Although it is a busy, bustling city Phnom Penh has a unique charm that is rooted in a challenging history. The city has an understated lucidity found in its people and traditions which is unpretentious yet fascinatingly beautiful. Although the streets are dusty and sometimes narrow it is flat which makes it easy to get from destination to destination. Once you get out of the main city, though, the roads can be bumpy and craggy making a return to the city after an excursion, mind the traffic, a comfort. Although the city isn’t full of flamboyant monuments or decorative buildings there is still much to see and be awed by. The people and the food, though is what makes this city a unique place to visit making it hard not to be captured by its charisma.  

THINGS TO DO

The Markets 

You can’t go to Phnom Penh without visiting and getting lost in a market. After traveling the world and visiting many the markets in foreign cities the markets in Cambodia have to be some of my favorite. This is much to do with the people. Quite often you find pushy, outspoken sellers in markets around the world who spot foreigners from a mile away. Although you still have to barter and you find the occasional seller who tries very hard to get your attention it is done with much more grace and respect than I have found in other countries. This makes shopping quite pleasant rather than leaving you feeling like you were thrown into a boxing ring. The most famous markets are the Central Market, the Russian Market and Phsar Reatrey (the night markets). You will find everything you can imagine within the one market. From clothing, handmade jewelry, crafts, household items, and food. It is the place to go for anything and everything. 

The Killing Fields 

There are many ‘Killing Fields throughout Cambodia, the most recognized is just outside Phnom Penh. Choeng Ek is quite a picturesque, peaceful place on the exterior. It is a mass gravesite where thousands were taken to be killed during the genocide regime of the Khmer Rouge. It is incredibly sobering giving great insight to the precarious Cambodian history. The audio is incredibly insightful and detailed, I highly recommend listening to it. Don’t be fooled into thinking this won’t make an impact, I was deeply moved by this place and it made a lasting impression. 

Tuol Sleng Genocide museum 

As above this is a place to learn about the horror that unfolded during the Pol Pott regime. This school was transformed into a prison where people were sent to be tortured before being sent to The Killing Fields. Only 7 people were found alive, one of which is still alive and sells his book on the grounds. Very sobering with the barbed wire still on the windows. You can see how hastily tiny cells were constructed with bricks and mortar looking shoddy and poorly made. There are graphic images in quite a few of the rooms so this is not a place I would recommend to take young ones.  

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda 

Although this is the King’s official residence part of Palace grounds are open to the public to stroll and view the perfectly manicured lawns and decoratively adorned palace. Within the grounds is the Silver Pagoda, aptly named for its silver floor. It is a stunning bit of architecture, bathed in yellow and gold. This is a great place where you can take small ones to roam around and explore freely.  

River Cruise 

Sunset is the most popular time to take a cruise along the Mekong River, with many adding the benefits of a buffet-style dinner. You can also organize a pick up from your hotel which is well worth the effort. The boats are large and airy with 365-degree views from the upper deck. It is incredibly relaxing and you get to see sights which you normally wouldn’t be able to without being on the water. It is touristy, but still, something you just gotta do. 

FOOD

The food in Phnom Penh is diverse, offering various forms of deliciousness but all of it incredibly fresh. We were told to stay off the street food when we first arrived but unfortunately that ended up being quite bad advice. The rule is go where there are a lot of other Cambodian people eating. We spent a lot of time in restaurants which are basically designed for westerners. The food is generally good, especially as it often carefully prepared in hygienic conditions. But this isn’t to say you can’t dine in the less ‘flash’ looking restaurants as often they have better tasting food and with a price tag which will make you happy. If you would rather dine in the beautifully air conditioned places which are not as humming with people you won’t be disappointed. The food will be good regardless. But if you want to try amazing food which makes your tastebuds sing follow the locals. 

GETTING AROUND

You can get a taxi or private car virtually anywhere, but you need to make sure they are run on a meter as you may not get the best price. You need a Cambodia license to drive in Cambodia, but you get this within a week. Road rules are don’t get run over and don’t cause an accident. If you can do this you are doing pretty well.  

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

Cambodia is in the middle of several countries that you can reach by bus, plane or boat. The bus is the cheapest, but can also be the slowest. Obviously a plane is the most expensive and fastest option, especially if coming from afar.