penh. This is the site where thousands of Cambodians were buried who died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. The entrance fee is $6.
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Phnom Penh is situated along the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Eating at a restaurant along the river is both a romantic and relaxing experience, even if you are traveling solo. Eating along the peaceful river is a good way to refresh yourself after having a long, emotionally draining day. Visitors will find that there are a variety of dining options, including Khmer,
Western and vegetarian cuisine.
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Cross Sisowath Quay, the main road that leads along the riverfront, to Mekong River Restaurant. Its tiny upstairs cinema screens two documentaries, one about Pol Pot, the other about landmines, in French and
English, several times a day. The $US3 admission entitles you to discount drinks downstairs afterwards, do not miss Angkor beer in
Cambodia.
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