Visit Phnom Penh: Top 10 essential things to see and do

Phnom Penh is a must-see on your trip to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Don’t miss out on any of the cultural, historical and local sights that sublime Phnom Penh has to offer by discovering the 10 best things to do during your stay in Phnom Penh.

1. The Royal Palace

The official residence of the current King Sihamoni is a must-visit during your stay in the capital of Cambodia. The Royal Palace, built in the mid-19th century, is an excellent example of Khmer architecture, notably with its defensive wall, throne room,elegant stupas and magnificent murals. Don't miss the superb Silver Pagoda, home to many national treasures, and the Iron Pavilion given to King Norodom by Napoleon III in 1870.

2. National Museum of Cambodia

As a masterpiece of traditional Khmer architecture, the National Museum of Cambodia houses an incredible collection of Khmer sculptures, pottery, bronzes, ceramics, and various ethnographic objects from the pre-Angkorian era to the classical era of Angkor. The museum is an exceptional place for preserving traditional Khmer culture and the kingdom's identity, and it is the perfect complement to a visit to the Royal Palace.

3. Wat Phnom Temple

Wat Phnom Temple, an important site in Cambodia's capital, is one of the city's oldest Buddhist pagodas. Legend has claimed that it was created in 1373 to safeguard Buddha sculptures. Overlooking the city from a height of 27 meters, Wat Phnom is also the place that houses the stupa in which King Pona Yat's remains are kept. You'll also like the bustling atmosphere at the temple's foot, where there are several street sellers.

4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum S21

During the Pol Pot regime, this former colonial high school was Cambodia's largest detention center, where thousands of Cambodians were interrogated, tortured and executed. Today, it serves as a memorial, with emotional displays from the country's dark era. The Genocide Museum is a must-see for anybody wanting to comprehend this tragic chapter in Cambodian history.

5. Phsar Thmey central market

Phsar Thmey Central Market is situated in a magnificent yellow Art Deco edifice, with its center hall dominated by a massive 26-meter-high dome with four wings. The market was built in 1937 and was one of the world's largest marketplaces at the time. Today, this construction is still one of the most well-known landmarks in Cambodia's capital and can be easily recognized from a distance. Phsar Thmey Central Market is a great area to shop and get souvenirs during your vacation to Phnom Penh.

6. Attend a traditional Khmer dance performance

This unforgettable, enchanting show, once performed only for the royal family, offers a marvellous insight into Cambodian culture. Enjoy the unrivalled, bewitching sensuality of the Apsara dancers in their magnificent costumes, adorned with a headdress of a thousand sparkles. With their bewitchingly graceful movements, the Apsara dancers tell you a story where each hand gesture symbolizes the main stages of life in nature. A truly magical experience!

7. Admire the colonial remains

The erstwhile "Pearl of Asia" boasts a formidable colonial architectural heritage. The majority of colonial structures are concentrated in the city center, near the Royal Palace. While some of these buildings have fallen into disrepair, others, such as the Central Post Office, have been renovated and restored to all their former splendor. The city is also home to a magnificent collection of buildings by the renowned Cambodian architect Molyvann, a disciple of Le Corbusier.

8. Stroll along the Sisowath Quay

One of Phnom Penh's main thoroughfares, Sisowath Quay, is a long pedestrian promenade running alongside the Tonlé Sap River. It's one of the liveliest spots in Cambodia's capital, where you can mingle with the local population in a very family-friendly atmosphere. You can also enjoy the many restaurants, cafés and boutiques that line this long pedestrian boulevard.

9. Taste Cambodian cuisine in a solidarity restaurant

Thrill your taste buds while supporting a charity restaurant that helps underprivileged young Cambodians by training them in the restaurant trade. These restaurants are often located in beautiful colonial buildings, and offer delicious, creative and inventive Cambodian cuisine. Excellent, delicate service!

10. Take a cruise on the Mekong

There's nothing like a sunset cruise on the Tonlé Sap and the mythical Mekong to round off your day of discovering Phnom Penh. This boat trip will give you a different view of the capital, allowing you to appreciate life on its banks and observe the superb Royal Palace as the sun casts its last lights on it, giving it a sumptuous glow.

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