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Introduction to Phnom Penh
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 this reputation: yellow-ocher buildings, squares and cafes, and tree-lined boulevards give it an appealing atmosphere.
Diving near Sihanoukville
The islands off the coast of Cambodia provide excellent diving locations and white sand beaches: perfect retreats to get away from it all. Already close to the mainland there’s some great diving, but for those who want to stay a little longer and venture a little further, there are world class dive sites such as Condor Reef and Poulo Wai waiting to be explored.
Rabbit Island off Kep coast
Ko Tonsay, or Rabbit Island as it is commonly known as, is a lovely and truly idyllic little island that sits offshore from Kep, just thirty minutes away by hired boat.
Koh Tonsay is two square kilometers. In the 1960?s it was used as a place to rehabilitate criminals, who were also used to defend the island.
Horse cart paths and wooden, thatch roofed motels were also constructed during this time. Most of this infrastructure has been destroyed.
Today, seven families live on the island. They earn their living by fishing and growing coconut trees. Rabbit Island has become a popular daytrip for tourists.
Introduction to Sihanoukville
Where now lies the port of Sihanoukville, was originally the fishing village of Kompong Som. Cambodians still refer to the town by that name. It is the only real beach resort of Cambodia.
The town is rather spread out and actually consists of two parts: Sihanoukville-City and Sihanoukville-Beach.
Charming Towns: Kampot & Kep
Kampot is a quiet, relaxed, laid back, some would say sleepy but charming little town in southern Cambodia.
Did you know Kampot was chosen by CNNgo among Indochina's top 10 hot destinations?
They write: oozing French colonial charm, this scenic town nestled on the east bank of Kampot River is Cambodia's most under-rated destination.
Introduction to Kratie
Kratie (pronounce: Krachèh) is a provincial backwater along the Mekong river, roughly 315 km northeast of Phnom Penh.
Though the town and surroundings are pleasant enough, Kratie's main attraction are the freshwater, or Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong river north of the town.
Despite what some guide books might tell you, there is no river transport to Kratie. Fast boats from Phnom Penh to Kratie and further north to Stung Treng have been discontinued years ago.
There is occasional river transport from both Stung Treng and Kampong Cham to Kratie, but with the upgrading of roads in the region there's not much demand.
Cardamoms: last true wilderness
Named after the spice that still grows on its slopes, the Cardamom Mountains region in southwest Cambodia is the last true wilderness remaining in mainland Southeast Asia.
The region is the focus of conversation efforts by the GMS Biodiversity Conservation Corridors Initiative. Take part in one of the eco-tourism initiatives.
More to do in Phnom Penh
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.
Phnom Penh Weather & Forecast
Here you find the weather conditions and outlook for Phnom Penh constantly updated. Keep in mind when the forecast predicts rain, it is usually a heavy thunderstorm of about one hour in late afternoon, while the rest of the day is sunny and dry.
It almost never rains all day in Phnom Penh, such a pattern would be exceptional. However, on the south coast it can be raining days on end during the rainy season.
French Colonial Architecture
Phnom Penh once was known 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 are an integral part of Phnom Penh's identity.
Sisowath Quay: Phnom Penh Boulevard
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 selling food, fruits, snacks, and toys or foreseeing your future have all gone. Instead of the green spaces, large swats have been paved. And who is the one responsible for those new and ugly lampposts?
More Articles...
- See Phnom Penh from above
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
- Around Phnom Penh: Silk Island, Oudong
- Virachey National Park, Ratanakiri
- The South of Cambodia
- Accommodations in Kep, Cambodia
- Bokor Mountain Hill & Casino
- Ream National Park
- To do and see around Kampot
- Battambang Countryside
- Magical Battambang
- Getting around in Phnom Penh
- Attractions in Cambodia's Capital
- Sights in Phnom Penh
- Koh Russei: Bamboo Island
- The Most Scenic Boat Tour
- Introduction to Cambodia
- Magnificent Mondulkiri
- Unique Ratanakiri
- Shopping for Jewels
