Phnom Penh is a very bustling area, which is also called the heartbeat of Cambodia. This place is located on the banks of Tonle Saif and Mekong Rivers. It is a big city in Cambodia which is a city of many small streets.
People come from far and wide to roam, here you can see the wonderful amalgamation of modernity and antiquity. In this article, we will tell you about 10 top attractions in Phnom Penh that you can enjoy seeing special places.
List of the 10 best attractions to see in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:
1. The architecture of the Royal Palace
Famous as the main attraction of Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace here is a very visible place, it was built for the royal family of Cambodia during the 1860s, in this palace you can see the masterpiece of Khmer art for the first time.
It does not take your eyes off it, the Throne Hall present in it has been kept open to the public, which you can go to see, it was constructed in 1917. Silver Pagoda is a special statue of Emerald Buddha which is studded with diamonds and 90 kg of gold has been used in it.
2. Exhibits inside the Cambodia National Museum
The National Museum of Cambodia was famous as a Khmer building, it was constructed in 1920. In this museum, you get to see items, weapons, and other items related to Khmer artwork, often tourists reach here and get information related to the Khmer Empire.
There is a collection of more than 1800 objects related to ancient history in this museum. In this museum, there is a huge Vishnu head found during the excavation of Angkor Wat, which people reach here from far and wide to see.
3. Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
The Killing area of Choeung Ek is a reminder of the horrific terror here, during this brutal regime that attempted to completely transform Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. At this time, in four years, about 3 million Cambodians were executed for obeying the orders of the authoritarian.
Due to its ill effects, many people died due to disease and famine, here in Choeung Ek, about 17000 people are feared to have died. Even today, 129 group graves have been built here and during the excavation, the remains of about 8985 people have come out, so you can guess the people who died here.
4. View Tuol Sleng Museum
It used to be a terrible place during the regime, where many types of terrible atrocities were committed in the security prison of the Khmer Rouge. Between 1975 and 1978, more than 17000 thousand revolutionaries were imprisoned here, who was accused of many types of charges.
This prison named S-21 was well managed by the rulers. The prisoners brought here were formerly soldiers or members of the Khmer Rouge themselves. When the region was occupied by Vietnam, the prison was opened in a hurry.
5. Cruise on Phnom Penh’s Rivers
Phnom Penh is a beautiful big city situated on the banks of the river which you can visit here. You can enjoy boating on the river. It is a comfortable place at this place where you can visit the riverfront from 5:30 pm onwards.
You can see the spectacular sunset view by walking on the boat till 7 o’clock, apart from this you can go for a boat tour at any time of the day. At this place, you will feel relaxed from the crowded place and you can also enjoy a romantic evening on the boat.
6. Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh is a completely flat plain where only a 27 meters high hill exists in the name of the Wat Phnom temple. This place is considered very sacred. Many people come here to visit.
It is believed that the first building was constructed here in the 14th century, and the present temple has been present since 1926. This is one of the famous Buddhist temples in the city, where local people always go to have darshan and offer offerings.
7. Stupas of Wat Ounalom
This temple present in Cambodia is very beautiful and presents a sample of ancient artwork. It is known as the main temple. Wat Ounalom is the headquarters of Buddhism. It was first established here in 1443, however in the Khmer era.
This temple complex had to face damage because during that time the statue of this temple was damaged and vandalized in many places. This is an ancient temple associated with religion, which is still maintaining its place in the hearts of people, tourists reach from far away to see this temple complex.
8. Russian Market
After seeing the religious and ancient artwork, you can go shopping in the Russian market here where you get many types of attractive items. This is a huge market presence in Phnom Penh, where you can find things related to handicrafts and culture here.
You can buy many attractions as a symbol of art, apart from this you can also see the beauty of this market. If you want to see this market and want to do some shopping here, then you reach here in the morning.
9. Psar Thmei Shopping Scene
This is a famous shopping market in this area where you can see the dome building in the middle which is quite beautiful. In this market you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables to eat, apart from this you also get a chance to get jewelry and clothes here.
If you are interested in shopping, then you can go to see this place and also buy attractive items for yourself and take the memories of this place with you forever.
10. Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument
Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument, situated amidst lush green grass, looks very attractive, it was built in 1953 to celebrate independence from French colonial rule.
This is a special place present in this city, very beautiful construction has been done at this place using sandstone, which has always been successful in attracting tourists. This place is famous for the freedom memorial of the nation as well as the memorial of the war dead.
Conclusion
The 10 places mentioned here in Phnom Penh are very special, if you are planning to visit this area then you can go to see the places mentioned by us.
View more information on Cambodia:
