03 Dec. 2019 Cambodia's capital will often be your arrival or departure point in the country. This gives you the perfect opportunity to spend a few days exploring this city and uncovering its secrets! Here's a non-exhaustive guide—and different from our previous one—of interesting activities to enjoy during your time in Phnom Penh.

1. A Breathtaking View of the Capital

Head to the sprawling terrace of Sora Skybar at Vattanac Tower in early evening, around 5 PM. This vast deck, attached to the tower's distinctive curved structure, is visible from nearly every corner of the capital. It draws crowds and beckons you to linger. You'll need to climb 37 floors up Vattanac Tower to reach this gem. The view from here is simply dreamlike. While oriented due west to capture an unobstructed sunset on the horizon, the terrace also offers views to the north, south, and glimpses of the Mekong to the east. The lounge atmosphere perfectly complements this visual pleasure. If you've already experienced it, here are other excellent rooftop bars worth visiting in Phnom Penh.

2. Uncover Phnom Penh's Historical Secrets

Make your way to the heart of the National Library, facing the René Descartes French High School, where Mey awaits with a mission for you. You are explorers retracing the steps of famous French figures during the Protectorate era and must solve a mystery throughout the old colonial quarter of Daun Penh. Urban Tales allows you to unwind for a morning, armed with a period map, a compass, and other authentic documents. A perfect way to learn more about the history of the French Protectorate in Phnom Penh.

3. Take an Evening River Cruise

As you stroll along Riverside in the evening, you might occasionally wonder what those people are doing aboard boats navigating the Tonle Sap. All along this grand esplanade, boat captains are stationed, offering you a 2-hour voyage between this river and the Mekong. The cruise is private—you can bring whatever you'd like aboard: meals, beverages, speakers, you name it. A peaceful evening off the coast of Phnom Penh with the capital as your backdrop.

4. Explore Orussey Market by Day

If you're after authenticity, this is the place! Orussey Market is the largest and arguably the oldest market in the capital. It bursts with stalls where vendors sell everything imaginable—food, clothing, toys, household goods, spare parts, accessories, cigarettes, and more. An hour inside and you'll have absorbed plenty of authentic local flavor for the day! Consider learning a few basic Khmer phrases beforehand, or bring a Cambodian friend along to help you navigate and find what you're looking for with ease.

5. Visit Koh Dach

The Silk Island. Located on the Mekong, this island can only be reached by water. You'll find the dock about twenty minutes north of Phnom Penh, on the route toward Siem Reap. Once on the island, you'll find yourself immersed in nature—rusty-red earthen paths, endless rice paddies, wooden houses perched on stilts—all evoking the spirit of the Khmer countryside. You'll discover local craftsmanship, particularly the silk production that gives the island its name. Silkworms are harvested and their threads are woven on traditional looms.

Thibault BourruA passionate lover of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his experiences through his writing.