Phenomenal Phnom Penh

Read this Phnom Penh itinerary for a thoughtful journey through Cambodia's complex history.

Cambodia is often synonymous with one of two things; a magnificent temple or a horrifying genocide. The famous landmark and the nations complex history attract travellers from around the world. Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, the capital Phnom Penh is a testament to the nations resilience. Visitors to this city are often drawn there for its historic sites and museums, and find bustling markets, vibrant street life, and delicous culinary experiences. If you're heading to Ankgor Wat, don't miss out on visiting Phnom Penh and exploring Cambodian culture.

When to visit Phnom Penh?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, which spans from November to April, with the peak months being November to February. This period offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions. Alternatively, the wet season, lasting from May to October, offers lush, green landscapes and lower prices, but you'll need to contend with occasional heavy rainfall and some flooded areas, particularly from June to September.

How to get to Phnom Penh?

We flew into Phnom Penh from Vietnam, but it is easy to access from anywhere in Southeast asia. If you're coming further, you will most likely have a layover in Korea or Japan as they seem the most common entry points to asia.

How to get around Phnom Penh?

We stayed in a central area and were able to walk to a number of places we wanted to explore. The Royal Palace is close to....

Another option is to hire a tuk tuk for the day to go to some of the further away places or escape walking in the hot sun.

What to do in Phnom Penh?

Day 1: History Lesson

When we hear of genocides, i'm sure many of us still automatically think of the Holocaust. While in actuality we have had an estimated 20 genocides of various sizes and geographical impact since then. Having visited Auschwitz I thought I knew what to expect visiting Cambodia and learning more of their genocide, and yet the indecencies of humanity continue to surprise me.

To learn more about the Cambodian genocide where an estimated 1.7 million civilians were murdered, I highly recommend you visit the Killing Fields. This is a somber yet essential experience for those seeking to understand Cambodia's history and pay tribute to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. You can rent an audio guide and do a self guided tour of the site, taking your time to reflect as needed. While these visits can be emotionally challenging, they also underscore the resilience of the Cambodian people and the importance of acknowledging past atrocities to prevent them from happening again. It's crucial to approach these sites with respect, empathy, and a willingness to engage with the painful history they represent.

The Killing Fields, aptly named due to the farmlands being used to mass murder Cambodians is outside of the city and you will want to hire a tuk tuk driver, they will offer to wait for you as the site is far out of the city. I don't want to speak too much of the genocide, I will just say that if you are planning a trip to Cambodia please include learning about this history.

Day 2: Explore the City

Start your explorations of the city by seeing the Independence Monument, we also recommend checking this out at night as they light it up. This monument is a symbol of Cambodia's liberation from colonial rule. From here you can walk along the Tonle Sap river, there is a promenade set up keeping the area for pedestrians to enjoy. On the side of the street across from the river you will find many restaurants and little shops to explore or grab breakfast. The first stop of the day is the Silver Pagoda, or Wat Preah Keo Morokat, renowned for its breathtaking silver-tiled floor and sacred Buddha statues.

Next venture into the National Museum of Cambodia, where you can view a large collection of Khmer artifacts . This gives an opportunity to learn about the country's ancient and traditional heritage.

Then stop in at the Wat Ounalom which is the spiritual center of Cambodian Buddhism.The temple complex is steeped in history and tradition, with its origins dating back to the 15th century. Wat Ounalom houses various stupas, shrines, and a library containing Buddhist scriptures. It played a crucial role in the preservation of Cambodian religious and cultural heritage, and is still an active religious centre today.

For the last stop of your walking tour, visit the Royal Palace of Cambodia, a stunning architectural masterpiece. This opulent complex, with its exquisite blend of Khmer and European architectural influences, serves as the official residence of the Cambodian royal family and a significant ceremonial center. Since it is still the residence of the royal family, not all buildings are open to visit. However, there are many stupas to view, and several buildings dedicated to art. The resplendent beauty of this historic site is a captivating testament to Cambodia's vibrant past and its enduring role in the nation's contemporary identity.

If you have the emotional capabilities to do so then I would recommend also visiting The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, you will need transportation to get there. The Tuol Sleng Genoside Museum, or S-21 is another chilling testament to the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime. This high school in the middle of a busy neighbourhood was fenced off and transformed into a torture and interrogation centure, unknown to anyone outside of it. Visiting this museum is a solemn yet crucial experience for those seeking to understand Cambodia's painful history. The haunting, stark prison cells, preserved photographs, and personal accounts on display provide a heart-wrenching glimpse into the lives of those who suffered here.

Bonus:

There are many delicious foods to try while you are in Cambodia, but my favourite is the national dish and I hope you'll try it. Fish amok is a traditional Cambodian dish, a creamy curry typically made with freshwater fish like catfish or snakehead fish. The spices are mixed with coconut milk and sugar creating a spicy sweet curry you won't be able to get enough of. The dish is often steamed in banana leaves, which adds to the unique flavouf of the curry.