Top 10 Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

The Cambodian capital is well-known for both its recent turbulent history and its stunning architecture from ancient times and the French colonial era. Phnom Penh was dubbed the “Paris of the East” prior to the war that broke out in the 1970s, and its picturesque white buildings and ancient temples (wats) earned it this nickname.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

Although the Khmer Rouge dictatorship has been toppled for quite some time, Phnom Penh is only now beginning to lose its harsh edges.

One of its main draws is that, unlike some of its neighbours, it has not been Westernized to the same extent, so visitors may get a more authentic taste of Southeast Asia. See some of Phnom Penh’s most popular sights below.

1. Wat Ounalom

Almost forty structures make up what is essentially the Buddhist capital of the country. This fascinating complex of Pagodas and relic-filled stupas dates back to 1443 and is a joy to explore. Many orange-robed monks, including the leader of the Cambodian Buddhist fraternity, make their abode there.

Better access allows more people to enjoy the beautiful views of the Mekong that are often overlooked. Damaged by the Khmer Rouge, the temple has been rebuilt to its former glory and is still a popular destination for religious tourists. The stupa that holds the Buddha’s eyebrow hair and an inscription written in Pali are both significant.

2. Independence Monument

To mark the fifth anniversary of Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule, this tower was built in 1958. It is a representation of a lotus-shaped Stupa dedicated to Cambodia’s war dead, and it was designed to resemble the central tower of Angkor Wat, the country’s most famous ancient temple.

There is a park with several other significant statues commemorating war heroes and international agreements, such as those signed with Vietnam. Festivalgoers flock there to celebrate national holidays, decorate the area with flowers, and enjoy concerts, outdoor martial arts sessions, and other park activities.

3. Russian Market

Despite the fact that the French are more widely known for their rule over Phnom Penh, the city also has a sizeable Russian population that arrived in the early 1980s as a result of the cold war. Several inexpensive (but frequently not legitimate) designer items can be found at the Russian Market for a tenth of the American cost.

Its handicrafts, including as jewellery, silk and other fabrics, woodcarvings, musical instruments, and much more, are equally outstanding. There is a fantastic opportunity to practise haggling here because the initial offer is rarely the asking price.

4. National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s largest architectural and historical museum and houses the best collection of Cambodian cultural artefacts.

Visitors are met by beautiful, lush gardens and a bright terracotta pavilion that extends into four wings, each of which houses a different type of treasure. The artwork of the Khmer people, Cambodia’s most populous ethnic group, is highlighted in this exhibition. There are also several very important Buddhist and Hindu statues there.

5. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

The most well-known of the Khmer Rouge’s killing fields, this site today serves as a memorial to those who perished there during Cambodia’s tragic past.

In memory of the nine thousand victims who were killed here between 1975 and 1979 and the one million persons who were killed across the country, it has been turned into a Buddhist Stupa, or spire-peaked memorial of relics.

Around five thousand of the skulls found here are displayed in an acrylic glass exhibit within the building, which is not a sight for the weak of stomach.

6. Wat Phnom

The city takes its name from this sacred hilltop shrine. According to legend, a widow named Penh discovered four holy sculptures of Buddha inside a tree on the riverbank and built a shrine there to preserve them.

The park is a nice green space and a favourite gathering spot for people, but the temple itself is more famous for its historical significance than its physical structure.

Many Cambodians pray for prosperity in business and other endeavours, therefore doing so might be beneficial for people who are seeking to imitate the country’s fortunate.

7. Royal Palace of Cambodia

The Royal Palace, with its traditional Khmer roofs and ornate furnishings, is easily visible from everywhere in Phnom Penh. It is strikingly similar to its Bangkok namesake and is conveniently located near the water.

Since 1860, when the capital city was relocated from Oudong, the palace has served as the peaceful residence of the royal family.

There are four major buildings in this complex: the Silver Pagoda, the Khemarin Palace, the Throne Hall, and the Inner Court.

The Silver Pagoda and Throne Hall compounds are popular tourist destinations in Phnom Penh, and while half of the compound is off-limits as the king’s palace, the other half is open to visitors.

8. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Formerly a high school, Tuol Sleng was transformed into Cambodia’s worst prison by the Khmer Rouge Regime in 1975. Only a small number of the more than 17,000 inmates who were held at Tuol Sleng during its four years of operation are still alive today.

Tuol Sleng Prison, discovered in 1979 by the Vietnamese army, is now a museum commemorating the atrocities committed there by the Khmer Rouge. The museum is easily reached by anyone curious about the atrocities committed in Cambodia’s past.

9. Sisowath Quay

This stretch of riverbank has served as a vital public business district for generations. The region between the Mekong River and the Royal Palace is dense with restaurants, hotels, and street sellers.

During the Buddhist New Year celebration in mid-April, Phnom Penh has a world-famous water festival, and this is one of the greatest places to witness the boat races.

Several western-style buildings and embassies can be seen along Sisowath Quay, giving the area a decidedly international and western feel. Ferry terminals depart from here for people headed to Siem Reap by water.

10. Phsar Thmei (Central Market)

Under a gleaming golden dome, four pearl-white wings filled with bustling sellers spread out into mazelike passageways and a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. Built in 1937, this art deco relic of French Colonial architecture was originally thought to be the largest market in Asia, and it has been open ever since (with the exception of wartime).

Shoppers can find a good deal on just about anything at this store. You can find anything from burned CDs and DVDs to cheap t-shirts, from opulent batik and brocade textiles to gold and diamonds.