No South East Asian country can match up to the opulence of its religious monuments- its temples have been compared with Machu Picchu
Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, is a fascinating destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. It is a city steeped in history and cultural heritage, with a plethora of monuments, temples, and museums that bear testament to its rich past. At the same time, it is also a city that is rapidly developing, with modern skyscrapers and bustling shopping areas that reflect its status as the center of commerce and industry in Cambodia. The city was once known as the "Pearl of Asia," and despite the turbulent history it has experienced in recent decades, it still retains much of its charm and character. Visitors to Phnom Penh can explore the impressive Royal Palace, home to the Cambodian King, and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, which is renowned for its glittering floor made of over 5,000 silver tiles. The National Museum is another must-visit attraction, offering a comprehensive overview of Cambodia's fascinating history and cultural heritage. For those interested in the more recent history of the country, a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, is a sobering but important experience. The museum is housed in a former school that was turned into a prison and interrogation center during the Khmer Rouge regime, and serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed during that time. In addition to its cultural attractions, Phnom Penh is also known for its lively street life and bustling markets. The city is famous for its street food, with vendors selling a range of delicious dishes, from steaming bowls of noodle soup to fresh fruit smoothies. The city's Central Market is also worth a visit, offering a colorful and chaotic array of goods, from fresh produce to jewelry and clothing. For those looking for a break from the city, Phnom Penh is surrounded by lush countryside and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into Cambodia's rural way of life. The Tonle Sap Lake, just a short boat ride from the city, is a particularly popular destination, with floating villages, local markets, and incredible birdlife. Phnom Penh is also a great base for exploring other parts of Cambodia, with easy access to the country's ancient temples, such as the world-famous Angkor Wat. The city is well-connected to other destinations in Southeast Asia, making it an ideal starting point for those looking to explore the region further. In conclusion, Phnom Penh is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you're interested in exploring its rich cultural heritage, sampling its delicious street food, or just soaking up its vibrant atmosphere, there's something for everyone in this fascinating city.
For visitors seeking awe inspiring adventure and exoticism, little compares to a Phnom Penh, Cambodia holiday.
Beneath its economic centre lies an ancient heritage in which gods, legends, royalty and war play a role in creating the capital's intoxicating ambience. No South East Asian country can match up to the opulence of its religious monuments. Its temples have been compared with Machu Picchu, but vacationers too often omit the vibrant city from their itineraries, thus missing the dramatic cultural revolution it is undergoing today. Holidays in Phnom Penh, Cambodia have cuisine and wine pairing to rival the world's leading gastronomic nations. Cambodia also has a rustic side, which is evident in its rice paddies and rural landscapes. Its coastal regions and rivers offer the rare ecosystems needed for fresh water dolphins to flourish. Niche cultures have built villages in the mountainous northeast, offering a novel cultural experience for ecotourists. Museums and killing fields tell the gory tales of Cambodia's many bloody battles. Those craving a retail fix can haggle to their heart's content at Bayon and Psar Tuol Tom Pong Markets, or enjoy more artistic entertainment at Gasolina, where salsa fills the club with South American sensuality.
Whilst Angkor Wat is not technically a part of Phnom Penh itself, its status as the seventh wonder of the world necessitates a visit. The stately 12th century temple is the most prevalent and flawless of the Anghor temples, and has a history that has made it a heritage spot for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its vast stone structures create a series of columned galleries and towers that are covered with elaborate sandstone carvings. The monument itself was built as a symbol of the universe, representing the cosmic world through earthly tiers that span 500 acres of land. The Hall of Echoes contains a gallery of 1000 Buddhas, which are eerily backed by the room's bizarre acoustics.
The ominous Killing Fields are one of the most evocative sites in the capital. Pits and memorials tell tales of the Khmer Rouge regime's execution of more than a million people. The stupa itself is sided by glass, revealing the 5000 human skulls within it. The field is strewn with human bones, left to remind the world of the horrors of genocide. A single tree marks the spot where children were executed, and audio guides narrate the atrocities. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum once acted as a centre for the torture and detention of political prisoners. It has been turned into a museum to honour those who died there. Historical group tours take you to sites that are challenging to endure but which also speak of hope for the future. The Independence monument and National museum take travellers back to earlier days when royalty and legend ruled Cambodia.
No holiday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is complete without visiting the Royal Palace, which is open to public visits when the Cambodian King isn't in residence. An open air threatre is often brought to life by the Royal Dance Troup, and the private art collection can be viewed from within the Silver Pagoda. Contemporary painters from far afield can be viewed besides ancient frescoes that tell the tale of an epic Cambodian poem that incorporates Buddhist and Hindu themes. Centrally located hotels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia offer a premium position from which to explore the inner city's architectural marvels. Naturalists are attracted to Phnom Tamao, Cambodia's premier reserve for wildlife viewing. It houses an 11th century temple as well as tigers, elephants, sun bears and a range of exotic birds.
Cambodia also has a rustic side, which is evident in its rice paddies and rural landscapes. Its coastal regions and rivers offer the rare ecosystems needed for fresh water dolphins to flourish.
Any time of year is an excellent one for a holiday Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since its tropical climate brings sunny days and clear skies throughout the year.
Any time of year is an excellent one for a holiday Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since its tropical climate brings sunny days and clear skies throughout the year. Monsoons come in from the south west between May and November, weighing the air down with humidity. The northeast winds that accompany the dry months between December and April keep the weather warm and arid. Spring and autumn barely create a blip on the radar, limiting the capital to two major climates. Hammering winds accompany the showers, whipping umbrellas and raincoats inside out. Rains are, however, short lived, seldom stealing more than half an hour a day.
If you prefer to take in exotic landscapes from the driver's seat, Phnom Penh has all the winding networks necessary to inject plenty of fun into quad biking or 4x4 adventuring. Automatic quad bikes are an exhilarating way to take in the rice paddies, metropolitan hubs and forests of Cambodia while the skies are clear. Novices are welcomed, and tours are arranged to include all of Cambodia's disparate facets: historical sites, farmlands and villages offer opportunities to grab a bite to eat and absorb the city buzz. The thrill may well be in the journey, but Phnom Penh has myriad breathtaking destinations to add to the trip. Yeah Pean and Ta Phrom temples are ancient sites that were constructed on the outskirts of the capital. Ta Promh seems to come directly out of a fairy tale, with its 12th century Bayon architecture and gnarled tree root surroundings. Jeep tours are highly ranked among past visitors to Phnom Penh, Cambodia hotels. Passengers reach the Phnom Pamao Wildlife Sanctuary from a dirt road. The zoological gardens extend for over 2000 hectares across mountains, plateaus and past widely spaced enclosures. The distances between habitats make the reserve an excellent contender for motorized trips, whether by guided jeep or motorbike. Most animals in the zoo have their own unique and tragic pasts, having been rescued from poachers and traffickers. The surrounding forests are protected, offering a lush backdrop for picnics and ambles. There is more than one Phnom Penh, Cambodia hotel on the centre's outskirts, which allows guests to stretch their nature visits over a period of days. Those who prefer their adrenaline to spike to higher levels take on the Kambol Kart raceway, where the best amateur speedsters can test their mettle.
When choosing summer to book into a hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia is prone to torrential downpours, which limit activities during the wettest month of October. Between May and July, the cloudy skies allow for a cool, comfortable holiday that is not commanded by downpours. Summer is not a favourite season for tourists, so those venturing into the capital are treated to quiet sites and fewer crowds. Tuk tuks offer the greatest freedom during monsoons, allowing you to travel about town without getting wet. When storms strike, restaurants offer the most luxurious havens. Street stands open early in the morning, and many foreigners are particularly fond of the breakfasts made according to Khmer tradition. Simple foods are roasted to perfection and treated to the delicate flavours of coconut and garlic. Pickled vegetables are served with broth, which is traditionally eaten with rice. Phnom Penh has also become dotted with more contemporary restaurants and spas serving cuisine inspired by Mediterranean and North American dishes. The cooler weather tends to improve haggling skills, so a trip to the local markets is in order. A short boat trip out of the capital takes you to Bamboo island, a coastal region with rugged natural surroundings.
