Phnom Penh is the cultural and economic center of Cambodia. Its beautiful historic architecture is interspersed with modern buildings indicating the robust economic growth the country has experienced in the last decade.
Phnom Penh has become the heart of the country’s thriving manufacturing sector and tourism has been on the increase over the past decade. If you are planning to go backpacking or an overland trip in Cambodia or south east Asia, the chances are you will stop at Phnom Penh.
View my top tips or visiting Phnom Penh and discover this city for yourself.
Getting to Phnom Penh
Most travellers arrive by plane at Phnom Penh’s international airport. As the airport mostly serves destinations in Asia, people coming from non-Asian countries usually have a layover in a country like Singapore, South Korea, Thailand or Vietnam.
Best Things to Do in Phnom Penh
From motorbikes and noisy tuk-tuks whizzing through traffic to monks in saffron robes meditating in old temples, Phnom Penh is a capital at the crossroads of traditional culture and modernization. Phnom Penh is an exciting place to visit.
A day by the Mekong riverfront mingling with Cambodians and taking in the colorful street life is a great way to experience the relaxed side of Phnom Penh.
Wat Phnom
A visit to Wat Phnom, the city’s famous pagoda that was constructed in 1373, is a must, as is a walk down the wide boulevards lined with French colonial architecture.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former high-school used as a concentration camp during the Khmer Rouge period, is another important place to visit. It is a heart-wrenching but necessary reminder of Cambodia’s darkest days. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum located at the infamous S-21 details a small portion of the horrors suffered by this country’s people during that time.
The Royal Palace
There are lots of tourist attractions to check out including the Royal Palace which has served as the official residence for the Cambodian royal family since the 1860s. The complex – located in the capital Phnom Penh – contains several national treasures and historic buildings.
Among these are the Moonlight Pavilion – an open-air pavilion where classical Khmer dances are performed – the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda. In the latter you will see an array of Buddha statues decorated in gold and precious stones; however, you are likely to be most captivated by the Emerald Buddha.
This monument is thought to be several hundred years old and despite its name it is actually made out of jadeite – instead of emerald. Always adorned in intricate gold, the figurine’s outfit is changed in accordance with the seasons.
Markets
There’s a major market complete with handicrafts and fried spiders, the picturesque palace grounds and a great coffee shop that’s popular with the expats called Café Fresco.
Museums
The National Museum of Cambodia is also in Phnom Penh, which houses one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world. Sadly, one of the many sites in Cambodia commemorating the tragic era of the Khmer Rouge is in this city as well.
Volunteer
Significant problems persist in this capital of one of the world’s poorest countries. Decades of conflict have significantly weakened economic, political and social institutions, and many residents of Phnom Penh remain trapped in the poverty cycle.
Access to education and healthcare remains limited for many, and gender inequality and lack of property rights are pressing challenges. Additionally, the skill and wage gap for the city’s workers is widening and further limiting opportunities for the poorest.
There are lots of volunteer projects in Phnom Penh offering you a range of possibilities, including teaching underprivileged children and volunteering with local community organisations.
Phnom Penh Travel Tips
Food and Drink
There are restaurants and cafes throughout the city. From street cart vendors to fine dining restaurants serving Cambodian and French fusion cuisine, Phnom Penh is a great place to eat out. The capital also has a vibrant nightlife.
Safety
Phnom Penh is very safe and local people are open and friendly. With that said, Phnom Penh is a large capital and, as in any city where you are a foreign traveler, you must take precautions. Certain neighborhoods are not safe, and you should be particularly careful with petty crime and traffic.
Places to Visit Near Phnom Penh
Finally, from Phnom Penh you can travel easily to other interesting destinations across the country, including the Angkor temples, Siem Reap, Battambang and Sihanoukville.