Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and it's has been developing for the past few years. Although it overshadows by Siem Reap, Phnom Penh still a good place to visit. Below some of the recommended places to visit while in Phnom Penh.
1. Royal Palace Cambodia
The palace was built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom and it was built on the site of the old town. This is must place to go and a very popular tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. They are divided into many parts - the Silver Pagoda (south), Khemarin Palace (north) and Throne Hall (centre) & the Inner Court (west). When I visited last time, not so much open due to conservation works around the area.
Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Opening Times: 8.00 am to 10.30 am, and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm daily (Closed on PH)
Entrance Fees: 10USD
(Tips: Sometimes the palace closed in the morning. Make sure you check first at the website. I would suggest you visit at 3.00 pm onwards, less crowd and not the hot.)
Dos & Donts
Visitors must behave and dress respectfully, with no short pants/skirts or a sleeveless shirt. Keep your shoulders and knees covered.
You can take photos mostly on the ground but no photography inside allowed the Silver Pagoda.
Keep your voice down, no screaming or etc.
And also, beware of scammer that lingers near the palace. They often would say, the palace is closed for some reasons so that they can offer to bring you to other places. Don't fall for the trap, if you did, you are doomed.
2. Wat Phnom Hill
Next if you keen to walk and willing to get a free tan, you can go to visit Wat Phnom, a historical hilltop temple located in the middle of the city. It's just 24 minutes or a 1.9 km walk from the Royal Palace. Last time, I walk, save some money and you got to enjoy the city. The site was erected in 1372 to house statues of Buddha. Along the entrance, there is a big staircase guarded by lions & snake statues.
Fees: It is free to visit.
Operation Times :7am-6pm
3. National Museum of Cambodia
Your trip to Phnom Penh will be not complete if you not visiting the National Museum of Cambodia. It is not far from the Royal Palace, just 5 minutes walk. The National Museum of Cambodia displays pottery, artefacts, bronzes from the pre-Angkor periods, and an impressive collection of Khmer sculpture.
Opening hours: 8.00 am until 5.00 pm daily. Last admission tickets are sold at 4.30 pm.
Admission costs: US$5 for foreigner ages 10 to 17 years old,
US$10 foreigner ages from 18 years old up
Photography is not allowed inside the museum galleries, but you can take photos aroudn the museum exterior and courtyard.
4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
I believe the highlight of the Phnom Penh visit would be the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The site is a former secondary school used by Khmer Regime for prison. Now it's a become memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention centre of the Khmer Rouge regime according to the website & brochure.
Although at first, it seems like a normal exhibition, however when you step into the site, you will felt you are part of the history. I would suggest you pay for an audio tour and it worth it. It will guide you from site to site and every site have a different story and what interesting the site still maintains a possible location, scenes of the people that torture to death, and even have pictures of the event.
Open Every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Admission Fees: USD 5
Audio Guide: USD 3
5. Cheung Ek Killing Field
After visit Tuol Seng, let continue the journey to another historical site that rich in history and lesson for humankind, the Cheung Ek Killing Field. According to the brochures, around year of 1975 to 1978, many men, women, children and infants that was detained and tortured at Tuol Sleng Museum were transported here to be executed. The massive grave that contains human skulls probably around 8000 were exhumed in 1980.
This site is bit far from Phnom Penh city center. It situated 15 kilometers south-west of Phnom Penh so you have take Tuk Tuk or taxi to get here. That probably would cost around USD10-15 to take you there.
Time :7:30am–5:30pm
Admission Fees : $6 USD
Museum Fees ; $8 USD.
6. Phnom Penh Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
Phnom Penh Central Market, also known as Phsar Thmey is one of the Phnom Penh major landmarks. The market selling almost everything from garments to spices. Experience bustling crowd and test your lgaining sklsi. The market is huge divided into 4 wings.
Location: Street 130, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Open: Daily from 7am to 6pm
There are plenty of places to visit at Phnom Penh but these are bucket list. Make sure you check the website to ensure you get latest updates on operation times.
