Far from the sparkling skyscrapers of modern capital cities in Southeast Asia such as Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, Phnom Penh – the capital city of Cambodia is an edgy and dusty yet somewhat enchanting city of chaotic markets, destroyed colonial architecture and wide boulevards. If you interest please follow Tours Indochina Cambodia
Sisowath Quay-source: Internet
With the stunning riverside promenade (Sisowath Quay) now lined with lively cafés, hotels, hostels, restaurants and juice bars – many of which are filled with backpackers as well as other travelers and a few contemporary skyscrapers appearing on the skyline, this city is gradually modernizing. However, in spite of that, Phnom Penh still has an atmosphere and edge you can find in few other Southeast Asian capitals. The historic temples and ramshackle market stalls are some quite charming elements of the city, while others seem to be entirely opposite: amputee beggars vying for tourists’ pockets and tiny yet lovely children gathering recycling from rubbish bins to make a few Riel for their family. Cambodia travel tours
Silver Pagoda-source: Internet
Since there is a great deal of poverty in Phnom Penh that gives rise to opportunist theft, always watch your bags and pockets while most visits to the city are trouble-free. At the same time, following the usual travel health tips including: always using a good mosquito repellent, particularly from dusk onwards to protect yourself against dengue fever and malaria and avoiding ice in drinks unless it is from a trusted source to look after your health.
The main tourist sights of Phnom Penh
Royal Palace-source: Internet
The 19th century Royal Palace, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Silver Pagoda and the fabulous Palace Grounds, dominate the sightseeing attractions of the city center. To avoid the heat, the best time to visit them if from 8.a.m – the opening hour of these places. You can hire a large T-shirt and a sarong for a small fee at the entrance or wear something decent to cover your shoulders and legs.
Featuring an amazing collection of art from the Golden Age of Angkor of Cambodia, alongside prehistoric burial artifacts, ancient inscribed tablets and statues of Hindu Gods, the National Museum of Cambodia is another central sight. You can see a grand statue of Yama, the Leper King or the Hindu god of death taken from the Terrace of the Leper King in Angkor Archaeological Park at a lovely courtyard at its center.
National Museum of Cambodia-source: Internet
The Thunder Ranch Shooting Range, which perhaps is one of the most bizarre attractions of the city, is what any commission-earning tuk-tuk drivers will be immediate to tell you about and highly recommend you to pay a visit to. Located not far from the Killing Fields, this shooting field, which is thought to be run by a unit of the Royal Army of Cambodia, is a place where you can try machine guns or shooting pistols at paper targets at a relatively high fee. It is popular that almost tuk-tuk drivers will try to have it included in a ‘package’ with your trip to the Killing Fields, so remember to make it clear that you are not interested if you do not want to get this experience.
You can see:
- Early morning in Siem Reap
- Things to do in Siem Reap
- Convenient traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
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