Phnom Penh Cambodia Travel Guide

A cell at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Cambodia is a beautiful country and Phnom Penh a truly welcoming and attractive city. But Cambodia’s recent history is dark and to understand the Khmers better, a visit to the genocide museum and the killing fields is a must. Having seen the shocking exhibition, you will be even more surprised by the friendliness of the Cambodians...

Psar Thmei, literally meaning 'New Market' but often referred to as Central Market The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of three rivers – the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap. Over the past years, the city has undergone tremendous changes – businesses are springing up constantly and tourism is once again booming....

First time visitors may be scared by the chaotic traffic in Phnom Penh. Well, it’s not as bad as it seems. Motorised traffic in the city is usually quite slow and rarely you’ll see drivers getting angry. On the contrary, Phnom Penh drivers are extremely tolerant. Here we give you some ideas on how to get around Phnom Penh. On foot Personally, I’d like...

If you want to escape Phnom Penh, there are quite a few day trips to be made from the capital. You can go on a boat trip to Mekong Island, discover the ancient capital of Oudong, or visit Tonle Bati and the zoo at Phnom Tamau. Yes, Phnom Penh and its surroundings are worth more than just a day visiting! Silk Weavers on Mekong Island Mekong Island, or Koh Dach, is an island...

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Cambodia’s Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom (1834-1904) in 1866, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Most buildings were completed before World War I, with involvement by French administrators and Thai designers and architects. The complex is divided by walls into three main compounds, on the north side is the...

Here you see an interactive satellite map of Phnom Penh and surroundings, provided by Wikimapia. You can clearly see the ‘Four Faces’ of Phnom Penh: the rivers in the north are the Tonle Sap and the Upper Mekong, to the south the Tonle Bassac and the Lower Mekong. The large island in the Mekong to the north of Phnom Penh is Koh Dach or Silk Island. By clicking...

After years of extensive works by the Japanese to improve Phnom Penh’s drainage system, Sisowath Quay is back as the capital’s main boulevard, situated along the Tonle Sap river. But…, is it better than before? Well, hopefully the flooding in the centre of Phnom Penh will be less, but it seems the Quay itself has lost quite a bit of its charm. The women...

General Post Office in Phnom Penh Phnom Penh once was know as the Pearl of Asia. The old heart of the city was build during French colonial times and many of the old buildings still remain, although quite a few are neglected and some are even in disrepair. Fortunately, more and more people realise the city should make every effort to preserve these structures, as they...

Student of Apsara Arts Association So, you have seen the Royal Palace, the Russian Market, Central Market, Wat Phnom and wandered around Sisowath Quay. What more can you do in Phnom Penh? Well, as far as we are concerned, quite a lot. This city deserves a few days exploring. See our suggestions on this page. For things to see near the Cambodian capital, see our page Around...

Phnom Penh has an eccentric charm. Seen from the river, palm trees and the spires of Khmer royal buildings rise over French-era Phnom Penh shophouses and villas. This city really grows on you. Take time to explore Phnom Penh! Before civil war broke out it was one of the finest cities in the region, nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Asia’. Now, Phnom Penh is regaining...