Phnom Penh is the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and also the second important touristy destination in this country just after Siem Reap. Follow Travel Sense Asia guide and see what to visit in Phnom Penh within 3 days.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Royal Palace is one of the main city’s landmarks. This is the residence of Cambodian royal family and where the most important national ceremonies take place. A part of the palace is opened to visitors, including the Throne Hall – a meeting place for the king and his officials, Moonlight Pavilion – one of the most notable buildings of the palace and the Silver Pagoda where houses many national treasures such as the precious crystal Buddha.
Avg. time of visit: ~2 hours
National Museum of Cambodia
Nearby the Royal Palace you will find the National Museum of Cambodia. It is the largest museum history in Cambodia and is the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum. The museum owns a great collection of more than 14,000 valuable items which features Cambodian culture and art. Visitors here will be impressed not only by the collections but also by the Khmer traditional architectural buildings of the museum and its beautiful courtyard.
Avg. time of visit: ~1 hour
Wat Phnom Temple
Set on the only hill in city, Wat Phnom temple is also one of the most visited city landmarks. It has another name being “Lady Penh pagoda” according to an ancient legend about the foundation of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. The temple complex is remarkable with the brick staircase in Khmer concept, the green park in surrounding area and a giant clock on the grass in the southern of the park.
Avg. time of visit: ~30-45 minutes
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or also called Prison 21 is one of the most important historical sites in Phnom Penh. It was used to be a school, however during the rule of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge it had became an interrogation, torture and execution center. When visiting the museum tourists can learn more about a dark part in Cambodia’s history.
Avg. time of visit: ~1 hour
Choeung Ek (The Killing Fields)
Choeung Ek, known as The Killing Fields is located about 17km in the south of Phnom Penh city centre. It was the place where the Pol Pots took their prisoners for execution. It is estimated that more than 17,000 civilians were killed here and buried in mass graves. Together with Tuol Sleng, it is an evidence for genocide crime of Khmer Rouge.
Avg. time of visit: ~3 hours (including transfer)
Wat Ounalom Pagoda
Wat Ounalom is one of the most famous pagodas in Phnom Penh. It is located on the riverfront of Tonle Sap river, nearby the National Museum and Royal Palace. This pagoda comprises of the country’s religious establishment. It is here where the top monk of the nation resides. In the past this used to be the library of the Buddhist Institute.
Avg. time of visit: ~30 minutes
Riverfront Park
At the end of a city tour, tourists can take a walk along the Tonle Sap river and enjoy a nice view of the spectacular sunset in Phnom Penh. Here in this area you can also find the main pier for boats from Vietnam or a dinner cruise on the river.
Avg. time of visit: ~15-30 minutes
Independence Monument
Don’t miss your chance to stop by the Independence Monument, a symbol of Phnom Penh city. It was built in 1958 to celebrate the winning of independence for Cambodia from the French colonist.
Avg. time of visit: ~10 minutes
Markets in Phnom Penh
Shopping is of couse a part of your trip to Phnom Penh. If you still have time, don’t forget to visit the Old Market or Central Market, the biggest markets in Phnom Penh. Here you can find a wide variety of Cambodian handicrafts, textiles, statues and souvenirs as well as local food stalls.
Avg. time of visit: ~30-45 minutes
