Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s bustling and engaging capital city. Down its busy streets, travelers can see all kinds of structures and attractions, from towering skyscrapers, vibrant homes, sacred temples, and holy pagodas. Anyone can see its French influence from its colonial times as well as its colorful market culture. For a list of cool Phnom Penh tourist attractions, check out this list below.
Situated right beside the National Museum of Cambodia, the Royal Palace is a beautiful complex of residences and buildings in traditional Cambodian style and architecture. It also serves as the residence of Cambodia’s royal family, hence its namesake. Visitors would need to be tickets at the entrance for a small and affordable fee. Beautiful Buddhist temples are found in this attraction as well.
Located in the heart of Phnom Penh is Wat Phnom, the center of the city and a stunning Buddhist temple. This popular tourist attraction is the tallest religious building in Phnom Penh, standing 27 meters above ground, up on a hill. Apart from the temple, visitors can also roam the surrounding park, filled with trees and greenery. This historical site is an absolute must-see in Phnom Penh!
Central Market is a place where locals and tourists alike can shop for clothes, souvenirs, street food, and plenty more thanks to its variety of stalls and goods. This bright yellow domed building may look quite different amid its neighboring structures, but that’s because it’s Phnom Penh’s Art Deco landmark designed by Jean Desbois and constructed by Louis Chauchon. The market’s dome is the center of four arms, providing the long hallways of the market filled with stalls.
Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, internationally known as the Silver Pagoda, is found on the Royal Palace’s south side. This stunning feat of architecture, characterized by its bright roofs and silver floor tiles, is home to a number of national treasures that visitors can behold, like gold and jeweled Buddha statues. The most popular is a small emerald Buddha among others. Visiting the place is one of the many things to do in Phnom Penh.
Something else to see and learn about in Cambodia is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The museum’s name translates to “The Hill of Poisonous Trees,” and if you visit this place, you can educate yourself on the Cambodian genocide and the events that had happened in its history. The location itself was a former school, which was then used as a prison in the 1970s. If you’re into history and are keen on learning further about the significant events in Cambodia, this is a good attraction to explore.
The National Museum of Cambodia is found right beside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. It is the largest museum in Cambodia and is the best place for tourists to learn about the country’s heritage, history, and more. Be welcomed by its imposing but beautiful architecture and feel free to roam around the museum and behold fascinating archeological finds, art pieces, sculptures, and more. The museum is known for its large collection of Khmer art as well.
Located on the site of a former orchard, the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center is a mass grave dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, a violent regime that took the lives of many Cambodians during the ‘70s. Visitors can pay their respects and behold the massive monument erected in honor of those who passed. They can also tour the location to learn more about the events of this cruel genocide and be educated through an audio guide.
This brilliant tower called the Independence Monument is one of the most important structures in Cambodia. Found in the capital of Phnom Penh, this brick-colored monument symbolizes Cambodia’s independence from France in the 1950s. The tower lights up in the evening, so that would be a good time for tourists to drop by and take photos at. There are also parks surrounding the area for a quiet jogging session and a nice view of the monument.
Russian Market is among the most renowned markets in Phnom Penh. It is called so because it was mostly Russians who shopped in this area back in the 1980s. Now, it is home to a variety of products and a haven for shopping. Tourists and visitors can buy street food, clothes, souvenirs, religious items, and more! You can also try your luck and bargain for the best prices at this diverse market.
Also close to the Royal Palace is the Wat Ounalom Monastery, the most prominent wat in Phnom Penh and a feat of Cambodian Buddhism. It has a total of 44 structures found in the complex and features brilliant Cambodian architecture. This peaceful monastery is located beside the river and is best visited during the twilight hours, when you can capture its solemn beauty when the sun is beginning to set.
The capital city of Cambodia is filled with a number of beautiful monuments, temples, pagodas, and markets. These diverse attractions show off how colorful the city is, also including the historic Russian Market and Royal Palace.
Peak season is from November to February. It is less busy from March to May, and the rest of the year brings rainy weather. Some popular events and festivals include Khmer New Year, which happens in April, and Bon Om Touk’s water festival in November, which involves boat racing.
The top areas for tourists to stay in Phnom Penh would be Sangkat Tonle Basak and Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang Ti Muoy. Sangkat Tonle Basak is a high-end and modern area known for its nightlife establishments, global shopping mall, and upscale establishments and hotels. Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang Ti Muoy, on the other hand, has markets best for souvenir shopping and is also centrally located, as it is close to Wat Langka and the Independence Monument.