Places to Visit in Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Tour Packages

1. LOCATION

The capital is situated at the confluence of three big rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac, which are in the southern heart of Cambodia. With the remains of Cambodia's ancient and during French rule, two big lakes that Mother River presented, Phnom Penh owns a treasure of many worth visiting spots.

Phnom Penh Cambodia travel

The human feature also contributes to city tourism, friendly and easy-going people are also what makes tourists pleased. You travel to Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh welcomes you.

2. BEST TIME TO VISIT PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh influences tropical climate, which shows in the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season starts from November to May and the easy-going season would be between November to March. The time is when cool air and warm sunshine, the average temperature would be at 27°C. From March to May, the temperature can reach up to 35°C and is also considered to be the hottest time of the year.

Phnom Penh - The best time to visit

From May to October, rain takes place as a short shower to the land. But in August and September, it can be rainy all day. During this period, countryside paths can be unpassable.

You can visit Phnom Penh anytime around the year without any fear of tropical storms or natural disasters, except for a little rain.

3. THINGS TO DO IN PHNOM PENH

Visiting Famous Constructions

Phnom Penh is a nest of close modern-day buildings, so you can see many structures that own antique designs but are still in remarkable condition. The Royal Palace – the stunning masterpiece was built in the 19th century, the place is now still in use by the king but when he isn’t there, you can have a look inside the opulent palace on a guided tour.

The Royal Palace - Phnom Penh beauty

In the middle of the capital, a remarkable dust-red construction stands still – the Independent Monument. This seven-tiered memorial is an immortalization of Khmer architecture.

Independence Monument - Phnom Penh trip

Besides, there are hundreds of stupas available in the region, among those, you are highly recommended to discover these magnificences first. The most famous stupa to locals and tourists would be the Silver Pagoda, which is made of 5 tons of silver that is used on the floor. Right on top is a massive Buddha statue made of Baccarat crystal.

Less famous but still amazing to pay a visit, these spots of Wat Phnom Stupa, Ta Prohm temple, and Phnom Udong Stupa are the next destinations on your list

Learn History at the Museum

If you are a lover of archaeology and the history of the land foundation, then the National Museum of Cambodia is a place you must come to. There are collections of statues, daily life objects of ancient people, ancient maps, costumes, old coins, and images of its exquisite Khmer culture. The building itself is an attractive terracotta that includes one big courtyard garden, it has attracted many tourists at first glance.

National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh

If you are keen on war remains, then come to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the place has remade the pain of Cambodians who were tortured by colonial invaders and by the Red Khmers. They also show you true pictures of the torturing process, of suffering people, Red Khmer killing fields.

Shop at Local Markets

Markets are typical of Asia countries, where all kinds of products that displayed outdoors. You should buy yourself some good or just join the bustling atmosphere of the spot. There are some famous markets that you should visit once.

Phsar Thom Thmey Market in Phnom Penh

• Central Market: Sells many complex items of food, clothes, daily use stuff, etc.
• Phsar Thom Thmei: The big market that was built when the French ruled. Has many amazing stuffs of souvenirs, silk, spices, fresh goods, and ready food.
• Phnom Penh Night market: mainly for tourists, selling items of clothes, shoes, silk, souvenirs, and several snacks.

Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River

Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise on the Mekong

Cruising on the Mekong River would be your best opportunity to enjoy both the fresh atmosphere of the river and local cuisine. You can taste the delicious local food and other cuisine that they serve on board, and also contemplate the glorious sunset in the late evening. The scene is then just so seductive and romantic.

Outdoor Activities

Quad biking in Phnom Penh

Many activities are available in the area. Since it lies on the 3 rivers’ vast Delta, water sports and activities are rather common, you can go on the canoe sightseeing, or choose a comfortable spot to fish. Let's do something dry, how about cycling around the city and going to the furthest regions. Want to get into the thrilling sport, then you should try Quad biking. It is thrilling but it is safe.

4. THINGS TO BUY IN PHNOM PENH

Shopping in Phnom Penh Cambodia

It is a capital so there’s 100% you can find various kinds of merchandise that influence Cambodian culture to bring back home, here are some suggestions:

• Silk: Cambodia adds unique and eye-catching textiles onto the fabric. The silk is of high quality, those colorful textiles are typical of Cambodia culture
• Woven mat: Knitted by lots of strings of grass, rattan, and other natural products. They decorate it with colorful graphics, it is used to cover the land when you sit, eat, or cover on the bed surface.
• Silver items: Cambodia is famous for its silver carving technique. They provide many products from silver like jewelry, Buddha statues, teapots, spoons, plates, bowls, etc., and add many skillfully carved artifacts on.
• Rice paper printed: This souvenir is made by putting rice paper on a frame that is carved from the temples of Angkor, then lightly rubbed over with soft charcoal. The advantages of the product are its meaning and cheap price.
• Betel nuts boxes: vary in size, usually made from silver and crafted in animal shape. It has a fantastic outlook and colorful textiles, especially, since it is done by hand.

5. DOS & DON'TS

Things must be considered before going to Phnom Penh

• Remove shoes when entering temples
• Respect the monks
• Prepare Cambodian cash first or bring along a visa/master card
• Learn Cambodian a bit, people speak English here is pretty rare
• Wear proper clothes when entering stupas
• Bargain if you want to buy something
• Be nice to locals, don’t raise your voice or shout at them.

Things you must know before you visit Cambodia to have a great trip