Vacations in Phnom Penh
Sights of Attraction in Phnom Penh
Wat Phnom is the pagoda that was built on the hill where Grandma Penh settled down. This pagoda was built in year 1373 and stands 27 meters tall. Statue of Grandma Penh is worshiped by the locals on this hilltop. Wat Phnom is overlooking a green compound featuring a giant clock in the center of the park.
Some poor Cambodian children are there selling local produce to the tourists. You may want to bring some candy to distribute to the little kids around.
Royal Palace
The palace was built in year 1866 with great influence from Grand Palace in Bangkok. To date, the king still resides in this palace. This palace is divided into three main structures, Silver Pagoda, Khemarin Palace (King’s residence), and Throne Hall. The notable structure is the Silver Pagoda where the royal temple is located. The floor of the temple is in laid by silver plates. Many of the country treasures, such as 17th century emerald Buddha statue, Maitreya Buddha statue encrusted with over 9000 pieces of diamonds, gemstone jewelry, gold/silverware are displayed in this temple. Dress Code: Visitors with singlet and short pants/miniskirt are not permitted to enter the Royal Palace. In which case, you can rent a sarong (traditional khmer long skirt) to cover the legs or a shirt to cover the shoulder at the entrance.
The National Museum of Cambodia
Located just opposite the Royal Palace. It was built in 1917 and houses collection of archeological arts and statue from the Angkor Empire period (4th century to 13 century).
Sisowath Quay (also known as Riverside) is an attractive boulevard along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap. This is the place with many side walk café, shops, bars and is popular for expatrates.
Toul Sleng Museum (S-21) which was formerly a high school but was converted into a security prison during Khemer Rouge period (1975-1979). There is a 4 storey building which enclosed with electrical wire to prevent prisoner from escaping or commit suicide by jumping from the top floor. An estimated 17,000 people were interrogated and tortured here during this 4 year period before being killed at the Killing Fields at south of Phnom Penh. When the Vietnamese troop liberated Cambodia and entered the prison, 14 severely tortured corpse, including a female were found. Only 7 people survived from the prison. Photos of the prisoners, scene of torture, paintings, tools to torture are displayed. Guided tour is available.
The Killing Fields (About 17km south of Phnom Penh)
After being tortured and interrogated at the prison, prisoners were brought to this killing field to kill and mass buried. Today, a Buddhist stupa packed with human skull are displayed to visitors. There are also mass graves unearthed. Transport: Best by tuk tuk. Price needs to negotiate prior boarding. Generally around USD8 return from Toul Sleng museum since far from town.
Mekong River
This river runs through China Yunan’s province, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It’s great to take a leisure boat trip along Mekong river to take in views of the city of Phomn Penh. This boat trip will take around 1 hour.
Central Market (Psah Thmei)
This market is lined with complex of store s catering to local handicraft and souvenir including statuary, silverwork, gemstone jewelry, silks, carvings, books and wide selection of souvenir T Shirts and caps. Market closed at 9pm.
Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung)
Offer wide selection of local handicraft, souveniers. It is said to have the most wide selection of local products in town.
Naga Resort Casino (Junction of Tonle Bassac Behind Cambodiana Hotel) This is a stationary boat casino and also the largest in Cambodia. All bets are in USD Dollar. Operating at 24 hours.
Independence Monument
This Independence monument was built in 1958, symbolized the country independent from the French Colony on 9 November 1953.