7 places you must visit

Welcome to Phnom Penh!

Phnom Penh is not big but if you don't know where to visit, you may not truely know about this than 5-century-year-old city. It's an old city but unfortunately most of the construction began in the 20th century, so you will not see many old buildings. 

So what makes Phnom Penh so special? We recommend you 7 places to visit

The video below highlights most visited places in the city and the life of local people. 

1. Wat Phnom - the Birth of Phnom Penh

Statute of Daun Penh

Wat Phnom is a man-made hill built in 1373 and served for buddhism. It is the tallest religious building in the city. It's the place that gave birth to the Capital City of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. It is believed that a lady of village called Daun Penh found accidentally four bronze statutes of buddha in a tree floating along the Tonle Sap river, a few kilometers from the hill. She then called for all the villagers to construct a hill and a temple to house the four statutes for serving religious purposes. The name of "Phnom Penh" is followed after the name of the lady "Penh".

Wat Phnom was reconstructed again in 1926 with some new designs and buildings. You can find many paintings and sculptures telling stories of the Buddha and Ramayana, a very famous tale in Cambodia. Wat Phnom is also a park for local people for relaxing and is used for major celebrations such as counting down and dancing during the new year.

2. The Independence Monument

Beautiful, Unique and Meaningful. Built in 1958 by a famous Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann, the independence monument represents the end of the 90-year colony of the France over Cambodia. Each year on November 9, Cambodia celebrates the independence day at this monument. A ceremonial flame is lit by the King or his representative on the interior pedestal with a praise from monks.


Don't forget to count the statute of snakes on the monument roof. Believe me or not, there are 90 snakes in total representing 90 years under the French colony. Some say there are 100, so let's see which is correct :)

3. The Royal Palace

A combination of Hindu and Buddhism with designs back to the 12th century. It's probably 30 minutes on foot from the independent monument. Residence to the Royal family, the complex also serves religious purposes. The construction began in the 1860s.

There are many temples within the complex serving different purposes in the Royal Palace. Probably the most famous temple is Silver Pagoda that is used to serve buddhist ceremonies and the floor is made solely from silver. Another temple that caught my attention is a European-style establishment that was shipped from Egypt to Cambodia as a gift from the French Napoleon. In addition, in each temple, there are sculptures, statutes, paintings and other fine arts, some of them are made from gold, silver, gems with Cambodian greatest designs.

Remember to dress appropriately or you will not be allowed to enter the complex. Do not wear flip flops, shorts, short skirts or anything that reveals a lot of body parts.

4. Central Market

Central Market from above 

Approximately 30 minutes walk from the Royal Palace, the Central Market is the first colonial style concrete market built in 1937. It opens from 7am and 5pm and it is a must-visit place for tourists, especially those who like shopping local products. The market sells everything from food, daily utilities to clothes and souvenirs. It's the oldest market in the city that remains until today. The Central Market is known as "Phsar Thmey" in Cambodian.

5. Russian Market

Russian Market or Toul Tompoung Market is another famous market for tourists, around 25 minutes on Tuk-Tuk or Motor-Taxi. It offers a variety of local-made souvenirs such as silk clothes, scarves, handicrafts, sculptures, paintings, silver and gold jewels etc. The price is very reasonable. Just get a big baggage and do your shopping.

6. Boat Riding

Want a day or night boat trip??? You'll have to spend a whole day for a day boat trip at the River Side (see River Side below) along the Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace to the Mekong River and  enjoy your shopping on a small island of local products. Lunch will be provided on the boat.

Day Boat Trip

Night boat trip? Well, that's for a nice dinner trip. Enjoy the fresh air and the night view along the River Side while having your dinner on a boat. What else is better than this?

Dinner Boat Trip

7. River Side

What about some beer or a glass of cocktail in front of a river? Nice ha? Well, probably the River Side is the best place. It is located in front of the Royal Palace and it's the most attractive and the crowded place for both tourists and local people. There are many restaurants along the river side and at the same time you can enjoy the view of road traffic and many local activities such as aerobic, people playing football, and people sightseeing the park along the river. The River Side is the best place in the late afternoons. 

Prepare a big bag for shopping, get a pair of comfortable trainers, take a map and just GO!!! Oh don't forget your camera. After a long day of visiting, take some drinks and enjoy the sunset view at the River Side. What else? OH a wonderful boat dinner trip along the river. Perfect!!!


Welcome to Phnom Penh and Enjoy your visit :D