Phnom Penh,
capital city of Cambodia, is by far the largest and most developed city in the
country. While life in the Cambodian provinces has real third-world feel (Siem
Reap aside, perhaps) Phnom Penh is very much a modern Southeast Asian city,
with all the sights, sounds and smells that implies - street vendors selling
noodles outside of multinational banks, beautiful gilded pagodas and shrines
set in areas of heart-rending poverty, chic boutiques side by side with
counterfeit DVD sellers.
Phnom Penh Tourist Attractions
Phnom Penh's
most famous draws are the Khmer Rouge sites - the Tuol Sleng
(S-21) prison and killing
fields at Choeung Ek. These are an uncomfortable reminder of the
trauma that Cambodia has been through in our lifetimes, and they are not easy
sites to visit, and some visitors choose to avoid these illustrations of the
Khmer Rouge's "government" of Cambodia.
The Royal Palace
in Phnom Penh, offers some truly beautiful views of happier times in
Cambodia's recent history, and the views of the Palace (which is still in use
by the Royal Family) and the Silver Pagoda
are stunning.
Visitors to
the National Museum should also take the opportunity to visit the many
boutiques along Street 178 - while there is much that is the "same
same" as in any tourist shop, there are real gems to be found. Start your
dive training here, before heading to Sihanoukville to complete your Open Water
qualifications, take the family to the Ta Mao wildlife sanctuary or see
traditional shadow puppets - investigate our Phnom Penh
Tourist Attractions pages for more inspiration and information.
Phnom Penh
Hotel Accommodation
Phnom Penh
now boasts a small number of luxury hotels.
Familiar international names such as Sofitel (opening late 2010), Raffles and
InterContinental as well as local 5* hotels such as the Las Vegas-style
NagaWorld hotel and entertainment complex. For those favouring a more intimate
feel, then a range of luxury and mid-range boutique hotels include the Amanjaya
Pancam, or the family-friendly Kabiki.
Phnom Penh Travel Tips
Visiting
Phnom Penh, like any large capital city, it can be difficult to find the best
places, the places that the locals go to. Whether you want the best in boutique
shopping, or where to find the best Western food after your weeks of living
like a local in Asia - our travel tips can help you. The best Phnom
Penh shopping, restaurants, bars and massage - all in our opinion,
of course.
