You are here: Home › Destinations › Asia › Cambodia › Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest, most populous city of Cambodia and its commercial and political hub. It is situated at the confluence of three great rivers-the ‘four arms’ of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. Phnom Penh’s city life is intriguing with many sidewalk noodle shops, neighborhood pubs, restaurants, discos, shops and tourist boats. In Phnom Penh you will have plenty of opportunity to get a real look at Cambodian culture, by visiting one of its many pagoda’s or wats.
Local highlights
Explore the city
- Visiting one of its many wats with its central sanctuary, different alters and statues, and housing for the monks
- Visit the The River Front with views of the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap
- A trip to a traditional market (phsar) is a highly recommended cultural shopping adventure (either the the Russian Market or the Central Market)
- Enjoy an evening dinner cruise
- Attend a traditional dance performance for instance at the Sovanna Phum Art or Apsara Arts Association
Explore its museums and historical sights, such as
- Royal Palace built in 1866 under the French protectorate and King Norodom
- Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat) with cultural treasures such as the ‘Emerald Buddha’
- The National Museum with Angkorian artifacts and a good collection of post-Angkorian Buddha figures
- Wat Phnom-the founding place of the Phnom Penh. The large stupa contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422
- Toul Sleng Genocide Museum-the infamous Khmer Rouge S-21 prison
Highlights in the vicinity
- Phnom Penh is the gateway to the temples of Angkor (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ or Choeung Ek Memorial which is about 16km away
- The beaches of the southern coast
Good to know
- No. of inhabitants: 862 Thousand
- Timezone: UTC +7
- Weather: The climate is hot year-round with three basic seasons: the cool season from November to January, the hot season from February through May and the rainy season from June through October.
- Tourist Police: 012-942484
Local transport
- Taxis are not metered
- Motorcycle taxis (moto’s) are cheaper, but less comfortable and safe
- Motor cycle rentals are cheap, but remember the chaotic traffic in Phnom Penh makes cycling in the city a real challenge
- Alternative: buy a used bicycle and resell it when you return
Inbound transport
- Nearest airport: Pochentong International Airport
- Ferry port is on Sisowath Quay (the riverfront road)
- Long distance Buses only (no in-city bus system)
Travel tips
There are no Travel tips yet
Add a Travel tip
Did you visit this Destination?
And become one of the EnjoyYourWorld Photographers
And show travellers YOUR BEST PICTURES OF THE WORLD. Everyone has a different view on this world and that makes your pictures so special, so don’t wait any longer and send us your pictures right now!! And become one of our EnjoyYourWorld photographers.