Top Things to Do in Phnom Penh" Stunning Wat Architecture Coexists with Significant Historical Sites in This Capital of Cambodia

"Top Things To Do in Phnom Penh" Stunning wat architecture coexists with significant historical sites in this capital of Cambodia. Located in the spot where two mighty rivers, the

Mekong and Tonle Sap meet, this city is also home to numerous tea rooms, busy markets, and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Created by: Cityseeker

10 Locations Bookmarked

Choeung Ek "Peace Stupa"

A lonely Buddhist stupa, topped with an ornate spire stands stoically in the small village of Choeung Ek, at the fringes of Cambodia's capital. Now a monument symbolizing peace, the stupa sums up the scars of Cambodia's past, one that witnessed the annihilation of a little less than a quarter of the country's population at the time. The monument is simply by Timgray200 one of the many killing fields left in the wake of Khmer Rouge's regime, helmed by Communist leader Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979. When the Documentation Centre of Cambodia carried out an extensive analysis of the aftermath, it was revealed that the fields, scattered over various regions in Cambodia consist of several interments carried out by the Khmer Regime after the genocide, amounting to as many as 20,000 burial sites. Some shallow graves also unearthed some of the victims' belongings and remains at a few sites. Today, the stupa serves as a solemn reminder of this dark time in the nation's history.

Choeung Ek Road, Choeung Ek

Wat Phnom "Temple on the Hill"

With Phnom meaning 'hill' in Khmer, legend has it that Phnom Penh was named after this small hill. Rising well above its surrounding plains, this Buddhist Wat is strategically situated in the heart of the city. Enshrouded in inimitable layers of legend and lore, Wat Phnom is touted to be one of the highest points in the city. Though the wat is certainly not the biggest by Marcin Konsek in Phnom Penh, it is an incandescent focus of the city, particularly during Khmer New Year when crowds gather to celebrate the auspicious day with full vigor. Having received many a facelift over the years, this temple shelters a sanctum sanctorum where a magnificent, bronze-built statue of Buddha presides over several smaller statues. Complete with a tapestry of shrines, vibrant murals and paintings depicting the spiritual journey of Buddha, Wat Phnom also harbors the remains of King Ponhea Yat.

+855 23 21 6666 Off Daun Penh Avenue (92), Phnom Penh

Wat Preah Keo Morakot "Grand Wat at the Royal Palace"

Located on the grounds of the Royal Palace, this is one of the most famed pagodas in Phnom Penh. Dating back to the 19th century, this pagoda is monikered aptly, with its silver-laden flooring lending it an increasingly incandescent sheen. The altar houses a gargantuan canopy of the Maitreya Buddha, made of 90 kilograms of pure gold and covered with by Dudva diamonds, the largest being 25 karats. Also in the heart of the pagoda is the glorious 'Emerald Buddha', a dazzling statue made of authentic Baccarat crystal. Housing a treasury of gilded and bejeweled pillars and figurines, the pagoda has found a distinctive way to tell the story of Buddha, one which exudes unbridled opulence and magnificence. Its grounds playing host to a range of royal ceremonies, the pagoda also shelters an array of murals that have been tastefully designed by traditional Cambodian artists. A due representation of Cambodia's cultural and religious extravaganza, the Silver Pagoda is the crowning glory of the country.

Boulevard Samdach Sothearos, Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Royal Palace "Pagodas by the River"

Cradled in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace commands an exceptional location overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Though most of the buildings of the palace complex are, in fact, twentieth-century constructions, the designs are inspired by the traditional Khmer religious architecture and the majestic roofs and gilded by Arnaud-Victor Monteux ornamentations throughout only go on to validate the fact. Serving as the official abode of King Sihamoni, this regal, riverfront ensemble is shrouded in layers of long-standing history. Having been the locus of the Khmer and Cambodian monarchy for over decades, this palatial collective is, indeed, a canvas sheathed in a melange of architectural styles, including European, Khmer, traditional Cambodian as well as Angkorian. Perhaps the centerpiece of the compound is the majestic Throne Hall, complete with gleaming, gilded roofs and spires and which plays host to many a royal ceremony. Another one of the few visit-able buildings on the complex is the dreamy Silver Pagoda, the gilded and jeweled menagerie of Buddha figurines, which bedazzles visitors to no extent. However, it is the courtly Napoleon III Pavilion which sits in startling contrast against the traditional Cambodian edifices surrounding it. Its fabric bearing authentic European architecture, the pavilion was a special gift bestowed upon a Cambodian monarch by Napoleon III of France.

Boulevard Samdach Sothearos, Phnom Penh

Sisowath Quay "Riverfront Promenade"

The evening stroll along the Tonle Sap riverfront is an institution among Phnom Penhois, particularly after the sun leaves its scorching vigor, giving way to balmy evening breeze which blows in over the water from the east. Swathed in pristine green lawns that run along the river, the Riverfront is dotted with entertainment and dining destinations, including pubs, by kenner116 restaurants, and bars. This esplanade is where a nighttime revelry unfolds with full splendor. The Sisowath Quay, which was 'beautified' in 1997 with funds from the Asian Development Bank, is a bustling promenade and home to many international style bars and restaurants, many of them set in restored colonial villas dating back to the 19th century. A scintillating segment of the city, the promenade affords breathtaking views across the confluence of Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and also, parts of the magnificent Royal Palace. A unique center point of the city's culture and commerce, the Riverfront is the ground for some of the city's major festivals such as the Khmer New Year in April, and the Water Festival in November.

+855 23 21 6666 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

"Museum of Khmer Rouge Prison"

When Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975, this erstwhile high school was converted into the detention and interrogation center known as S-21. Around 17,000 people were imprisoned here during the time period of four years. Very few detainees survived S-21, but the history of Toul Sleng was documented by the Khmer Rouge themselves in the by Michael Gruijters at Dutch postmortem photos and records of many of the prisoners. Today, the Wikipedia prison has been turned into a museum which exhibits different aspects of this tragic period of time, including photographs and records of prisoners and weapons of torture. It provides a unique insight into the history of the people.

tuolsleng.gov.kh/ Road 113, Chamkarmorn, Beoung Keng Kang III, Phnom Penh

National Museum of Cambodia "Ancient Statues and Artifacts"

Housed in an airy, traditional style building finished in 1920, is the archaeological collection of the National Museum. The collection features Khmer artifacts including large statues of deities, pre-Angkorian pottery and much more. The museum's exhibits are fairly incomprehensible to those not versed in the subtleties of Cambodian culture so it is worth by AKS.9955 taking advantage of the guided tours offered in French or English. The museum is also worth a visit for its architecture, which features high ceilings, windows and a serene inner courtyard.

+855 23 21 1753 www.cambodiamuseum.in [email protected] Preah Ang Street (13), Preah fo/ m.kh Ang Eng, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Phnom Penh

Independence Monument "Symbol of Independence"

This 20-meter (65 feet) tall red-stone monument was erected by King Sihanouk's father, King Norodom Suramarit, who reigned as King from 1955 until his death in 1960. The monument was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from France (earning the name Independence Monument), which was granted in 1953 following by Marcin Konsek Sihanouk's declaration of a "royal crusade for independence." Today the monument serves as a memorial to Cambodia's martyrs. It also serves as a place for locals to hang out and catch the cool evening breeze which blows off the Tonle Sap River in the summer season.

+855 23 21 6666 Corner of Sihanouk and Norodom boulevards, Phnom Penh

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre "Open Plan Zoo"

Cambodia's leading Zoo is surprisingly well stocked and maintained by regional standards. The Sun Bear exhibit, which displays the rare species in a natural hillside setting, is maintained with support from a grant from Australia. Meanwhile, other enclosures that house monkeys, tigers, by Phalinn+Ooi crocodiles and the like look somewhat more cramped as the animals peer bleakly out from behind bars. The grounds of the zoo are large and patrons have the option of walking or driving through the area. Some of the endangered wildlife here include Asian elephants, Siamese crocodiles, Mayan sun bears, tigers and many more.

+855 23 21 6666 Off Highway 2, Tro Pang Sap commune, Ba Ti District, Takeo Province, Tro Pang Sap

Central Market "Functioning since 1937"

This grand but neglected bazaar was built in 1937 and is known to tourists as the Central Market. Its 30 meters (98 feet) high vaulted ceilings make it a more comfortable place to browse than many of the city's more cluttered markets. There is an amazing range of merchandise available, from souvenirs to clothing, shoes, street food and fresh produce. by Jakub Hałun Bargaining is expected and you can expect prices to fall significantly with some good-humored haggling. Prey Nokor Street (126), Phnom Penh

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