Phnom Penh is a city in Cambodia that was once the country’s capital. It has a population of about 1,6 million people and the metropolitan area is home to more than three million. Phnom Penh currently serves as the nation’s economic center and its most populous city. Phnom Penh has many beautiful landmarks including some of the most famous in Southeast Asia. If you’re lucky enough to visit, don’t miss these 10 places in Phnom Penh!
Phnom Penh is a diverse and charming city with so much to offer. The cityscape is a mix of old and new, with ancient temples nestled between modern skyscrapers. One can visit the Royal Palace, which is a prime example of Khmer architecture. As this is a city that is rich in culture, it’s no wonder that there are countless museums here as well. However, for those interested in more outdoorsy pursuits, Phnom Penh has plenty of opportunities for trekking and caving as well. In this guide you will find ten of the most important attractions in Phnom Penh. It’s time to pack your bags!
1. The Royal Palace
Many people who visit Cambodia want to see the royal palace in the capital, Phnom Penh. The structure is easy to find; it is across the street from the Royal Palace Hotel, next to the Independence Monument. It was built in 1866 by King Norodom I so he could watch over his people while giving instructions for security measures.
The Royal Palace in Cambodia is a place many travelers wish to visit while visiting this country. A visit to the Royal Palace is an excellent way to see the history of the country.
2. The Silver Pagoda
The Grand Silver Pagoda is the center of the Buddhist religion in Cambodia. Built between 1882 and 1892 to house the Emerald Buddha, this pagoda was severely damaged during the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors can see striking images of both wars on its walls. The pagoda now operates as a museum to teach visitors about Buddhist culture, though it also hosts ceremonies for important Buddhist holidays.
3. National Museum of Cambodia
Cambodia is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia. It has a rich culture and a spectacular landscape, but it is still recovering from the devastating war after the French left in 1954, and the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975-1979. The National Museum of Cambodia tells this history through exhibits that explain the ancient history, non-equipped to handle this history, but it also seeks to foster understanding and promote peace.
4. Wat Phnom
There are many reasons to visit Wat Phnom in Phnom Penh. Firstly, there’s the history of the pagoda and how it came to be built. And secondly, there’s the beautiful scenery around it. Whether you want to wander through the gardens or just admire the view from afar, there’s something for everyone at this spiritual site.
5. Independence Monument
Cambodia is a country with a rich and dark history. For the past four decades, it has been recovering from what many people believe to be one of the most horrific genocides of all time. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control and began to systematically execute and starve its people. It wasn’t until 1979 that Vietnamese troops toppled the regime, and Cambodia began its slow process towards democracy and stability. A human-rights campaigner in Phnom Penh, One says the Khmer Rouge regime was so brutal and extreme that many people have never forgiven it. “It was like a nightmare – people were scared, so scared that they were tortured and killed.
6. Wat Ounalom
Wat Ounalom is a Buddhist temple complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At the heart of the temple are several structures made of metal and gold that can be seen from miles away. Wat Ounalom was created by King Sihanouk in the 1960s, to serve as a resting place for himself and his family after death. His son, Norodom Sihamoni, now resides there after being crowned king in 1993. As a result of the policies of the communist Khmer Rouge, the temple was again destroyed and the site was used as a quarry. Beginning in September 1975, the Khmer Rouge began a systematic dismantling of Angkor, which continued until 1979.
7. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, was the former high school that became one of the largest centers for arrests and torture during the Khmer Rouge regime. It holds the distinction of being the only site in Cambodia to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due purely to its horrific history. The museum is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and opened its doors to visitors on March 20th, 2003. Visitors can learn about the Khmer Rouge’s (the elected government in Cambodia from 1975-79) reign of terror, the brutality of the regime, and the plight of those who opposed it. Admission is $3.
8. Central Market
The Phnom Penh Central Market is an open-air market showcasing goods from all over Cambodia. You can find produce, clothes, souvenirs and household goods at this market. If you have a love for food, explore the food stalls where you can get a taste of the region’s cuisine. The market is a great place to explore and get a taste of Cambodian culture.
9. Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)
The Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is popular with tourists and locals alike. It offers shoppers everything from clothes to food to tuk tuk rides. It is nestled between the Russian Cultural Center and the Royal Residence, sharing a common walled courtyard. The market is extremely popular, especially for its street food, and most of the stalls stay open until midnight. It is the most popular venue in Phnom Penh to buy souvenirs.
10. Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Choeung Ek is a memorial site that commemorates some of the many crimes committed under Pol Pot’s regime. It was mostly known as “Killing Fields” to the people who witnessed their loved ones taken away and killed. This place is generally an eerie reminder of what life was like during Pol Pot’s rule.
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