“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

Phnom Penh

Location

Phnom Penh is well known as the capital of Cambodia and one of two most attractive tourist cities of this country. Phnom Penh has its long history with the impressive architectures and the culture.
Phnom Penh is located in the south of the country. It is in the rich land because there are 3 rivers that cross such as Mekong River, Tonle Sap and Tonle Bassac.




  • Districts: There are 9 districts in this city. They are Chomkarmon, Daun Penh, Prampi Makara, Toul Kok, Dangkor, Meanchey, Ruesey Keo, Sen Sok and Posenjey.
  • Climate: Phnom Penh is in the tropical climate but warm and humid. The rain time in this area is from May to October. The dry time is from November to April. The cool time is in the period of November to March. The average temperature is 27 C degree.  It is good for travelling in this city throughout the year.
  • Transportation: Travel conveniently by land, river way and airline to the city and from it to other provinces.

          The distance (by railway) is for reference as below:
          From Phnom Penh to Ha Noi, Vietnam: 1.532 km
          From Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 281 km
          From Phnom Penh to Vientaine, Laos:  952 km
          From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia:  320 km
          From Phnom Penh to Sihanouk Ville:  221 km
          From Phnom Penh to Stung Treng:  394 km
          From Phnom Penh to Kampot:  145 km



Landscapes

  • Central Market: called Phsar Thmei. It is located in the center of the city with the taxi station to the northwest and bus station to the southwest. This feature is to help tourists who can distinguish with other markets and recognizes Phsar Thmei easily. You can find here the clothes, silverworks and jewelries and many things else for shopping.
  • Chaktomuk Conference Hall: it is one of the very famous public architecture in Phnom Penh. It was opened in 1961 and had some changes of role and renovation till now. The conference hall is located in Preah Sisowath Quay.
  • Cheung Ek Killing Field: the place is reminded the brutalities of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime with more than 17.000 people included women and children who were killed and buried in mass graves. Cheung Ek Killing field is located far from Phnom Penh center about 15 km to the southwest. 
  • Independence Monument: the monument is located in Norodom Sihanouk Boulevard in the center of Phnom Penh. It was built in 1958 with Angkorian style tower. It is one of the symbol in the city and is the place where are happened important events of the city.
  • National Museum: the famous museum of Cambodia. It was built in 1917 and located not far from center city. In the museum, you can find the collection of Khmer sculptures from 4th century and many value things else are displayed here.
  • Old Market: called Phsar Chas. This is one of the famous local markets where you can find the local fruits, vegetable, handmade products, local food etc. The market is the ideal destination for whom who loves to explore the local business activities.
  • Royal Palace: this is one of the most value architecture in Phnom Penh. It was built in 19th century. There are different parts in the palace with different roles and impressive architecture. The palace has its main entrance on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard.
  • Silver Pagoda: called Wat Preah Keo Morakot. This is one of the most famous pagodas in Phnom Penh with unique architecture. The pagoda is located near the Royal Palace to the south.

And there are many other famous destinations in the cities.



Festivals:

  • Bonn Om Touk: this is water festival. It is happened in November each year with the period of 3 days. Bonn Pchum Ben: The local traditional festival that happened in the end of September or in October to remember those who passed way.
  • The King’s Birthday: this is the national holiday that happened in October each year.
  • Val Menh: or art festival that is happened in April each year in National Museum.

And there are many other unique festivals in the city.



Local specialties

There are different local specialties in the city such as Bai sach chrouk (pork and rice), fish amok, Khmer red curry, Lap Khmer (lime-marinated Khmer beef salad), Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), Kdam chaa (fried crab), red tree ants with beef and holy basil, Ang dtray-meuk ( grilled squid), Cha houy teuk (jelly dessert) and other typical specialties.