Since the year of 1998 more and more neighbouring countries started to offer direct flights to Siem Reap (Angkor), and many visitors are prone to give the capital Phnom Penh a wide berth, though the city is probably more worth visiting now than it was before. Phnom Penh, once called the “Pearl of South-East Asia”, is not less attractive than Hanoi or Luang Prabang.
The Royal Palace complex with the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known as the Silver Pagoda, are no less fascinating than the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok. A remarkable golden statue in the Silver Pagoda – the standing Buddha decorated with thousands of highly precious stones is unique in this region. Just a couple of minutes walk away from there is the National Museum which is also exceptional with its collection of sculptures dating back to the Angkor period and earlier.
Our recommendation
– Silver pagoda & Royal palace, National Museum, Wat Phnom pagoda – the city’s landmark (half day)
– Genocide Museum Tuol Sleng, mass graves near Cheung Ek commune (“Killing Fields, 15 km outside Phnom Penh, half day)
– Central Market, Tuol Tumpung market (“Russian Markt”)
– Evening sunset cruise on Chatomuk (crossing of rivers Mekong, Tonle Bassac and Tonle Sap).
Duration of a standard programme
1-2 overnights; one day
Programme for all main sites
2 overnights; two days