Phnom Penh

Before undergoing transformation, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was only a Tuol Svay Pray High School. Khmer Rouge converted the place into an interrogation and an execution center. The museum is also known as the S-21 Prison. Over 17,000 Cambodians entered the notorious venue however only 7 managed to survive by the end of the regime.

Set adjacent to each other the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda it sprawls over an area of 174,870 square meters. This place is predominantly known for its Khmer architecture and forestry surroundings. The visitors can explore a number of buildings located within the palace ground at US $6.50 or take a guided tour for US $10. Situated in the Sisowath Quay, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is a must visit for all. Other attractions of the palace are Moonlight Pavilion and Throne Hall.

The Ta Phrom Temple at Tonle Bati has been in existence since the late 12th century. The temple features several well preserved bas-reliefs and stone carvings of the Hindu mythology. It is similar in style to the Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat and is located only an hour’s drive from the city center. You’ll have to pay a minor entrance fee of US$3 to visit here. This makes it the most convenient and affordable option for the travelers staying in the capital of Cambodia. Other sightseeing attractions of Tonle Bati include Tonle Bati Lake, Yey Peo Temple, and more.  

Choeung Ek Memorial or the Killing Fields is a spine chilling reminder of the tragic history of Cambodia. Situated about 17 km from the south of the Phnom Penh City it is one of the several killing fields or the burial and execution grounds that were used by the the Khmer Rouge regime during the period ranging from 1975 to 1976-7. You can take a half day tour to this memorial. It is an important place to see in Phnom Penh City.

Independence Monument is situated in the heart of the Phnom Penh City Centre. It is an iconic landmark that is also known as the Vimean Ekareach. The monument signifies the liberation or rather the independence from the French who ruled the nation between the period from 1863 to 1953. As a result of this, the colorful celebrations of the national festivities like the Constitution Day celebrated on 24th September and Independence Day celebrated on 9th November are celebrated here with great vigor. The best time to visit the monument is during the night time when the surroundings are illuminated by white, red and blue flood lights.

Wat Ounalom offers the tourists with an in depth look into the history, teachings and philosophies of the Buddhist of Cambodia. It is also one of the oldest and the most prominent of the 5 pagodas of the country. The shrine is a home to more than 500 monks and stocks within it a collection of more than 30,000 titles before they were removed from here by the Khmer Rouge regime

Lying in close proximity to the Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument is the Wat Langka. It was founded in the year 1442 by Ponhea Yat. This flamboyant shrine was established as a library of Buddhist scriptures. It also happened to be a meeting place for monks of Sri Lanka and Cambodia. However, during the Rouge’s two-year regime, Wat Langka was used as a store house. The stupas here are in excellent condition and the entry to the temple is absolutely free of cost. Do take part in the meditation sessions here that are largely supervised by the English-speaking monks.  

National Museum of Cambodia is the largest cultural and archaeological history museum. It helps you catch the glimpse of the cultural side of the history of Cambodia. Dating back to the 4th century, the museum is housed with an imposing red sandstone structure. National Museum of Cambodia was inaugurated in the year 1920 as the Musée Albert Sarraut. This museum stands out as a phenomenal illustration of the traditional Khmer architecture. The museum has over 14,000 exhibits that are arranged in accordance with the prehistoric, pre-Angkor, Angkor, and post-Angkor eras. Each of these is constituted of the wooden and bronze sculptures, stone articles, ceramic items, wooden sculptures and ethnographic items. The most spectacular exhibis here is a statue of Lord Vishnu which is eight armed and has been in existence since 6th century.

Cambodian Living Arts is an NPO. It hosts traditional Khmer and Apsara dance performances at the National Museum of Cambodia. The performances can be seen on weekends, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 PM onwards. Tickets for the performances are priced at US$ 15. Khmer dance that you’ll see here has been in existence since the 18th century. However, it was somehow lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. This cultural center retailed its art by gathering the surviving master artists to train and further pass on this knowledge to the younger generation. The crew and performers here largely comprise of the musicians and singers performing in the traditional Khmer costumes performing the 8 classical dances of the 8 different minorities from across Cambodia. Enjoying the performances here is an important thing to do here.

Shopping at Central Parket can be a great pastime for every traveler. For anyone who wishes to buy anything right from the local handicrafts to the women’s clothing, jewelry, flowers and the handicrafts, head to the Central Market. The collection here is authentic. It is top rated in quality and is also priced affordably.

Cambodia has a massive amount of national holidays. Wikipedia lists 18 of them which may seem a modest number to you but the number of holidays they celebrate is way more than this. So, holidays naturally mean celebration. You too can take part in this celebration with the locals and enjoy your holidays.

The rainy season of Phnom Penh usually falls between May and goes on till September. Rains here are beautiful and only amplify the beauty of the place. Planning a trip during this time can be a great idea.

Phnom Penh definitely serves the cheapest and the best tasting iced coffee in the world. It comes in a plastic bag for 50 cents and is ravishing.

Beer in Phnom Penh is actually cheaper than water. Of course this isn’t true everywhere across the country or for every beer but there are a number of places and number of beers where beer can be availed for dirt cheap prices. A bottle of water here is priced at $1 whereas the can of Anchor can be availed at 50 cents. Interesting, no?

Right from dancing your pants off to a casual chit chat session in the beer garden, whatever you prefer, Phnom Penh has on offer. The nightlife gets really crazy here. Do, visit any popular club or restaurant and have a gala time.

Website: Cambodia Tourism