| 5 mins read
Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh makes for quite the engrossing visit. From the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields to the Grand Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum- there is poignant history as well as timeless religious and cultural agenda to be experienced. And there's yet more to see and do, to get completely immersed into the life and times of Phnom Penh. Here' s how!
Stocking Up at the Markets
Phnom Penh has two massive markets that can be quite the interesting and stimulating experience. Located right in the heart of downtown Phnom Penh, the Central Market sells everything from ethnic fabric prints to delicious local Cambodian treats, souvenirs and home ware. If you’re looking for that special pair of sunglasses, bedazzled necklace or just want to capture some good photographs, this market is the place to go.
On the southern part of Phnom Penh, visitors will find Toul Tom Poung, also known as the Russian Market. Though a bit unassuming from the outside, Tuol Tom Poung can be any bargain hunter's dream come true. Shops and vendors sell everything from antiques and porcelain goods to bags and clothing … if there’s something special you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here!
Take a Gastro Tour
Cambodian cuisine has on its menu some outrageously delicious (and exotic) foods. From street carts and vendors to restaurants and cafés, you’ll have plenty of places to try out all the best local flavors. A few gastronomic treats to look out for are the Fish Amok, Kampot Pepper Crab, deliciously fresh fruit, barbecued meats and if you’re feeling experimental… deep-fried tarantulas! Not sure where to go for the best food? Sisowath Quay and the Independence Monument area have some of the top-rated eateries in Phnom Penh.
Why not take some Khmer cuisine home with you by signing up for cooking classes? From Cambodia Cooking Class on Street 240 to the wildly popular Frizz Restaurant, Phnom Penh is the perfect spot to hone your Khmer cooking skills.
Enjoy the Historic Bar Scene
War-torn Phnom Penh once attracted journalists from all over the world. After endless periods of covering the ousting of the Khmer Rouge, they’d congregate at one of two places: The Foreign Correspondents Club or the Elephant Bar. The FCC sits along the Tonle Sap River and is a great place to eat, drink and meet up with fellow travelers (and sometimes the odd journalist as well). The Elephant Bar, located inside the Raffles Le Royale Hotel, was the haunt of not only war-journalists but also international celebrities (Jackie Onassis and Charlie Chaplain to name a few!). With a popular happy hour held every day, enjoy the high life here without breaking the bank.
A Glimpse of the Countryside
While Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, a quick 25-minute drive out in any direction changes the scenery quite drastically. Be prepared to be surprised by a refreshing countryside, epitomised by rice paddies, traditional stilt houses and fishing towns, quite the stark contrast to the grand government buildings within the capital. Traditional craft villages, local farms and countryside bike rides are something to be experienced out here. If you’re really eager for the local experience, have your Phnom Penh tour guide arrange you an overnight in a reputable countryside homestay!
Pamper Yourself
A round of sightseeing in Phnom Penh any longer than 24 hours and you’re probably exhausted. Relax with a Cambodian massage, famous for it wide range of prices and treatments to suit all budgets. Upscale resorts offer state of the art spa facilities with aromatherapy and hot stone treatments, while local boutiques offer simple, yet effective massages for rock bottom prices.
Travel With a Local
There’s no better way to experience a destination than alongside a local. Phnom Penh has a number of unique tours available that give you a truly authentic local perspective of the city. Students in Phnom Penh offer professional and informative tours around the city in exchange for free language lessons (a chance to practice their English with native speakers). If you’re looking to get off your feet for a while, cyclos and tuk-tuks offer competitive hourly/daily rates for mobile tours, a great way to see the many different facets and personalities of the city!
