Tourism of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital town of Cambodia. This glimmering town contains in everything at once- the historic Khmer glory, the unfortunate recent times, and a progressive upcoming. Sitting down at the junction of Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh inherits a phenomenal mixture of Khmer and French architectural artistry. The city could be quickly picturized with lively marketplaces, royal structures, thriving pubs, and sensuous local meals scenes.
Whenever Phnom Penh is discussed, the saddening images of its recent times have a stroll through the eyes. Nevertheless, the people surviving in the town appear to be motivated enough to endure this discomfort and proceed towards a constructive upcoming. The town of Phnom Penh provides its beauty criteria. Busy narrow roads, struggling noises of lifestyle, tinges of a vintage French colony, riverside romance and a hippie projection- this is one way you begin defining the essence of the town when you arrive here. The very best encounters in Phnom Penh consist of appointments to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Eliminating Fields, sight-viewing in Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, shopping-spree in marketplaces like Psar Thmei and Russian Market, plus some tranquil period on the riverside.
Background of Phnom Penh
If legends should be believed, the credit for the founding of Phnom Penh would go to an old woman Daun Penh. It is stated that while collecting firewood 1 day along the riverside, she spotted a koki tree floating in the river. When she fetched it from the drinking water, she discovered a couple of statues of Lord Buddha and Vishnu in it. People had taken this as an indicator of God to change the administrative centre from Angkor to this place. She got a temple made on the hill (Wat Phnom), and this offered the name ‘Phnom Penh’ to the area. Phnom Pehn offers witnessed a lot of ups and downs. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’, the city lost its elegance due to the unfortunate Khmer Rouge control, from which the residents seem to possess finally coped up.
Nightlife in Phnom Penh
Nightlife in Phnom Penh is inexpensive and full of life. Most of the pubs and bars are scattered around the riverfront area and Street 51. Plenty of clubs, beer bars, and hostess bars can be spotted around the city.
Buying Things in Phnom Penh
Buying in Phnom Penh is definitely a diverse experience- you’d find a number of local markets, shopping malls, and also boutique shops and art galleries throughout the city. If you’re a buying freak, don’t forget to visit the Russian Market, Central Market, Street 240, Aeon Shopping Mall, and the Night Market.
Currency in Phnom Penh
Riel is the local currency in Cambodia. However major shops and hotels accept and quotation prices in US Dollars, so you can bring some Dollars along with you. Keep some local currency with you though, for all small shops and suggestions.
Exchanging Money in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has sufficient ATMs, banks, and currency exchange offices for changing your money into local currency. Ensure that your bills are in good condition to get exchanged.
Daily Budget for Phnom Penh
For a traveler on a budget, it’s easy to manage the expenses at about KHR 45,000 (approx. USD 11). Mid-ranged visitors can get the expenditure around KHR 110,000 (approx. USD 26). If you are on a high-end holiday you’d need an estimate of KHR 246,000 (approx. USD 60) every day.
Religious beliefs of Phnom Penh
The majority of the people in Phnom Penh follow Theravada Buddhism. Other religions accompanied by minority people are Christianity, Islam, and Animism.
Phnom Penh Customs
Cambodians greet by signing up for their hands in their upper body level with a bow. Dress conservatively, particularly when going to a spiritual place. Tipping isn’t customary right here, but people do not get satisfactory salaries which means you must consider having to pay at least 5 to 10% suggestion as a sort gesture.
Language of Phnom Penh
Khmer may be the official vocabulary in Phnom Penh. Although English and French are also utilized by some individuals, specifically in tourist areas.
Restaurants and Local Meals in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a superb city to flavor traditional Khmer cuisine. The most famous dishes include Seafood Amok (seafood mousse with coconut curry), Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), grilled pork, Lok lak (beef topped with salad), Balut (prepared duck egg), Steam pork bun (hard-boiled bun filled with pork and egg), and pickled fruits. Some very nice places to look at are Khema, Rustic restaurant, Mok Mony, Friends the restaurant, Sesame noodle bar, and Lucky Pho.
What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
Dry time of year (Oct. to May) makes for the best time to fly down to Phnom Penh. You would find better road conditions, ample amount of sunshine and a large number of fellow tourists. You can also opt for a trip during the wet season (May to Oct.) to dodge the crowds, and enjoy majestic greenery and spectacular waterfalls. Note: Avoid visiting Phnom Penh around August and September as it rains heavily during this time of the year.
How to Reach Phnom Penh
You can make your way to Phnom Penh by landing on the Phnom Penh International Airport which is located 7 km west of the city. Various Asian airlines fly to and from the city.
How to reach Phnom Penh by flight
The best way to reach Phnom Penh is by air. The airport in the city enables you to land directly on the outskirts of the city, from where you can take a bus or taxi to get in. You can also take flights from some prominent cities in Cambodia to save your time while taking trips to multiple cities in the country.
Local transport in Phnom Penh
The most popular way to get around the city is by hiring a tuk-tuk or remork-moto. The other local transport options include pedicab (cyclo) and moto. If you’re willing to explore the city streets on your own, you can hire a bicycle, motorbike or even a car- there are several places where you can get a vehicle on rent for varying charges. But before making your mind for this, ask yourself if you’d be able to cope up with the chaotic traffic in the city.
Food of Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a great city to flavor traditional Khmer cuisine. The most famous dishes include Seafood Amok (seafood mousse with coconut curry), Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), grilled pork, Lok Lak (beef topped with salad), Balut (prepared duck egg), Steam pork bun (hard-boiled bun filled with pork and egg), and pickled fruits. Some very nice places to look at are Khema, Rustic cafe, Mok Mony, Close friends the cafe, Sesame noodle bar, and Lucky Pho.
Meals for Indians in Phnom Penh
There are many Indian restaurants in the town, such as for example Flavors of India, Besto restaurant and bar, Sher-e-Punjab, Dosa Corner, TASTEBUDS, Dakshinês, and Curry Walla. Many of these are vegetarian-friendly. There are also some very nice vegetarian and veg.-friendly restaurants in the town. The vegetarian cafe, Surn Yi Mei Shi Guan vegetarian cafe, Cafe Soleil, Kênyay at Terrace on 95, Sugars and Spice, and ARTillery are a number of the top-ranked vegetarian-friendly places in Phnom Penh.