Phnom Penh - Do & See

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Phnom Penh

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-05-06

Spend a day walking through the historical streets surrounding the Royal Palace, ride a tuk-tuk hopping from market to market, and end your day gazing at the shimmering lights reflecting off the Tonle Bassac. The city’s life never ceases as the old and the new live alongside each other.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Immerse yourself in beautifully manicured gardens, delightful royal abodes, and the serene calm of this classic Khmer palace. The throne, used for coronation and important ceremonies, sits in a finely decorated room. At its side stands a small delightful ornate maisonette offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom. Walk across to the Silver Pagoda and observe the golden Buddha, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest one weighing 25 carats. Please remember to dress a bit formally when visiting the Silver Pagoda—wear long trousers or a long skirt.

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is said to be the first pagoda in town, dating back to 1373. It is located on a small hill and locals come here to pray for good luck. When visiting Wat Phnom, be aware that due to the site’s popularity, there will be a number of beggars, street urchins and other vendors trying to gain your attention. Some may try to sell birds in cages and you pay to set the bird free as locals claim the birds are trained to return to their cage afterwards.

The Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Memorial

The Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Memorial

This field reminds its visitors of a time of brutal executions and torture. More than 17,000 people were killed here during the Khmer Rouge regime, and today, there are mass graves and a memorial stupa (a Buddhist reliquary) with thousands of human bones. An audio tour tells the heart-braking history.

National Museum of Cambodia

National Museum of Cambodia

This red-stoned traditional royal Khmer building from the 1920s offers a glimpse of the Khmer Empire’s rich heritage. With artefacts dating back to pre-Angkorian times, the museum’s pieces are some of the only remaining historical items that survived the Khmer Rouge.

Phnom Chisor Temple

Phnom Chisor Temple

About one hour's drive from the city, you can visit the ruins of the Phnom Chisor Temple, a temple from the Angkorian era. From the hill where it is located, you will have great views over the countryside, but keep in mind that it can be very hot to climb all the way up during midday.

Independence Monument

Independence Monument

This tall building is a symbol of Cambodia's freedom from France, gained in 1953. This Angkorian-style tower is mostly used as a landmark now, but the parks surrounding it are popular for picnics.

Wat Ounalom

Wat Ounalom

This temple is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism, and it's home to 350 moments. At the entrance, five golden Buddhas welcome the visitors. It was founded in 1443 and is conveniently located close to the Royal Palace and the river bank.

Tuol Sleng Museum

Tuol Sleng Museum

A former school known as S-21, this building became the hub of the Khmer Rouge’s interrogation and torture of more than 17,000 ‘enemies’ of the state. School rooms were turned into cells and today victims’ portraits align the corridors of this daunting building. This is an emotional visit, a place to pay respect to the victims of Cambodia’s tragedy.

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

This is the biggest zoo in Cambodia, and here you can see many different animals from the local fauna. The Wildlife Rescue Center saves animals that have been trapped or injured, to set them free again after rehabilitation. If you book a tour, you will get the chance to see the staff's heroic work and to meet some of the animals.

Yoga Phnom Penh

Yoga Phnom Penh

For all the Yogis and Yoginis out there, this is a must-visit. At this beautiful and calm studio, you can attend different kinds of yoga classes or maybe one of their workshops. You can either pre-book a class or go to one of the drop-in classes.

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