Top 5 Attractions in Phnom Penh
Located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong, Phnom Penh is an unmissable destination when travelling to Cambodge.
Located at the confluence of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong, Phnom Penh is an unmissable destination when travelling to Cambodge. As the country's capital, this city with its unique charm offers visitors a truly enriching experience.
To help you make the most of your time in Cambodia's capital, here is a list of 5 must-see places.
The Royal Palace
Located in the heart of the capital, along Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, the Royal Palace is considered Phnom Penh's main attraction. Although it is the official residence of the King of Cambodge, part of the palace is open to the public.
Built in 1866, this palace is a magnificent example of Khmer architecture. Spanning approximately 16 hectares, this site holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
Practical Info
Opening hours: morning from 7:30 am to 11 am and afternoon from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
Admission: €4.50 since January 2017.
Photography prohibited inside buildings.
Remember to cover your arms and legs before entering. T-shirts and trousers are sold at the entrance.
The Silver Pagoda
The Silver Pagoda, also called Wat Preah Keo, is an important sanctuary that houses royal ashes. It is located within the Royal Palace grounds, on the south side. This sanctuary alone houses some of the country's most precious treasures.
Its silver floor made up of 5,000 tiles is one of these curiosities, along with a life-size golden Buddha adorned with more than 9,000 diamonds, including one of 25 carats.
The National Museum
Located north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Phnom Penh is easily recognizable by its ochre-colored building. Built from 1917 onwards and inaugurated in 1918, this museum houses one of the most important collections of Khmer craftsmanship, with over 14,000 pieces distributed across four galleries. A worthwhile visit to discover the history of the Cambodian people.
Practical Info
Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Admission: $5 for children aged 10-17 and $10 for those 18 and over.
Photography: prohibited inside the museum. Permitted outside.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng Museum, more commonly known as the Genocide Museum, ranks among the most visited places in Cambodia's capital. This former high school transformed into a detention centre during the Pol Pot regime is considered the country's largest detention and torture centre. Only in 1979, following the capital's liberation by the Vietnamese army, was this camp converted into a museum. Today, the site has been renovated to welcome tourists. A sobering visit, but a necessary one to understand the painful past of the Cambodian people.
The City Markets
These are the two main markets in the city: the Central Market and the Russian Market. The first, known as Phsar Thmey, is housed under a massive yellow Art Deco structure. It is located between the Royal Palace and the railway station. Built in 1935 and recently renovated, this building is divided into 4 wings, each housing specialized shops (electronics, shoes, clothing, butchery and fishmonger). As for the second, the Russian Market or Tuol Tom Pong Market, is located in the south of the city near the Toul Tom Pong Pagoda. It brings together numerous stalls offering a wide selection of souvenirs at unbeatable prices.
Frequently asked questions
Allow approximately 2-3 hours to visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The site is open from 7:30 am to 11 am in the morning and from 2:30 pm to 5 pm in the afternoon.
The Royal Palace costs €4.50, the National Museum $10 for adults and $5 for 10-17 year-olds. Tuol Sleng Museum and the markets have different admission fees.
Photography is prohibited inside the Royal Palace and the National Museum, but allowed outside. Check the specific rules for each site.
You must cover your arms and legs when visiting the Royal Palace and pagodas. Appropriate clothing is sold at the entrance if needed.
