Phnom Penh is the capital and most populated city of Cambodia and I have seen that as it was already around 10PM and there were still lots of people in the streets. I was suppose to skip this place as there are just few things to see but good thing I didn't as i have learned a lot about the country, it's culture and people.
How to get here:
I got here from Ho Chi Minh via Mekong Express, here's detailed post including border crossing: click here. There are also flights coming to and from Phnom Penh International Airport.
Hired a tuktuk for a whole day tour for $20. Its the best way to get around the city.
Sisowath Quay
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center
The Khmer people have been through hell during the Khmer rouge regime. This place is a chilling reminder of the nearly 25% of Cambodians who were killed during that time. It was Pol Pot's reign from 1975-1979 with the vision of an entirely self-sufficient agrarian society having a country of land laborers and clearing the county of all professionals and intellectuals.
A place of incredible tragedy converted into a visitor's centre where dark stories are retold. I walked though the grounds while listening to an audio guide and I felt a heavy weight of sadness while walking and passing by those bone fragments and victims clothing.
Entrance Fee: $3
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
A former school which was turned into a prison during Khmer Rouge rule. Can you imagine thousands of people were tortured and killed after being accused of treason here?
Entrance Fee: $6
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Independence Monument
Independence monument commemorates the end of French Colonial Rule in Cambodia.
Royal Palace
One stunning architectural masterpiece consist of two main areas, the Royal Palace Compound and the Silver Pagoda.
Certain sections of the royal Palace are closed to the public since the Royal Family resides here.
Silver Pagoda
Silver Pagoda shelters priceless cultural heritage. Locally, it is called Wat Preah Keo Morokot, which means temple of the Emerald Buddha in Khmer.
Entrance Fee: 40,000 KHR ($10)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
National Museum
National Museum contains artifacts from the peak of the Khmer Empire and the remnants of the great past of the country. I honestly did not go enter inside the museum as windows are wide open and you can see some parts of it from the outside but of course if you want a closer look, you may go to the ticketing office to buy tickets so you can come in.
Entrance Fee: 40,000 KHR ($10) with Audio Guide, ($5) Without Audio Guide
Entrance Fee: $1
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Central Market
Central Market has a central dome with four linear structures protruding which form narrow corridors for vendors to sell their goods. This is were you can buy almost anything ,from souvenir T-shirts, keychains to jewellery and electronics.
