Phnom Penh is the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the largest and most inhabited city. Famous as the “Paris of the East," Phnom Penh is located at the intersection of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers, located near the Mekong Delta.
Phnom Penh - the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia
With a population of about 2.3 million, this city is a major center of politics, culture, and commerce in Cambodia. This is also one of the must-see tourist destinations in Cambodia. Not only does Phnom Penh possess Western architectural works built during the French colonial period, but it also has many historical relics and religious works expressing beliefs, and culture and imbued with unique Khmer characteristics.
Phnom Penh Weather
Cambodia has two distinct seasons, similar to the South of Vietnam, which are the rainy season and the dry season. However, to explore tourist attractions in Phnom Penh, it will be ideal if you can arrange your trip when the weather is dry and cool, the best time is from November to May.
Like many other Asian countries, this beautiful country has many amazing festivals held all year round. No matter what time of year you travel, you can immerse yourself in the fun atmosphere of indigenous festivals. If you want to experience the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay festival with many special local traditions, visit the country from April 13–15.
Cambodia has two distinct seasons
Phnom Penh Transportation
Currently, most countries in the world have direct flights to. When the plane lands, you can hire a technology driver at a good price on booking applications to take you to the hotel.
Besides, if you come from nearby countries like Laos or Vietnam, there are many long-distance buses with comfortable beds and cool air conditioning.
Long-distance buses in Phnom Penh
To move around the city, you can rent bicycles, motorbikes, cars, and the legendary tuk-tuk, a symbol of Cambodian travel. If you want to immerse yourself in nature and explore the lives of indigenous people, you can rent a motorbike to get around. If you travel in a large group, the best suggestion for you is to rent a private car. Local drivers will take you to tourist attractions quickly and conveniently.
Tuk-tuk - a symbol of Cambodia Travel
Phnom Penh Accommodation
To have the best experience when traveling to Phnom Penh, you must choose the appropriate accommodation to enjoy comfort and convenience when visiting tourist attractions here. Let Asia Private Travels suggest some ideal areas for sightseeing, traveling, and easily discovering places in the city.
Riverside or Sisowath Quay area
With a location close to famous attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Ounalom, and Phnom Penh National Museum, this area is a great choice. You can also find a traditional market with many interesting souvenirs here. This place also concentrates on many accommodation, dining, and entertainment venues.
Central area
This is the center of the city, with many accommodation options at prices ranging from affordable to high-end. You'll have easy access to restaurants and bars and visit supermarkets and street food stalls in your Phnom Penh travel.
Olympic Stadium area
If you want to save money on accommodation, this area is a great choice. You can easily travel to visit the Toul Sleng genocide museum from here. Room prices here are also usually cheaper than in the central area.
Hotel in Phnom Penh
Top places to go in Phnom Penh
If you still have no idea where to go in Cambodia? Please refer to the suggestions below from Asia Private Travels.
Wat Phnom Pagoda
Let’s discover Wat Phnom Pagoda, also known as Ba Penh Pagoda. This is one of the most holy temples in Cambodia destinations, attracting both domestic and foreign Buddhists to make pilgrimages. This pagoda is where the body of King Boliwat is kept and the remains of King Ponhea Yat are also placed here in a white tower. With a height of 27m, this is the highest place in Phnom Penh. You can capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital city when standing at the top of the temple. In addition, Mrs. Penh is worshiped behind the temple and is very sacred; most pilgrims come here to worship and pray for luck.
Wat Phnom Pagoda in Phnom Penh
Campuchia Royal Palace
As the living and working place of the King of Cambodia, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh attracts many visitors from all over the world. The palace is divided into two separate areas: the Emerald Buddha Pagoda area (also known as the Golden Pagoda or Silver Pagoda) and the king's living and working area - the palace area.
The Emerald Buddha Temple is where the king holds longevity celebrations or Buddhist ceremonies, so there is no abbot. Can you guess why is called Silver Pagoda? The floor here is made with 5,329 silver floor tiles and there is a Buddha statue sticked with more than 2,000 diamond stones. Moreover, you will be impressed by a lot of small statues from exquisite gold, silver, and bronze.
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Toul Saleng Museum
If you want to learn about historical stories about Cambodia, visit the Toul Saleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. This is the place where the fierce Khmer Rouge war in the past is completely recreated. In the museum area, on one side is the museum, displaying the products of the Khmer Rouge's crimes, on the other side is the city's notorious prison, Toul Saleng prison, where Khmer Rouge soldiers captured, tortured, and forced confessions of more than 20,000 innocent Khmer people.
Every trace here reminds us of the sad stories of the Cambodian people. You should note that people should wear long pants, sleeved t-shirts, or scarves to cover their knees when visiting this relic.
Toul Saleng Museum in Phnom Penh
Choeng Ek Memorial
Choeng Ek Memorial is a place you definitely should not miss on your Cambodia travel itinerary. After being captured and brutally tortured at Toul Saleng Prison, the Khmer were escorted here to be executed. History has recorded more than 20,000 Khmer people buried here, in a mass grave. This area today is not only a tourist area but also a place to preserve the dark and painful past of the Khmer people.
Choeng Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh
National Museum of Cambodia
Like any other country in the world, the National Museum is a place that clearly demonstrates the formation of the country. Therefore, if you want to understand more about the origin of the nation, and the history of formation and development, then go to the National Museum of Cambodia.
This is considered one of the best places to visit Phnom Penh as it preserves Khmer archaeological artifacts from the pre-Angkor period to the flourishing Angkor Wat Time. Your eyes will be caught by significant artifacts dating from the 4th to the 13th century.
National Museum in Phnom Penh
Toul Tom Poung Market
Among the outstanding places to visit in Phnom Penh, you should pay a visit to Toul Tom Poung Market. The market gathers many small traders and Russian customers, which is commonly called the Russian market. A variety of items are sold here, from fashion to cosmetics and long-standing handicrafts such as Buddha heads and old banknotes. And don't forget to try the taste of Cambodia's native coffee here.
Toul Tom Poung Market in Phnom Penh
Sisowath Quay
Sisowath Quay is located right on the Mekong Riverside and near the Royal Square. After visiting the palace, you can come here to take a walk and then capture many amazing shots. In the evening, the local night market is vibrant, with shops and stalls selling clothes and souvenirs.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Phnom Penh, don't miss the opportunity to watch the stunning sunset in Sisowath Quay. The square area also has a very friendly flock of birds. Watching the magnificent sunset while seeing pigeons fly their wings. Are you excited for this place?
Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh
Independence Monument
As one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh, the Independence Monument is a significant building showing the close friendship between the two countries Vietnam and Cambodia. It is located at the intersection of the two largest roads in this capital city, Sihanouk and Norodom.
The monument was built to simulate the style of Angkor Watt temple and other famous buildings in Cambodia. This is also a square area that attracts many people to visit and take pictures in the city.
Independence Monument in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Cuisine
In addition to famous tourist destinations, Cambodia is also a country with many extremely new traditional dishes. Let's join Asia Private Travels in taking a look at the prominent names.
Dishes From Insects
Are you brave enough to try insect dishes? This is the "national dish" in Cambodia, ranked in the top 10 most tasty local cuisine in Phnom Penh Tourism. With the main ingredients being insects such as ants, worms, scorpions, spiders, crickets, etc., Local chefs can make them into many different dishes such as fried, stir-fried, steamed, etc. It certainly will be a memorable experience in your Cambodia Travel journey.
Dishes From Insects
Cambodian Red Curry
Red Curry is a traditional dish used by Cambodians on special occasions such as weddings, family gatherings, and religious holidays like Pchum Ben. This Khmer red curry is not as spicy as the Thai one. Fresh coconut milk is the main ingredient, creating a rich flavor for the dish.
Other ingredients in curry can be changed depending on taste such as beef, chicken, fish, eggplant, green beans, and potatoes. Tourists can easily enjoy this dish at local markets or restaurants when having a Phnom Penh Tour.
Red Curry is a traditional dish used by Cambodians
Num Sang Khya L’peou
One more wonderful dish that you should experience in Phnom Penh is Num Sang Khya L'peou made from pumpkin. The seeds of the pumpkin are removed and filled with egg whites, palm sugar, and coconut milk. Then, the pumpkin will be steamed for about 30 minutes. When someone buys, the seller will cut them into bite-sized pieces. You will definitely be impressed by the eye-catching colors and the greasy, spongy feel of the eggs, pumpkin, and coconut milk inside.
Num Sang Khya L'peou made from pumpkin.
Ngeav Chamboy Steamed Clams with Lemongrass
Among the countless street vendors you may in your Cambodia Travel itinerary, there is a delicious dish that tourists especially love, which is Ngeav Chamboy Steamed Scallops with Lemongrass - "divine" in the street food world. When night falls and the city is sparkling with lights, you should try Ngeav Chamboy's steamed clams with lemongrass that captivates every tourist.
This is a great snack to enjoy when traveling to Phnom Penh. A piece of steamed clams and a glass of beer will be the perfect combination.
Ngeav Chamboy Steamed Clams with Lemongrass
Besides Phnom Penh, you also have opportunities to experience other well-known tourist destinations such as Siem Riep, Kampot, etc. All these destinations are included in our Throughout Cambodia 9 Days journey. Do you feel excited? Contact Asia Private Travels for a special customized vacation in this gorgeous land!
