Phnom Penh Attractions

Overview of Phnom Penh City

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a spectacular city with a number of tourist attractions. This magnificent city lies at the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac Rivers. Phnom Penh Tourism features many exciting attractions that are a major draw for tourists coming to Cambodia. The Tourist Attractions at Phnom Penh will therefore entice you to extend your stay at this exquisite city.

Introduction to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the ‘Gem’ of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Here in the capital, are many interesting touristy sites. Beside the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the Choeng Ek Killing Fields and Wat Phnom, there are several market places selling carvings, paintings, silk, silver, gems and even antiques. Indeed, an ideal destination for a leisurely day tour. The whole area including the outskirts of Phnom Penh is about 376 square kilometres big. There are currently 2,009,264 people living in Phnom Penh.

The city takes its name from the …

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Phnom Penh Geography
Phnom Penh is located in the southern heard of the country and fully surrounded by the Kandal Province. The municipality consists of the typical plain wet area for Cambodia, covering rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The province also features three of the biggest rivers of the country the Tonle Bassac, the Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong.

All three rivers cross to form an “X” at their confluence, where the capital is situated. These rivers provide potential freshwater and other resources. The city, located at 11.55 N 104.91667? E (11?33′ North, 104?55′ East) covers an area of 375 square kilometres (145 sq mi) which some 11,401 hectares (28,172 acres) in the municipality and 26,106 hectares (64,509 acres) of roads. The agricultural land in the municipality amounts to 34.685 square kilometres (13 sq mi) with some 1.476 square kilometres (365 acres) under …

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Phnom Penh Climate
The country has a tropical climate – warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. This year-round tropical climate makes Cambodia ideal for developing tourism. Travellers need not to fear natural disasters such as erupting volcanoes or earthquakes, and the country is not directly affected by tropical storms.

Climate: Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. However, those plans to travel extensively by road should be avoided the last two months of the rainy season when some countryside roads may be impassable. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius; the minimum temperature is about 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, whereas the hottest is April.

General information about the provincial climate:

– Cool season: November- March (22-28c)
– Hot season: March- May (28c -38c)
– Rainy season: May – October (24-32c, with humidity up to 90%.)

The city temperatures range from 15? to 38 ?C and experiences tropical monsoons. Monsoons blow from the Southwest inland, bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of …

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Phnom Penh Population
The current population in this municipality is about 2,009,264 people or 14 % of the country?s total population (14,363,519 person in Cambodia, 2007, provincial government data), with 621,948 male and 658,833 female. The population density is therefore 5,343.8 people per square kilometre. The population is Original Khmer 60%, Chinese 15%, Vietnamese 20% and 5% other. The population growth in the city is about …

 

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Phnom Penh Economy
Double-digit economic growth rates in recent years have triggered an economic boom, with new hotels, restaurants, bars, and residential buildings springing up around the city. Phnom Penh’s wealth of historical and cultural sites makes it also a very popular tourist destination. The main economy is based on commercial such as garments, trading, small and medium enterprises. The property business is booming since the past few years. Real estate is now getting very expensive. The two new sub-cities are under construction, where investors from Korea and Indonesia join with Cambodian investors. The investment project of Camko-city is estimated about more than 200 millions and will be finished in 2018.

Because of its budget airlines flying from nearby countries directly to Phnom Penh, the leisure and business travellers are coming to enjoy themselves or to look for investment opportunities in Cambodia. So also the hotel business is likely more and more improving.

As Kandal province is around Phnom Penh it serves as an economic belt of the capital. For instance Cambodia has become the sixth largest garment exporter in the world in 2007 (most of these factories are in Kandal …

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How to get to Phnom Penh

How to get to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phom Penh can be reached by either domestic flights, international flights or overland and speedboat from neighbouring provinces. Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Though traffic is getting more congested these days, you can still travel the length of the city in less than 40 minutes. Regarding the economical boom these days, the traffic increases significantly.

Phnom Penh International Airport:

On arrival, taxis and motorcycle taxis (motodups) can be hired just outside the arrival lobby. There are no meter taxis (just developing this service). Taxis cost $7.00 for the 20-30 minute ride into the city centre. Cheaper, slower and less comfortable, motorcycle taxis can be hired for $2.00 into town. A usual taxi to the airport from town costs about $5-$7. Allow a minimum of 30-40 minutes to get to the airport, as you might get into some traffic jams during the rush hour.

Port of Phnom Penh:

The ferry port in Phnom Penh is on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road) at Street 104, just north of the main riverfront park/restaurant area. If you are arriving in Phnom Penh, there are always motor taxis and car taxis …

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What to see in Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace. 8:00AM-10AM & 2:00PM-5PM. Including the two magnificent pagodas in the Palace Grounds, the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are among the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing. They were built in the 19th century with French technology and Cambodian designs, and have survived the traumas of the 20th century amazingly intact. See them early in the day before it gets too hot. No photography is allowed inside the Silver Pagoda and some of the Palace buildings. You’re expected to dress decently (no bare legs or shoulders), but you can rent sarongs and oversized T-shirts for 1,000 Riel (plus US$1 deposit) at the entrance. US$6.25 or 25,000 Riel. edit The Napoleon III Palace is currently under makeover and is covered by construction netting (Feb’12). In general, the Palace complex has a more structured, formal, organized, and harmonious layout with a clear and specific architectural style rather than in Bangkok which has more hodge podge of styles taken here and there. But not to demean Bangkok’s, it is more fantastic and fairytale-ish than here.

The National Museum of …

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Where to eat in Phnom Penh
Cambodia ranks among the world’s poorest countries, so it comes as a pleasure surprise to find that Phnom Penh has a vast range of restaurants to suit all pockets and tastes, from noodle shops and market stalls to sophisticated, pricey Western places; even guesthouses often have small restaurants offering Western style fare, including American breakfasts, and Khmer and Chinese dishes.

Many of the restaurants catering to tourists and visitors line the riverfront dining and shopping area near the Royal Palace. Street 278 (near Independence Monument) and Boeng Keng Kang 1 is dotted with local and foreign restaurants. Budget restaurants and relaxing bars can be found along Street 93 next to the Boeung Kak Lake, an area popular with backpackers.

The Corner Restaurant and Bar:

Is mainly catering the local Khmer Food, the Fresh Fruit Shake and Juices specialties for this hot month from Oct to May. It is located at the first floor of Mittapheap Hotel, corner street 174 next to Wat Koh high school and Pagoda.

Foreign Correspondents Club of Cambodia (FCC):

This famous international …

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Where to stay in Phnom Penh
There is no shortage of accommodation in Phnom Penh, with an increasing number of guesthouses and hotels across the city catering for all pockets and tastes, from basic rooms with fans to opulent colonial suites with every luxury. No matter when you arrive, you should have no difficulty finding a room, although it’s no surprise that the very cheapest room fill up quickly. Arriving in the morning stands you have a better chance of getting really inexpensive accommodation, as many people check out early to catch onward transport. If you intent to stay for more than a couple of nights it’s worth asking about getting a discount at guesthouses and mid-range places. For hotel reservation, please visit:

http://absolutecambodia.com/phnom-penh-hotels-resorts/

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Shopping in Phnom Penh

New Central Market (Phsar Thmey):

Around the main buildings are stalls offering Krama’s (red and white checked scarves), stationery, household items, clothes for sarongs, flowers and second hand clothes, usually from Europe and the US. For photographers, the fresh food section affords a lot of opportunities. There are a host of good value food stalls on the structure’s western side, which faces Monivong Blvd. Central Market is undoubtedly one of the best of Phnom Penh’s markets for browsing. It is the cleanest and has the widest range of products for sale. Opening hours are from early morning until early evening.

Tuol Tom Pong Market (Russian market):

More commonly referred to by foreigners as the Russian Market, this is located at the corner of St. 440 and st.163, south of Mao Tse Tung Blvd. It is the best place in town for souvenir shopping, having a large range of real and fake antiquities. Items for sale include miniature Buddha’s, silk, silver jewelry, gems, video, ganja and a host of other goodies. Clothes such as t-shirts, trousers, jackets or shoes are very reasonable. It’s well worth popping in for a …

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Phnom Penh Tourist Attractions

 

Royal Palace Phnom Penh

Royal Palace Phnom Penh Situated on the site of the former Citadel, it was built by King Norodom in 1866 on the banks …

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The National Museum

The National Museum Phnom Penh Located near the Royal Palace, Cambodia’s National Museum offers a charming setting for …

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The Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh

Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh Also called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, it is located in the compound of the Royal …

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Choeung Ek, Killing Fields

Choeung Ek Killing Fields, the site of a former orchard and Chinese graveyard about 17 km south of Phnom Penh, …

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Mekong Island Cambodia

A one-hour boat trip from Phnom Penh brings tourists to this resort situated on Mekong Island. Tourists can dine in the …

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Phnom Baset

Located 32 km to northwest of Phnom Penh, Phnom Baset features at the top of the hill a brick sanctuary called Prasat …

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Tonle Bati, Phnom Penh

Tonle Bati is a small lake and popular picnic spot for the locals – bamboo picnic stands and mats by the water. On the …

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Phnom Chisor Temple

At the top of Phnom Chisor (Chisor Mountain) sits some very nicely preserved 10th/11th century AD, Angkorian era temple …

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Phnom Penh Central Market

The Phnom Penh Central Market is housed in a colonial-style building in the heart of the Cambodian capital. Its Khmer …

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Linna Culinary School

LINNA CULINARY SCHOOL is a new culinary school that opened in June, 2010. Our school is near the Phnom Penh university …

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Independence Monument

The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, was built in 1958 for Cambodia’s …

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Chroy Changvar Bridge

Chroy Changvar Bridge in Phnom Penh or Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge was built in 1966. The citizens of Phnom Penh …

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Sisowath Quay

Sisowath Quay is a striking three-kilometre-long boulevard, located along the intersection of the Tonle Sap and Mekong …

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Wat Langka Phnom Penh

Wat Langka is reputedly one of Phnom Penh’s five original wats (1422). First established as a sanctuary for the Holy …

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Russian Market, Phnom Penh

Russian Market is in our itinerary, although it is very hot in the market, but it worth a visit when you are searhing …

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Wat Koh, Phnom Penh

One of the city’s five original wats, established in the early 15th century. The main building was destroyed in the …

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Old Market (Phsar Chas)

Phsar Chas not at all geared to tourists, carrying such items as fruits and vegetables, hardware, second hand clothes, …

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Phsar Kandal, Phnom Penh

Kandal Market is a genuine local market that is located in the center of Phnom Penh close to Riverside. The Khmer name …

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Wat Phnom, Phnom penh

Wat Phnom, the namesake and symbol of the capital city of Phnom Penh, sets prominently atop an artificial 88.5 ft (27 …

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Wat Ounalom, Phnom Penh

Wat Ounalom, Phnom Penh, This is the headquarters of the Cambodian Buddhist patriarchate, founded in 1443, comprising …

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a museum in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The site is a former high school …

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Koh Dach, Phnom Penh

Koh Dach is an island about 15km north of Phnom Penh on the Mekong River. There are two reasons to visit this 30 square …

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Sunset Cruise on Tonle Sap

A one-hour cruise from the capital takes you along the river to watch the daily life of the people living on and around …

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Oudong Temple

Phnom Oudong dates from the early 7th century and was the old capital of Cambodia (1618 – 1866) before the capital was …

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Neang Khmao Temple

Neang Khmao temple is located in Rovieng commune, Samrong district, off National Road 2, about 27 kilometers north of …

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Phnom Tamao

This 1200-hectare animal sanctuary is located about 30 km southeast of Phnom Penh. In recent years, it has been …

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Phnom Penh Blazing Trails

The team at Blazing Trails in Cambodia will bring you to parts of the country where the old ways of life remain …

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The Children of Bassac

The team at Blazing Trails in Cambodia will bring you to parts of the country where the old ways of life remain …

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Mezzanine Paintball Club

Welcome to Mezzanine Paintball, the exclusive legal paintball club in Cambodia. We give you entertainment and skills …

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NagaWorld Casino

NAGAWORLD Casino, Phnom Penh is the first and best-in-class integrated hotel, entertainment hub in fast-emerging …

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Apsaras Dance Dinner Shows

Phnom Penh is not as active as Siem Reap when it comes to Khmer performing arts. However, some of the performing arts …

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River Cruises Phnom Penh

Short river cruises and sunset cruises along the Phnom Penh riverfront are easy to arrange and offer an interesting …

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Wat Botum, Phnom Penh

Wat Botum Vathey (Meaning: Temple of the Lotus Blossoms) is a wat located at Oknha Suor Srun Street 7, Sangkat …

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Wat Prayuvong

This small wat is hidden away to the east of Norodom Boulevard, about a five-minute walk from the Independence …

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The Architecture of Phnom Penh

Architecturally speaking, Phnom Penh is a comparatively new city. Prior to the late 19th century the city was but a few …

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Phnom Penh Night Market

Phnom Penh’s new Night Market on the riverfront is aimed squarely at visitors and tourists, offering a wide and …

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