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Phnom Penh Cambodia

Capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Phnom Penh is a city in the midst of rapid change. But as skyscrapers rise and fast food restaurants multiply, the city still offers that traditional old mixture of Cambodian hospitality and Indochinese charm. Set at the confluence of three great rivers - the Chaktomuk or ‘four faces’ of the Mekong River - Phnom Penh is a city of more than 3 million people and the country's commercial, economic and political hub. Though seeing significant development over the last 20 years, as a travel destination the city still has an adventurous air - from the historic sites and architecture, to the boutiques and bistros dotting the side streets, and the city’s legendary dusk-to-dawn nightlife.

Many of the tourist areas and sights are in the old central city near the river where you may notice classic old French buildings in classic colonial yellow amongst the Southeast Asian shophouses and traditional Khmer pagodas and markets. Sights in the area include the ornate Royal Palace, nearby National Museum, which is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, and the riverfront dining and shopping district. Khmer Rouge historical sites include the  Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Memorial.  outside the city.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Phnom Penh...

Hotels & Guesthouses

Phnom Penh offers a wide and varied range of accommodations. Hotels and guesthouses are spread across city, though there is a greater concentration toward the city center, especially in Boeung Keng Kang 1 area and popular riverside area. Mid-range a/c rooms run $15-$90/night with CTV, fridge and hot water at the low end and well-outfitted, boutique style rooms at the top. Business class starts at about $120. Fan & bed budget digs can be had for $3-$10/night... (more)

 

Hotels by Name  *   Hotels by Location   *   Hotels by Price

Dining & Restaurants

Phnom Penh offers the best dining in Cambodia, with choice, depth and authenticity exceeding the tourist towns. The Cambodian food is made-for-the-locals authentic whether street food or 5-star dining. There is a wide range and variety of foreign restaurants with most western and Asian cuisines as well as contemporary dining well represented. Given Cambodia's long relationship with Gallic gastronomic traditions, it is no surprise some of the best venues in town are... (more)

Nightlife, Bars & Clubs

Phnom Penh is a good little party town, offering a heady dusk till dawn nightlife and a variety of places from which to choose - dance clubs and discos, sports bars, neighborhood pubs, hostess bars and more. Bars and clubs are scattered across the town, but as the city is fairly compact it’s never more than a 5 or 10 minute ride between places. Making it even easier, there are several little clusters of bars around town allowing you to easily hop from one to the next... (more)

Shopping, Markets & Boutiques

Whether you're looking for traditional Khmer handicrafts or chic contemporary fashion, Siem Reap is an excellent place to shop for all things Cambodian. In addition to classic Cambodian souvenirs, Siem Reap has a unique and growing variety of contemporary art galleries, fashion boutiques and trendy shops. Shopping venues are scattered across the town with a concentration of places along Sivutha Blvd., and near Phsar Chas (the Old Market) and Pub Street... (more)

Spas & Massage

Massage for health and relaxation is a time-honored tradition in Southeast Asia and Cambodia has its own distinctive massage traditions. Many spas, massage and reflexology shops are concentrated in tourist areas such as along the riverfront and Boeung Keng Kang 1. Boutique spas have become quite popular, aimed primarily at ladies and couples and offering massage, spa and salon services in a tranquil, indulgent atmosphere. Most offer... (more)

Getting to, from & around Phnom Penh

The majority of international visitors arrive in Cambodia by air at the Phnom Penh or Siem Reap international airports. Visas are available on arrival at both airports as well as most overland border crossings. Phnom Penh receives direct flights from more than a dozen Asian cities. There are also regularly scheduled air-con buses offering direct service between Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and Phnom Penh that travel (see below.) Currently, the only domestic air service... (more)

 

Air Schedules  *  Bus Schedules  *  Travel Agents  *  Maps

Sights & Touring

Phnom Penh’s points of interest are largely historical and cultural, but they are only part of exploring the city. Exotic shopping, unique dining, indulgent spas and a fair bit of nightlife complete the Phnom Penh experience. For the sights, set aside two or three days for the major points. Though it is possible to squeeze the most important sights into a single day, this leaves very little time at each location. Popular sights include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda... (more)

 

Royal Palace  *  Architecture  *  Day Trips  *  Traditional Performance

Living in Phnom Penh

House/apartment rental prices range from $150 - $3000/month but average between $200 and $800/month, plus utilities. To find a place of your own, spread the word, tell your Cambodian friends and acquaintances and they will bring you lots of options. Also check out the classified ads in the Cambodia Daily, and, if you have the time, just drive around desirable neighborhoods looking for 'For Rent' signs. Realty companies list rentals and can be quite helpful... (more)

Medical Services

Though the medical facilities are still limited and in many cases not up to international standards, there has been much improvement in recent years, offering a greater range and quality of services. There are a half dozen or so international clinics and foreign doctors in town, most listed below. Calmette Hospital and the international clinics can handle most medical problems but serious illness or injury may still require medical evacuation, probably to Bangkok or... (more)

Banks & Money

Though Cambodian riel (KHR) is the official currency, US dollars are in common use. Most businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, airlines, markets and souvenir shops set their prices in US dollars. Change of less than one dollar is given in riel. Money changers cluster around the markets and tend to give a slightly better exchange rate than the banks. When accepting money, inspect the bills. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but the tiniest tear in a large US note... (more)

This website is the (expanded) online version of Canby Media' Cambodia travel guides: The Phnom Penh Visitors Guide,

The Siem Reap Angkor Visitors Guide and Cambodia Coastal Visitors Guide, (also including Battambang, Kampot, Koh Kong and Kep.)