Oh the charm of visiting the quaint and inviting capital of Phnom Penh, it is something everyone must experience. This city really does have it all and is too often overlooked in the travel itinerary for those trekking through Cambodia and its Kingdom of Wonder. Phnom Penh is an up and coming capital that affords you all of the amenities that you would expect from a capital city but does so without stepping on your toes. What we mean by that is that Phnom Penh is inviting and gentle since it is still such a small city. You can still roam around to many a place by foot and can explore with a great amount of safety. It is on the light side when it comes to hassle but definitely not lacking things to do.
Maybe you are in the mood for a stroll? It is nice to walk around the areas near the Royal Palace and the Riverfront on day, rain or shine, in Phnom Penh. You will find many parks landscaped perfectly with monuments, statues and the quintessential monk throughout them. You can routinely find the Khmer people exercising in the expansive open areas provided by these well designed parks that make this city such a beautiful and charming one. The riverfront and other areas of town allow for fine and low cost dining. Everything from high end French food and Sushi to street food and noodles is available as well as everything in between. If you are traveling elsewhere in Asia, getting a Visa in Phnom Penh may be easier than in Bangkok since the Embassies are usually far less busy yet the city still has many! Enjoy dining, amenities and life while in Phnom Penh. Of course you can experience the very important history of the time of the Khmer Rouge by visiting S-21 and the Killing Fields. All of this plus incredible shopping make Phnom Penh a wonderful part of your trip vs. just a stopover on the way to the coast!
Highlights and Transportation Options:
Highlights
- S-21 Genocide Museum
- Killing Fields
- National Museum of Cambodia
- King’s Palace
- Temples and Stupas
- Parks
- River Front
- Central Market
- Russian Market
- Independence and Liberation Memorials
- Wat Phnom
- Wat Botum
- Olympic Stadium built for Asian Games that never Happened
Transportation Options
From Ho Chi Minh City:
- Boat to Phnom Penh from Chao Doc
- Bus to Phnom Penh
From Battambang:
- Private Ride
- Bus
From Siem Reap:
- Private Ride
- Bus
- Boat
From Sihanoukville:
- Bus
- Private Ride
- Many Airlines Fly into Phnom Penh
