Read the Phnom Penh Tourist Attractions overview
Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a bustling city known as the "Pearl of Asia" in the past times. And there are various points of interest interesting to foreign travelers a short walk from each other. Furthermore, you are sure to come to the city during your trip to Cambodia sooner or later. Thus, let's have a quick overview of the top Phnom Penh tourist attractions and other sites.
Top Phnom Penh Tourist Attractions Every Visitor Should See
Royal Palace of Cambodia, the National Museum, and the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide are the city's hotspots. While touring these places, you'll familiarize yourself with the multi-layered history of the nation.
- Golden, shiny rooftops of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh are visible from afar. While most structures throughout the compound share this feature, each of them is different in some way. Moreover, visitors get to glimpse into the royal past and present of the kingdom by seeing monarchs' busts, thrones, and various relics.
- Silver Pagoda, attached to the Royal Palace, houses one of the best Reamker (Ramayana) murals in Southeast Asia. Plus, the complex guards the Emerald Buddha statue, one of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts in this part of the world. In addition, you'll see many other Buddha statues, one of which weighs 198 lbs/90 kg.
- National Museum of Cambodia boasts one of the finest art collections in the country. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Angkorian period of the Khmer Empire. Besides, the museum displays items from the pre-Angkorian and post-Angkorian eras.
- Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide (S21) is a former high school used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge reign (1975–79). The cells and other facilities remain as they were during this nation's dark period. Supposedly, only a handful of tens of thousands of inmates managed to survive until the liberation.
Bonus Points of Interest of the Capital of Cambodia
- Wat Phnom is an operating pagoda whose origins are tied to the founding of the city. Also, there is a stupa (Buddhist shrine) that contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat, who transferred the Khmer capital from Angkor Thom (near Siem Reap) to Phnom Penh.
- Independence Monument honors the liberation of this Southeast Asian nation from the French colonial rule, which lasted from 1863 to 1953. The memorial features a shape of a lotus flower bud. Furthermore, don't miss a visit in the evening, when blue, red, and white lights (corresponding to those of the flag of Cambodia) illuminate the monument.
- To buy souvenirs, local crafts, and other goods, include Russian Market in your Phnom Penh itinerary. Moreover, visit Central Market (Phsar Thmey) to shop and admire its unique design.
What a Traveler Should Visit Near Phnom Penh?
Are you on your way to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat via the capital of Cambodia? If so, maybe you should check out a few temples near Phnom Penh.
And those are Phnom Da Temple from the 6th century—the oldest in the kingdom—the 11th-century Phnom Chisor, and the 12th-century Ta Prohm at Tonle Bati Lake. But, if you've already visited the great temples near Siem Reap, these probably won't impress you much.
Also, stay tuned for other Phnom Penh tourist attractions we'll cover in time. Finally, read our Siem Reap travel guide to learn how to organize your trip to Angkor Archaeological Park, the highlight of Cambodia.
