Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is located in the south of the country, crossroad of Tonle Sap and Mekong River. Head quarters of Cambodian Goverment, Royal Family, University, International Aiport & Commercial Center mostly locate in city. The city is also an important port in the downstream of Mekong River.
The city is one of the most beautiful cities in Cambodia. Due to the rapid development of Cambodia, the capital is changing rapidly in recent years but it still maintains a cozy and warm way of living. As an economic and cultural center, Phnom Penh has a good infrastructure and dynamic economic activities. Phnom Penh is also home of many seesights, museums, colorful nightlife and good restaurants.
Phnom Penh has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid all year round. The ideal time to visit Phnom Penh is the dry season – between November and April when it rains very little. During this time you will see a clear blue sky, not very hight temperature and warm wind from the sea. The rainy season lasts from May to October, but it usually rains a little in the afternoon.
Phnom Penh is a surprising place to discover: The Royal Palace, breathtaking pagodas, interesting markets, lovely streets are the main destinations for travelers.
Royal Palace
Don’t miss the Royal Palace when taking a city tour of Phnom Penh. The traditional Khmer-style palace is arguably the most famous place in Phnom Penh. You can already see the fascinating roofs of the Royal Palace from far.
The Royal Palace was built after King Norodom moved the capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. The palace is the home of Royal Family and national pride. The most important events in the country also take place here. The Royal Palace is open to tourists daily from 8a.m. to 11a.m. and 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Silver Pagoda
The Silver Pagoda is standing right next to the Royal Palace. It was built in 1962 by King Sihanouk. The silver pagoda got its name beacause of 5,329 silver floor tiles, which unfortunately have largely disappeared under carpets today.
National museum
The National Museum of Cambodia houses a collection of numerous art objects, archaeological statues from the Angkorian era and post-Angkorian Buddha statues and figures. It was built by the French colonial government in the period 1917-1920. The the museum building is a mixture of Khmer and France architectural styles. Today the National Museum is open daily from 8am to 5pm for tourists. Tourist can register for group tours in Khmer, English, French and Japanese language. Photography is not permitted in the museum rooms.
Temple Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom plays an important role in Phnom Penh’s founding history. According to legend, a woman accidentally found four Buddha statues in a piece of wood after the large-scale flood. To honor them, she built a hill (Phnom) and a small temple on it. Later the area around the temple was called “Phnom Penh”. The temple is a sacred place for locals and a tourist.
Russian Market
Although Cambodia has become the protectorate of France in the past, many Russians came here in the Cold War. There are numerousm old products from Russia such as metal goods, handicrafts, data carriers, gemstones, textiles, etc. and culinary stands.
Toul Sleng
The Khmer Rouge prison and war victim memorial is also a famous landmark in Phnom Penh but it is really haunting and horror. If you go with children or are not familiar with scary scenes, you can skip this place.
By plane
There are numerous international flights from neighboring countries such as Thailand or Vietnam with Thai Airways, Airasia, Vietjet Air, Nok Air and domestic flightfrom Siem Reap, Sihanoukville with Cambodia Angkor Airlines, Lanmei Airlines. Fly time is about one hour with at least once a day.
Coach
From Siem Reap, Battambang or Sihanoukville you catch coach to Phnom Penh with Mekong Express, Giant Ibis, with price about 10 dollar. You can buy ticket directly on Internet, Hotel or main station. Transfer time is about 7 hours. You can also go to Phnom Penh from Ho Chi Minh City in 7 hours with international coach. You can get visa on arrival on border gate of Tay Ninh province.
Boat
Phnom Penh is located on the Mekong River bank that’s why there are boat connections from all over country. There is also route from Chau Doc- Vietnam to Phnom Penh with high quality speed boat in 7 hours. You can get visa on arrival on border gate of An Giang province.
Tuk tuk
In the city you can go around with tuk tuk. It costs around 20 USD per day for a vist in city. Tuk Tuk creates a characteristic tuk tuk sound when running, so it’s named after that. Traveling in this unique tuk tuk will definitely make an unforgettable experience. However, if you are driving a tuk tuk, you should know that it cannot be pleasant as a private car.
Whether hostel, simple guest house, boutique or luxury hotel, in Phnom Penh there are countless accommodation options for all requirements. Usually hotels in Phnom Penh aren’t as good as hotels in Siem Reap but we have a good list for you below:
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Mid-range hotels (3-star hotels): Cardamom Hotel, Double Leaf Boutique Hotel, Villa Langka Hotel, The Frangipani Living Arts Hotel and Spa.
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First-class hotels (4-star hotels): White Mansion Boutique Hotel, La Rose Boutique Hotel, Hotel Corduroy (Old name: Teav Bassac Boutique Hotel & Spa)
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Luxury Hotels (5 Star Hotels): La Rose Suites Hotel, Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence
The Cambodian Khmer cuisine is well known and popular for its strong taste and unique ingredients. Here are the good restaurants in Phnom Penh:
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Eleven One Kitchen BKK / #20, Street 334 (between st.51 & st.57), Phnom Penh
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Mok Mony / 63c Street 294, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang, Khan Chamkamon, Phnom Penh
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Do Forni / 26 Old August Site Sothearos Boulevard Sangkat Tonle Bassac, 12301 Phnom Penh
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Khéma Pasteur / 163 Pasteur St. (51), Phnom Penh
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Feliz Hostel, Cafe & Bar / Z6-132, St 51, Buoeng Keng Kong 1 Commune, Chamkarmon District, Phnom Penh
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Visitors should pay attention to clothing, do not wear short skirts and skirts when entering the temple. You should dress politely with long trouser, long sleeve in any pagoda.
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Do not touch the Buddha statue and do not climb on the Buddha statue. When buying a Buddha statue, please do not put it in your pocket. People believe that such behavior is a serious violation of the Buddha’s holiness.
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Don’t touch people’s heads! People think the most valuable part of the body is the head. That’s why you shouldn’t touch or stroke people’s heads.
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You can handle USD well in Phnom Penh. Although Cambodia has its own currency (Cambodian Riel), practically everything is paid for small amounts with US dollars: 4,000 Riel = approx. 1 US $.
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Withdrawing money in Cambodia is also straightforward. Almost all machines spend US dollars.
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Before your trip, you should contact your bank and credit card issuer and let them know your trip so that your accounts are not blocked due to suspicious activity abroad.