Phnom Penh
is the capital and largest city of
, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers. Motorbikes pass through laneways without a thought for pedestrians; markets exude pungent scents, and all the while the sounds of life reverberate through the streets.
Places To Stay In Phnom Penh:
19 Happy House Backpacker
:
Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, 19 happy house is close the nightlife yet far enough that you can get some shut eye.
The Happy House Zone
:
The Happy House Zone has sky bar and restaurant, pretty comfortable and cheap rooms. Located a few minutes from the riverside.
Things to See & Do in Phnom Penh:
Visit The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek:
In an attempt to understand the Cambodia of today, every visitor should be aware of the recent history and the terrifying, four-year reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, in which one-third of Cambodia’s population were senselessly murdered. This is where the Khmer Rouge killed many thousands of their victims, today the site is marked by a Buddhist stupa packed full with over 8,000 human skulls – the sides are made of glass so the visitors can see them up close. There are also pits in the area where mass graves were unearthed, with ominous scraps of clothing still to be found here and there.
The Royal Palace:
Built in 1886, the Royal Palace and encompassing Silver Pagoda and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are among the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing. It’s an impressive example of Khmer design architecture by French technology. The location of royal palace was used by the Khmer Royalty as early as the fifteenth century and is now the current residence of King Sihamoni.
The National Museum Of Cambodia:
Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure, with an inviting courtyard garden. The museum contains an excellent collection of art from Cambodia’s golden age of Angkor.
Getting there
From Vietnam:
Bus:
Cambodia’s capital is just a 6-hour bus ride away from
Ho Chi Minh City
. This will set you back around $11.
From Siem Reap:
Bus:
Most travellers arrive in Phnom Penh from Siem Reap by bus which is a 6-hour journey. Buses can be booked at any travel agent in Siem Reap and the main bus company is called the Mekong Express. $9
Speed boat:
A 6-hour speedboat journey down the Tonle Sap River from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Many, but not all, of these ferries offer the option of sitting on the roof, which makes for a much more scenic, albeit less comfortable ride than the bus. You’ll blast over the massive expanse of water glimpsing floating villages. $25
From Thailand
:
Bus:
It is possible to go direct to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, taking around 15 hours to get there. You will have to swap buses at the border. Travel Agents in Bangkok can arrange this.
Where to go next?
Siem Reap:
The largest religious building in the world, you probably have heard of the Angkor Wat? This buzzeling city is a 6 hour bus away. $12
Sihanoukville
:
The main backpacker magnet of Cambodia. Cheap accommodation and a lively party vibes just a 5 hour bus away. $7
Kampot:
Explore quaint fishing villages or just laze on deserted beaches. You can take a cheap boat ride to any one of the tropical islands sprinkled in the surrounding seas. $7
Battambang:
Beautiful colonial French architecture and a relaxing escape from the touristy towns like Siem Reap. Nearby attractions include Khmer ruins of Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan. $7
To Vietnam:
HCMC:
The pulsating city of Ho Chi Minh City is just a 6 hour bus ride away! $12
