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The Kingdom of Cambodia is in Sourth-east Asia which neighbours with Vietnam, Thailand, and Loa, with the total population of 11.42 million and land area of 181,035 square kilometer. It is also a tropical country with two main seasons Summer (hot/dry) and Raining (cool/wet).
Combinding the country climate and its fabulous tourist destination such as Angkor Wat, around the City sites, Sihanoukville, Rattanakiry, etc which make Cambodia substantially become the most attractive destinations in the region. Even its better off neighbour countries such as Thainland, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, etc have promoted Cambodian destination in conjunction with theirs to increase visitor volume.
You are ensured that once you are in Cambodia regardless in the city or provinces, our warm hospitality and friendly weather will be there to pleasure you always in order to make your trip experience the most cheerful enjoyment that you rarely find anywhere else beside Cambodia.
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(Sothearos between Streets 240 & 184 - $3.00/person, $2.00/camera, $5.00/video cam. Open everyday, 7:30-11:00/2.30-5:00)
The approach along Sothearos Blud to the Palace is marked by a high yellow wall and the Chan Chaya Pavilion at the front of the Palace grounds. The entrance is about 100m south of the Pavilion. The Palace was opened in 1870 under King Norodom. The compound contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall the Silver Pagoda and other buildings. The palace ground are open except when the King is in residence.
The ‘Silver Pagoda’(Wat Presh Keo Morokat) is one of the city’s most often visited because of its display of priceless objects. It draws its name from the over 5000 silver tiles which cover the floor of the vihear. The vihear serves less as a functioning temple than a depository for cultural treasure such as the ‘Emerald buddha’, innumerable statues, a Royal Litter and other priceless objects. Rarely seen in Cambodia pagodas, turn of the century paintings of the Ramayana epic adorn the outer wall. Back to the Top
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(At the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk)
The Independence Monument was inaugurated in 1958 to celebrate Cambodian’s independence from foreign rule. It now also serves as a monument to Cambodian’s war dead. At night the monument is very tastefully illuminated by red, blue and white floodlight-the colors of the Cambodian flag. It is the site of celebrations and services on holidays such as Independence Day and Constitution Day. Trespassing onto the monument is illegal (Sometimes). The best view and photograph is from across the street anyway. Back to the Top
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(street 178 & street 13, next to the Royal Palace -$2.00 – 8:00-11:30 and 2:00-5:00 open everyday)
The distinctive rust-red National Museum next to the Royal Palace displays over 5000 objects including Angkorian statues, lingas and other artifacts. Though the emphasis is on Angkorian era artifacts, there is a good collection of prices from later periods. Visiting the museum after rather than before a trip to Angkor helps lend context to the Angkorian artifacts. Multi-lingual labeling. of the pieces. The museum building was dedicated by King Sisowath in 1920.
Tour guide are available. Souvenirs and books available. Photography is limited. Until recently the museum is inhabited by thousands of bats, unseen in the day but occasionally spectacular as they left in droves at sunset. In March 2002 the bats left for good. Voluntarily moving on after renovation to the museum ceiling and roof. Back to the Top
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(Intersection of street 96 and Norodom Blud.-$1/person)
A small hill crowned by an active Wat (pagoda)
mark the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh. The hill is the site of constant activity, with a steady stream of the faithful trekking to the top and a constellation of vendors, visitors and Motodups at the bottom. Elephant rides available.
The legend of the founding of Wat Phnom is tied to the beginnings of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that in 1372 Lady Penh (Ya Penh) fished a floating Koki tree out of the river. Inside the tree were four Buddha statues. She built a hill (‘Phnom’ means ‘hill’ in Khmer) and a small temple (Wat) at what is now the site of Wat Phnom. Later, the surrounding area become known after the hill (Phnom) and its creator (Phnom) –Phnom Penh.
The current temple was last rebuilt in 1926. The large stupa contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat (1405-1467) who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422. Look for the altar of lady Panh between the stupa and the vihear. She is said to be of particular help to women. The wat is full of people on holidays. It is the busiest pagoda in town the night of Chinese New Year. Back to the Top
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(Corner of Street 113 & Street 350- $2.00 – Open everyday, including holidays, 8AM-5PM – Closed for lunch)
Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school. When the Khmer Rouge came to power it was converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation facility. Inmates were systematically tortured, sometimes over a period of months, to extract confessions, after which they were executed at the killing fields of Choeung Ek. S-21 processed over 17,000 people, seven of whom survived.
The building now serves as a museum, a memorial and a testament to the madness of the Khmer Rouge regime. Much has been left in the state it was when the Khmer Rouge abandoned it in January 1979.
The prison kept extensive records, leaving thousands of photos of their victims, many of which are on display. Painting of torture at the prison by Vann Nath, a survivor of Toul Sleng, are also on display. The museum’s famous and controversial ‘skull map’ has recently been dismantled. Back to the Top
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A stroll or Cyclo ride along the riverfront is a must The view of the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap is geographically unique and the area near the Palace is a park – pubs, restaurants, shops and tourist boats line the way. Early risers, check out sunrise over the river in front of the Palace. It is also a very popular spot to hang out at the everning, you can see alot of people there daily. Back to the Top
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Cambodia has a long and rich tradition of classical dance. Though some of the dances are shared with other cultures in the region, the slow and graceful style of Cambodian dance is unique. Unfortunately there are no regular performances in Phnom Penh.
Though not offering scheduled performances, the Cambodian Performing Arts Center, a traditional dance school, allows visitors to observe the young dancer in training. When visitors arrive the student will usually put on a small performance, but without full costuming. It is best to call ahead. With one to three days advance notice they can arrange a complete performance for visitors. Back to the Top
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A trip to at least one traditional market (Psah) is a must. If you visit only one or two markets, begin with the Russian Market and the Central Market. Both offer curios, souvenirs and a cultural shopping adventure.
Other markets such as the Old Market (PsahChas) have far fewer items of interest to the tourist but can still be photographically intriguing. They open and close with the sun but are pretty sleepy between 11:30am and 2:00pm. Back to the Top
Central Market (Psah Thmei):
This unique, art-deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark. Prior to 1935 the area was a swamp/lake (Boeung Decho) that received the runoff during the rainy season.
The lake was drained and the market constructed 1935-37.A vestige of the old lake, rainy seasons still bring minor flooding to the area.
The entrance to the Central Market is lined with souvenir merchants hawking everything from T-shirt and postcards to silver curios and kramas. Inside is a dazzling display of jewels and gold. Electronic goods, stationery, secondhand clothes and flowers are also in ample supply. (Psah Thmei means ‘New Market’, but ‘Central Market’ has caught on in English). Back to the Top
Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung):
This market is of far less architectural interest but has a move varied selection of souvenirs, curios and skills than the central Market. Like the Central market, it has a good selection of CDs, videos, fabrics, electronic goods and so on. There are a few souvenir shops outside the market’s southeast corner. Most of what visitor might want is in the same general area on the south side but the rest of the market’s is well worth exploring.
Old Market (Psah Chas):
A truly local market and is not at all geared for the tourist. It carried such items as fruits and vegetable, second hand cloths, hardware, motorcycle parts and religious items. In the late afternoon food vendors and fruit seller set up mats along Street 13 in preparation for the evening market. The dinner rush hour makes for a confusing, dirty, potentially photogenic scene. Back to the Top
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Every country has a ‘first souvenir’ that one local item that every visitor seems to acquire In Vietnam it is the conical hat, in Thailand The yam ,in Indonesia, batik and in Cambodia it is the Krama-a uniquely checkered scarf.
Another popular souvenir are handmade tradition animal shaped silver betel boxes originally used to hold betelnut these make particularly good souvenir as they are distinctive unique works of art, yet easily packed and transported.
hand-woven silks and textiles are uniquely Cambodian and potential collectiors items most available silk are hand loomed using the traditional Cambodia ikat method. Other souvenir include carvings paintings and sculptures (see Street 178) rattan items, Chinese antiques and colored gems Be careful when buying gems Scams are not uncommon.
simple rule for buying gems: know gemology know your gem seller or don’t but gems. Where to buy the markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap town offer a very similar selection of souvenir, though the market are much bigger and there is greater variety of boutiques and specialty shops in Phnom Penh. for sheer variety, the Russian Market in Phnom Penh is the best place for souvenirs though Central Market has a better selection of items such as T-shirts and temple guides. Back to the Top
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Angkor Wat
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city but the provincial town of Siem Reap, the gateway to the temple of Angkor, is the country’s primary tourist destination.
In addition to Siem Reap and Angkor wat Cambodia offers beaches ecotourism, pleasant little colonial towns and more the following description represent only a few of the possible destinations in Cambodia.
Siem Reap Angkor
Siem Reap in western is gateway to the temple of Angkor . Ankor Wat and the other temple ruins of Angkor date from the 9th -13th century AD Khmer Empire, and rank are among the word’s most magnificent architectural wonders.
Angkor Wat’s archeological significance and impact on the visitor put in a class with the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal. Siem Reap is where you will stay during your visit to Angkor.
It is accessible by direct daily flight from Phnom Penh Bangkok and other Asian cities .Boat and road travel are also possible. Siem Reap has been receiving visitor for over 100 years but has maintained a certain colonial quaintness the town offer a range of hotel , restaurant pubs and shops including several upscale hotel and dozens of budget guesthouses See the Siem Reap Angkor visitor Guide. Back to the Top
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Angkor Borei:
Angkor Borei is a town in the area of several ruins and archaeological digs. The area contains artifacts dating from the Funan ( 4th/5th century) and Water Chenla (8th century) as well as the later Angkorian period. The prasat ruins on top of nearby Phnom Da are 11th century Angkorian. There is a small museum in the town. Back to the Top
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About an hour west of Phnom Penh, Just off Route #5, lay the hills of the abandoned royal city, Oudong.
Oudong was the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh Several temples, stupa and other structure cover three hills The walk up provides some excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
There are stupa containing the remains of several Cambodian kings including king Monivong (1927-1941) and King AngDuong 91845-1859). The earliest structure is from the 13th century.
These hills were also the site of some of the Khmer Rouge’s most prolonged resistance against the encroaching Vietnamese army in 1979. For something completely different, take a side trip to ‘Prasat Nokor Vimean Sour’, a concrete, unduly ornate, semi-replica of Angkor Wat built circa 1998. Shared taxis: about $5 per person .Buses depart for Oudong every 30 minutes from the Ho Wah Genting station(2500R). Back to the Top
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In Phnom Penh, you are never outside walking distance of a pagoda (Wat). Their prevalence punctuates Cambodia’s 97% Buddhist make up.
Visitors are welcome.
Wat Botum:
Significant because it is one of the city’s original wats, it was founded in 1422 by King Ponhea Yet. It took its current name in 1865 and its present structure in 1937.Of photographic note: The Wat compound is crowded with ornate stupa. Just northwest of the interested of Sothearos and Sihanouk. Back to the Top
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Wat Langka
Is one of Phnom Penh’s five original Wats (1422). First established as a sanctuary for the Holy Writings and a meeting place for Cambodia and Sri Lankan monks, the wat was named in honor of these meetings. Just southwest of the independence Monument.
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Wat Neak Kravorn
Adorns the western skyline of Boeung Kak lake. This Wat was inaugurated in 1967 and the vihear houses some very unique wall paintings. West on Confederation de la Russie. Turn right at a small street east of Nehru, go through the train yard. Back to the Top
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Wat Ounalom
Is another of Phnom Penh’s five original monasteries (1422). Until 1999, it housed the Institute Bouddhique and library. On the riverfront about 250 meters north of the
Your guesthouses or hotel as well as travel agencies can usually arrange a taxi to the following destinations. Budget guesthouses such as Capital Guesthouse can arrange for shared taxis and a lower person cost. Some destination can be reached by Howah Genting bus. These reasonably comfortable air-con busses leave from the southwest corner of the Central Market at regular intervals. Back to the Top
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Thirty minutes east on Route #1.
Dozens of silted wooden picnic platforms line the shore and float on the edge of a lake (Koki Beach).Rent a mat and snack on a variety of local delicacies, On weekends it can get quit crowded and chaotic. More for the locals the visitors, Buses depart station (1800R)
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On the top of Phnom Chisor sit some very nicely preserved 10th /11th century temple ruins. The 503 steps to the top of the hill make for a fairly vigorous climb but the quality of the ruin and the amazing view of the countryside make the climb worth it. Shared taxis: about $8 per person. Often combined with a stop at Tonle Bati. Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Ho Wah Genting station (3000R). Get off at Prasat Neang Khmau and take a motodup to the base of the hill. Back to the Top
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Prek Leap
Only a few minutes away, Prek Leap begins just on the other side of the Chruoy Changvar Bridge where scores of restaurants line the road, most serving Khmer and Chinese fare. A couple of kilometers further lie several little roadside corn on the cob stands and picnic platforms catering primarily to the locals. Back to the Top
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Tonle Bati
The Tonle Bati area is 33 kilometers south of Phnom Penh just off Route #2 It contains two Angkorian era temple, Ta Phrom and Yeay Peau, which offer some interesting bas-reliefs in fairly good condition. Both were built under Jayavarman 7 in the late 12th century during the same period that Bayon and Angkor Thom were constructed. Shard taxis: about $8 per person. Often combined with a stop at Phnom chisor. Buses depart for Takeo every hour from the Ho wah Genting station (3000R). Get off at Tonal Bati and take a Motodup to the temples. Back to the Top
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Sianoukville
Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most popular beach town. It lies on the southwestern coast about 230 kilometers south of Phnom Penh .The relatively unspoiled beaches, relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood are the town’s primary tourist draws. Sihanoukville is still a pretty quiet town, but there are more than enough hotels and restaurants and Sihanoukville is beginning to see some change there are now tree casinos and at the other end of the travel spectrum. The growing number of budget travelers have caused a explosion of budget place on Weather station Hill From Phnom Penh , Sihanoukville can be reached by a comfortable four hour, air con bus ride .There are several buses daily See the sihanoukville visitors guide. Back to the Top
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Northeastern Provinces rattanakiri, styng Treng Mondokiri
Home to several ethnic minority groups (hill tribes), and possessing some of some of the country’s densest jungle, the mountain northeastern provinces are in the infant stage of becoming an eco-tourist destination. IT is also a huge home of wildlifes. Back to the Top
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There are a number of places in town put on exhibitions of contemparary art, photographs, handicrafts, and antiques. The exhibitions are mainly organized to promote Cambodian traditional and current arts such as Apsara, curios, silk and cotton clothes, silver items, exotic homeware, sculpture, carving and status, etc. Back to the Top
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You can flying over the city for wonderful photo opportunity with a ultra-light airplane, or go indoor to enjoy your bowling game at our modern recreation centres which offer a variaty such as video gaming, swimming pool, bumper car, billiard, shopping centre, food court and so on.
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Most of the fitness clubs and gyms are in the major hotel. However they are not very expensive and relatively completed with modern and hight standard facilities.
Also worth a look, every moring at the crack of dawn dozens of people congregate in the park in frond of the Royal Palace to jog, walk, stretch, do Tai Chi and calisthenics. Back to the Top
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You can enjoy our beautiful river "Mekong and Bassac or Tonle Sap" by canoeing adventures. Most of the organizers offer a flexible trip (5 hours to whole day or days), they sail unlimited as you wish, along the sail you are ensured to delighly explore our wonderful river.
Alternatively you can go to the pups which also chess club to challenge with our local contestors or other tourist. These pup mainly located along the river side. Back to the Top
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There are serveral tour agents who arrange pure adventure tour to our most challenging forest at the northeastern of the country.
you have a choice to either experience the rainforest or eco-tour by motorbike or 4 wheel drive, and of coure you can always choose both choice. Back to the Top
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Cambodia golf and country club, 35 km south of Phnom penh, is a course of choice by most players. Golfers are invited to meet 10:30am every sunday for praticing and of coure you can head there whenever you wish to.
There are also a couple of cinemas which shown both local movies and foriegn movies, and there are also private movie room when you and your friends can enjoy privately. There centers are located at the heard of the city "Monivong blvd". Back to the Top
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City Destinations
Recreations