Phnom Penh: The Capital of Cambodia

Ranked #1,946 in Travel & Places, #69,656 overall

Phnom Penh: The Paris of the East

Phnom Penh recently has become a major trip destination for millions of tourists and the boom is just beginning. Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is the great magnet but there is so much more to Cambodia, especially in its capital city.

Phnom Penh, dubbed in the past as the Paris of the East, has recently revitalized itself and is growing in chic: old French colonial buildings transformed into fashion houses, restaurants, or boutique hotels; edgy bistros line the riverfront that now has a growing night market; galleries owned by established and budding artists; a vibrant nightlife; and better infrastructure. There are already taxis operating in the city. TukTuks and motodups are still better options, though, as they give you a full view of the exhilarating life in the Penh's sidewalks.

An active trading port in the past, Phnom Penh came under French colonial rule from 1863-1953. It became the capital of Cambodia in 1866 and continued to flourish in the 50s and 60s until it was evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in the mid 70s. In the 80s, Phnom Penh once again gained its significance as the center of the country and continued since to experience rapid change and development.

Phnom Penh is a city full of charm. It sits at the confluence of great rivers, Chaktomuk as the Khmers call it, the four faces of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac Rivers. Foreigners touched by the Penh's charm, never leave. The pace of life and the excitement of this rebuilding capital seems to gather them. Get here soon, or you will miss one of Asia's great bargains as it moves up the cost stairway. Change is happening and development is fast on its way so come come now while it's still a bit unique and VERY affordable.

Here is where the 3 Rivers Meet in Phnom Penh

Chaktomuk

Chaktomuk

Chaktomuk is the name used by Cambodians for this riverside area in Phnom Penh where the 3 rivers meet, the confluence of the 3 rivers. When you visit Phnom Penh, take a walk here or better, stay here.

Stroll on Phnom Penh Riverside

Stay awhile at the Temple on Sisowath

This temple is very popular to the Khmer who come and offer lotus flowers, pray and let birds free. They buy a few birds and the let them free.
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Travel Visa Upon Arrival in Phnom Penh

You will need your passport with, at least, 6 months validity; a passport size picture of yourself; and your address in Cambodia. Tourist visa is US$20 and business visa is $25. Both are good for single entry for 30 days.

Tourist visa can only be extended once. Business visa can be extended indefinitely enabling you to go to the other neighboring countries. Plan well, though, as the international departure fee is $25. Recently, this fee has already been included in the ticket.

Images of Phnom Penh

Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

The Founding of Phnom Penh

An interesting legend on the Lady Penh

The Legend tells of an old lady, Duan Penh, living around the 14th century in Chaktomuk, what is now known as Phnom Penh. Penh, while gathering firewood on the banks of the Chaktomuk, spotted a floating koki tree. She fished this from the water and inside the tree she found four statues of Buddha and one of Vishnu. To honor these statues, Penh built a shrine on a small hill at the site where Wat Phnom is now. Because of this, the area around the hill where Penh built the shrine became known as Phnom Penh. Phnom in Khmer means hill. The discovery of the sacred statues was taken by many at that time as a sign that the capital which was then in Angkor be moved to Phnom Penh. That is how Phnom Penh became the capital city.

Things to Do in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers many attractions

Phnom Penh is a vibrant city and offers many things for tourists to see and do. Tourists still find it safe to go around and explore the streets of Phnom Penh. Here are some of my own recommendations after living here for several years. Vote for your own top thing to do here or the one you really want to do when you visit.

Visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

1 point

Meet the monks at the Wats and the Pagodas

1 point

Shop at Phnom Penh Phsars (Local markets)

1 point

Cruise the Phnom Penh Rivers

1 point

Have a Drink at Phnom Penh's bistro, lounges or bars

1 point

Taste Cambodian Cuisine in a Phnom Penh Restaurant

1 point

Take a walk at Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh's Riverside

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Walk and Explore the Streets of Phnom Penh

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Take an architectural tour of Phnom Penh

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Take a tuktuk ride

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Take a cyclo tour

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Visit the Killing Fields

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Visit the Toul Sleng Museum

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Attend a traditional Apsara Performance

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Go to a traditional puppet show

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Explore the National Museum in Phnom Penh

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Visit the 5 Original Wats of Phnom Penh

You can pray to Buddha, talk to the monks or learn meditation

Phnom Penh is dotted with wats or pagodas or temples but 5 of these are the most historic. Wat Phnom, the oldest is a very important place of worship for the Cambodians who flock to this place everyday to offer flowers and food, light incense and pray.

Wat Langka as the name suggests was built not only as a sanctuary for The Holy Writings but as the meeting place between monks from Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

Wat Botum is very ornate and houses the towering Buddha's Relic Stupa.

Established in the early 15th century, Wat Koh occupies a prominent place at the center of the city.

Considered the oldest Buddhist foundation in the city, Wat Ounalom is home to the Buddhist Patriarch. As it is located on the riverfront, the popular tourist area, you can easily go in and if you're lucky, you can have a peek at some of the Buddhist rituals and ceremonies.

The Wats or Pagodas in Phnom Penh

Architecturally unique

Wat Phnom, the Oldest Wat in Phnom Penh

Ride or Feed Sambo at Wat Phnom Park

In Wat Phnom, the oldest Wat, you can Ride Sambo, the Elephant. Don't miss this one. If you don't like to ride, just feed him. Sambo just celebrated his 50th birthday last year. He works in Wat Phnom giving tourists a ride as he walks around the temple in the midst of street traffic. Sambo has lived through Phnom Penh's history and the city has given him a special place to stay close to the river. So, you will see Sambo walk to and from work each day.

Visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

A Beautiful Landmark in Phnom Penh

Spend one full day in and around the Royal Palace and Museum. Built during the French rule, these classic old colonial French buildings grace Phnom Penh's river bank and are just stunning. The Royal Palace is a series of buildings and monuments each housing interesting relics and royal artifacts and showcase Cambodian art and culture.

The Silver Pagoda must not be missed not only for its silver floor tiles but also for the Emerald Buddha. In one of the featured Khmer houses inside the palace grounds, you can try playing Cambodian musical instruments with some of the palace musicians. Dress appropriately (sleeves and pants below the knees) and observe the rules when visiting this place as some of the buildings are sacred places and temples where local people come for pilgrimage and worship.

Take a Tour of Phnom Penh's Architectural Highlights

The National Museum of Phnom Penh

Although Phnom Penh is now seeing many high-rises, it still has some of the old Khmer homes and Cambodians have started to preserve some of these old relics. Many of the buildings still have traditional details typical of the Khmer style.

But dotting the city are also the remains of its colonial past. French colonial buildings abound near the Royal Palace, around the post office square, and Wat Phnom area. Prominent of these are the Royal Palace and Museum, the Post Office, the old Royal Villa and the current office of UNESCO. To visit one, you can go for dinner at Van's which was formerly the Banque de l'Indochine. Look on the ground floor for the old bank vault. And don't miss the domed market structure, Phsar Thmey.

In the picture is the National Museum, the best repository of Angkorian artefacts and also rare pieces from other periods. Galleries and ateliers where Khmer artists carve traditional stone crafts abound the streets outside. You can buy some original art at incredible prices, too.

Phnom Penh Treasures

What's on auction

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Watch Traditional Performances in Phnom Penh

Shadow Puppetry, Apsara Dance and Khmer Music

Phnom Penh has had an active art community under the royal patronage which dwindled during the Khmer Rouge period. There is energy being put into reviving this. There are some traditional performances such as the Apsara dance, shadow puppetry, drama and circus. Sovanna Phum Art Association offers regular performances and proceeds go into reviving these age old art traditions.

Know more about the Apsara Dance

Classical Cambodian Ballet

The best is to be at one of the traditional dance shows. There are several restaurants with buffet and traditional Apsara dance.
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Jog and Dance at the Parks in Phnom Penh

Or dance and sing with the locals in the evening

Come to Independence Monument in the morning and enjoy jogging with the locals. While you're there, ask one of the monks on their morning begging to bless you. Make sure to take off your sandals, put your hands together in your chest and bow. don't ferget to give some change. Come back to the park again in the evening and just rock yourself with hundreds if not thousands of people dancing to the music. You can just join any of the groups.

Phnom Penh Parks

Well used by everyone

The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

Hun Sen Park

Shop at Phnom Penh Phsars

Amazingly inexpensive!

In Khmer, Phsar is a market and Phnom Penh has great traditional markets that are really fun. Some of these, like the Phsar Toul Tompong (Russian Market) and Phsar Thmey (Central Market) are very popular to tourists as they are colourful and filled with better products, too. You can find the over-runs from the garment factories so Gap t-shirts, J Crew, Aeropostale, Abercrombie, the Children's Place, and Eddie Bauer pants abound. There are endless stacks of silk scarves, silk fabrics, cushions, bags and accessories.These two are part of every tourist itinerary in Phnom Penh as they not only offer the avid shopper lots of really inexpensive souvenirs but also glimpses of the local culinary culture from deep fried cockroaches to sparrow like Colonel Saunders imitations.

You get even more of this local color in the even more traditional markets (Olympic, Kandal or O Rousey) not frequented by tourists but just as lively and more colorful, as Cambodians buy their everyday needs from these places. In fact, when you take a walk in the city, you often come across street or neighborhood markets. From pots and pans to cloth and shirts and every tropical vegetable and fruit imaginable....they sell them all....at really local prices. But if you are only visiting, try exploring any of the following....AND TAKE YOUR CAMERA!

Buy Cambodian silk in Phnom Penh Phsars

Know how to care for it

You can't resist the colors when you look at the choices of hand woven silk fabrics. Take some or have something made for you. Here is a lens to help you care for it.
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The Market Scene in Phnom Penh

Great bargains

Where to Stay in Phnom Penh

Hotels in Phnom Penh

There are many places to stay at all levels of budget. You can get good value for $20-40 a night or blow the budget in the 5 Stars like Sofitel, Inter-Continental and Raffles Hotel Le Royal, one of Phnom Penh's oldest. Golden Gate, a family operated hotel, is just one example of clean and efficient spots. The other is Villa Langka. It offers great value for money as very good restaurants and bars abound in Street 278, 282 and the surrounding area. Those strange creatures, the international consultants cluster here in droves. There is Comme a la Maison close by for those who like French cuisine and pastry (baguettes to die for), Khmer Surin which will make you love local Khmer food. The latest addition is La Cita-Rendezvous where you can get bagels and other sandwiches baked right there in their premises.

Boutique Hotels in Phnom Penh

Some interesting ones

Mystere et Mekong in Phnom Penh

Recently, in one of our weekend walks, I discovered a boutique hotel close to the Royal Palace. From its location, most of the cool places in Phnom Penh is within easy walk. For those who want to learn meditation, Wat Botum is right in front of the hotel and the monks there will be happy to teach you. This colonial villa, Mysteres & Mekong has only 18 rooms all beautifully designed to ensure you a pleasant stay.

Or, you can also choose to stay in the heart of the tourist strip, Sisowath Quay and enjoy the view of the river. Here, you can try Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) or Bougainvillier. Both have great restaurants and there are plenty in the area serving all kinds of cuisine. Pacharan which is an old colonial house serves Spanish food and all you can eat magnificent paella on Sundays.

Frangipani has also several boutique hotels that are beautifully designed. Its location is not far from the royal Palace and its

Sample some of the Restaurants of Phnom Penh

Many Outstanding Restaurants to Choose From

800. That is the number of registered restaurants in Phnom Penh. But multiply this number by 3 to include the unregistered ones. And everyday, more restaurants are opening attracting customers with big discounts. Customers are happy but many restaurant owners are complaining.

Recently, the Government approved a decree on standards for the restaurant industry. The Cambodia Restaurant Association welcomes this move as this will bring the restaurants here to international standards. Right now, the food and service in some restaurants are exceptional and training goes on. Have lunch at Friends or dinner at Romdeng. You can see the ones delivering the service identified as teacher or trainee. But, this is not the norm.

Still, the choices for those who are not picky are many. For Khmer food, nothing can beat the ambience and quality at Khmer Surin. For international food, there are several upscale restaurants like Van's located in an old colonial building which used to be a bank, the Bougainvillier in the riverfront, Topaz, Le Residence, Pacharan, Malis, Wine 1 and some of the many restaurants at Naga World. Then, there are the more chic choices: The Quay and Flavours. And the familiar ones like the FCC, Garden Cafe and Comme a la Maison where you can have breakfast that reminds you of your Mom or Grandma.

For those who are traveling on budget, not to worry. For a dollar, you can have a hearty plate of noodles or a big bowl of noodle soup. Bread, here, is one of the best in the world. Thanks to the French.

And, if you want to learn how to cook Khmer food, go to Frizz at St. 240.

The Best Restaurants in Phnom Penh

Vote for your top restaurant in Phnom Penh

Please feel free to add your own favourite restaurant. I change my favourite every week as I try out new ones. Last night, we were in Du Forni, a restaurant in the newly opened Sofitel Pokeethra Hotel. We went last night because this week, the visiting chef is Michelin chef Eric Maio who regaled us with his beautifully presented and prepared pigeon. My husband's lamb was perfect and our friend chose the fish which she thoroughly enjoyed. So, for this week, my favourite is Du Forni. What's yours?

FCC

1 point

Du Forni, Sofitel

1 point

Malis

0 points

Vans

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Le Residence

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Topaz

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Romdeng

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Bougainvillier

0 points

Frizz

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Shiva Shakti

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Comme a la Maison

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Le Quay

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Chow

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Tamarind

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Le Wok

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Khmer Surin

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Le Duo

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Lemon Grass

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Red Apron

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Miro

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Score Sports Bar

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Flavours

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La Cita-Rendezvous

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Take an Evening Tuk Tuk Ride in Phnom Penh

Watch the dancing fountains in the parks

This is one of my favorite things to do with guests in Phnom Penh...take them on a tuktuk drive along the Monument through the palace and the river front. If you are lucky, you will see groups doing line dancing in the midst of the multicoloured dancing fountains around the monument.

From the Monument, go through Naga World as there is always a band in the Lobby of this hotel. What is remarkable though is going through the park in front of the hotel. You will see many locals sitting with friends around some snacks singing to the music the band plays inside. What a way to enjoy the evening.

Then, you go through the Royal Palace which is lighted fully during festivals. Proceed to the riverfront and have a drink at the FCC (Foreigh Correspondents Club) to cap the evening. During big feasts, you can sit and enjoy the fireworks.

Cruise the rivers of Phnom Penh

The Sisowath Quay

The Riverside is full of life and worth a stroll. There are dozens of stores that sell the traditionally woven silk and cotton scarves. There are restaurants spilling out into the street and the range of food is amazing! Have a drink of the local beer, Anchor or Angkor, and enjoy the meeting of the rivers and the constant traffic both in the rivers and the streets.

Experience the night life. There are so many al fresco restaurants and bars where one can enjoy a drink and a pleasant evening without being harassed by beer girls and peddlers.

One of Phnom Penh's Cozy Wine Bar

Red Apron in St. 240

You will be amazed at the wine selection Red Apron offers. When you're tired and want a very refreshing drink, go to this place. It is an oasis from the crowd.

Here's a dinner cruise for you

Book in their site

Welcome to Kanika Boat Restaurant
A Floating Restaurant harbored at the Himawari Hotel which offers Asian lunch buffet cruise, sunset cocktail cruise, dinner cruise and Apsara dance and dinner cruise.

Street Scenes of Phnom Penh

A Shambles but Fun

Read more on Phnom Penh's Streets

Fun, interesting and super productive

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Choeung Ek Memorial in Phnom Penh

The Killing Fields

15 kilometers southwest of Phnom Penh stands the Choeung Ek Memorial, a stupa containing the remains of those who were killed during the Khmer Rouge Regime. Popularly referred to as the killing field, brutal executions of more than 17,000 men, women and children took place here. Shown in this place is a short documentary showing how Phnom Penh was evacuated by the Khmer Rouge and how they marched the people of Phnom Penh to the countryside to learn once again the traditional life attached to the land.

The movie Killing Fields?

Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge

You must have seen this movie or heard about it. It won three academy awards. This British film on the Khmer Rouge reign in Cambodia, featured scenes of the Toul Sleng prison. The film was based on the experience of a Cambodian journalist, Dith Pran and his American journalist friend, Sydney Schanberg. If you have not seen it, watch it. You will have a peek at what Cambodia went through.

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Your reaction to Killing Fields

How did you take it?

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For those who have not seen this movie on Cambodia

Set mostly in Phnom Penh

The Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

S-21 Prison

Toul Sleng was a high school converted by the Khmer Rouge into a prison and interrogation facility. Its administrator, Kaing Guek Eav or Duch is currently under trial by an international tribunal. The classrooms still have the beds and the torture instruments and the walls are full of pictures of the Khmer Rouge victims and how they were tortured. It is a very sad place to visit.

Read on S-21

A very lucid tale

David Chandler knows Cambodia really well. He has lived in the place and has interviewed lots of sources for this book which is a reconstruction of S-21, a high school in Phnom Penh converted by the Khmer Rouge as a prison and interrogation center where they tortured everyone accused of being again their ideology. You still can see the torture instruments used and pictures of the victims.

Voices from S-21: Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison

Amazon Price: $20.66 (as of 05/24/2012)Buy Now

Realities like these are hard to take. Visiting S-21 is a very depressing event. However, these are events that we need to look at and understand so we learn better as Chadler aptly put it, S-21 is within each of us.

Phnom Penh Collectibles

Find bargains here

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How to Get Around Phnom Penh

Several options

There are taxis in the airport waiting for you as well as tuktuks that you can rent. There are motodups, motor cycles where you can ride at the backs.

Videos of Phnom Penh

Really interesting

Oh! Phnom Penh
by PromMukbuon | video info

114 ratings | 64,085 views
curated content from YouTube

Events in Phnom Penh

Ongoing

Be there when you are here in Phnom Penh.

The Salon for Creators at No Problem Park, No. 55, St. 178

Features 26 artists and their works of art and des more...0 points

Lives at Equinox, St.278

Watercolour and ink exhibition of the works of Cho more...0 points

Khmer Architecture Tours by Cyclo, 8:30 am

Explore Phnom Penh's historic buildings. $12 per p more...0 points

Water is Life, Dorithy Gallery, #9, St. 278, 10:00 a.m.

Doris Bottcher's photography exhibition0 points

The Children of Bassac, Every Thursday, National Museum of Cambodia, 7:00 pm

Performance of 24 Cambodian traditional dancers0 points

Art Exhibit "Phnom Penh 2058"

French Institute, 218 Street 184

Five artists' painting, more...0 points

Photo Exhibit: Speak Truth to Power

Meta House, 37 Sothearos Blvd.

Portraits and biographies more...0 points

Art Exhibit: Graffiti: Ecritures Urbaines

French Institute, 218 Street 184

Theo Vallier showcases more...0 points

The Phnom Penh Photo Festival

A Spectacular Event

The Phnom Penh Photo Festival cooked up a first in the world: photo exhibition on boats along the Tonle Bassac. Projectors were set up on the boat and as the boats cruise through the river, the pictures are shown. what a wonderful exhibition especially because on weekends, Cambodians in Phnom Penh go to the riverside for some fresh air.

For your trip to Phnom Penh

Bring your hats

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Read this book on Phnom Penh

Makes you understand the people

This is so much a part of the experience of many Cambodians. Some left the country but many went back to Phnom Penh and picked up their lives once again. The Cambodians are still rebuilding their lives step by step that expecting too much from them is just not fair.

From Phnom Penh to Paradise: Escape from Cambodia

Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 05/24/2012)Buy Now

It is a good read before you visit so you have a better historical context of what you see and observe.

Many in Phnom Penh have similar stories to tell. Some have not been lucky and could not tell their stories but the ones who are here, many still have nightmares. A few don't even want to talk about this moment of their history.

Read more articles on Phnom Penh

Know it better

Interesting Day Trips from Phnom Penh
Try some day trips out of Phnom Penh. There are pre-Angkorian ruins to explore and quaint colonial places to enjoy.
Eat Fit in Cambodia
Try some of Cambodians' favourite snack and healthy dishes. Don't leave out those exotic fruits as well.
Shop at Phnom Penh's Phsars
This piggy is going to market. Phsars are traditional markets. Check them out for bargains.

For Your Phnom Penh Trip

Travel gadgets

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Lenses on Cambodia

Unique sites on Cambodia

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Know Phnom Penh well

Check out these sites

Interesting experiences and tips.
Cambodia Tourism Magazine
This site is just new but it has beautiful pictures and includes contact numbers and links to government ministries and embassies.
CanbyPublications
This is the site of all the free tourist guides you can pick up anywhere in Phnom Penh. They have tourist guides for the major cities in Cambodia.
New website of the Municipality of Phnom Penh
This site rebrands Phnom Penh as The Charming City. This site offers information not only for tourists but for those who plan to do business in the city.

Here is a travel blog you might enjoy

Lots of info on Phnom Penh

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For planning your trip to Phnom Penh

Useful links

Check these out for some specific info you are looking for.
Khmer Architecture Tours - Modern Architecture in Cambodia by walking map, bus or cyclo
Architectural Tours of Phnom Penh. See website for tour schedules
Welcome to Sovanna Phum
Sovanna Phum is an art association in Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Welcome to Artisans d'Angkor
Welcome to Artisans d'Angkor, the rebirth of khmer arts. The place to shop quality Cambodian products.
META HOUSE PHNOM PENH : German Cambodian Cultural Center
META HOUSE PHNOM PENH (German Cambodian Cultural Center)#37 Sothearos Boulevard, Songkhat Tonle Bassak, Khan Chamkarmon. Meta House often organizes art exhibits and shows movies on Cambodia.
Friends-International: Together, building futures
#215 Street 13. They have a fabulous restaurant where they train street kids. Food is very good. They have produced a fabulous book on Cambodian cooking which they sell together with recycled products at their store.
FCC Cambodia Boutique Hotels, Boutique Hotels at Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) Cambodia
The FCC Cambodia Boutiques Hotels, casually elegant hotel rooms and dining in Siem Reap (Angkor) and Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Bougainvillier Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Bougainvillier Boutique Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Reserve now and get instant confirmation online.
Hotel Mysteres et Mekong
Hotel Mysteres et Mekong, lodge restaurant Phnom Penh Cambodge, Deux pas du Palais Royal et de la Pagode d'argent. Duvrez nos chambres et nos services.

Books on Phnom Penh

Interesting read

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Your Guide to Phnom Penh

Bring one with you

Phnom Penh Travel Guide by Offbeat Guides

Phnom Penh Travel Guide by Offbeat Guides

Offbeat Guides creates personalized, up-to-date tr more...0 points

Phnom Penh Sights 2011: a travel guide to the top 15+ attractions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Mobi Sights) by MobileReference

Phnom Penh Sights 2011: a travel guide to the top 15+ attractions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Mobi Sights) by MobileReference

This illustrated Travel Guide is a part of the Mobi more...0 points

Travel Cambodia 2011 Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook & Maps. Angkor Archaeological Park (with Angkor Wat, Bayon, and 30+ sites) Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville & more. (Mobi Travel) by MobileReference

Travel Cambodia 2011 Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook & Maps. Angkor Archaeological Park (with Angkor Wat, Bayon, and 30+ sites) Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville & more. (Mobi Travel) by MobileReference

This guide is designed for optimal navigation on e more...0 points

Lonely Planet Cambodia (Country Travel Guide) by Nick Ray, Greg Bloom, Daniel Robinson

Lonely Planet Cambodia (Country Travel Guide) by Nick Ray, Greg Bloom, Daniel Robinson

Lonely Planet's 7th edition of Cambodia will take more...0 points

Lonely Planet Vietnam Cambodia Laos & the Greater Mekong (Multi Country Travel Guide) by Nick Ray, Joshua Samuel Brown, Daniel Robinson, Richard Waters, China Williams

Lonely Planet Vietnam Cambodia Laos & the Greater Mekong (Multi Country Travel Guide) by Nick Ray, Joshua Samuel Brown, Daniel Robinson, Richard Waters, China Williams

Nobody knows the Greater Mekong like Lonely Planet. more...0 points

News on Phnom Penh

Interesting

Snap Court Verdict Sentences 13 Lake Protesters to Prison
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Snap Court Verdict Sentences 13 Lake Protesters to Prison Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh ?They have been doubly victimized.? Thirteen land protesters who were seized during a demonstration earlier this week were handed ...
Royalist Parties Agree To Join as Election Nears
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Royalist Parties Agree To Join as Election Nears Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh ?Today, with the royalist reintegration, I think we can join strongly to develop the country.? Cambodia's two main royalist parties struck a ...
Photos give peek into Phnom Penh's rebirth
Photographer Kim Hak's series Daun Penh shows scenes around Phnom Penh taken from the backs of tuk-tuks. The framing represents a blindfold being removed to reveal the post-conflict city. Photograph: Kim Hak/Phnom Penh Post After being evacuated from ...

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  • jadehorseshoe Jan 3, 2012 @ 2:21 am | delete
    Amazing Lens!
  • Phillyfreeze69 Nov 18, 2011 @ 6:14 am | delete
    aesta1, your lens captures the magnificence and splendor of your beloved Phnom Penh superbly. Thanks for adding the wonderful photos and videos( a visual treat)!

    I would love to visit Cambodia and dine on some authenic cuisine. Have a great week!
  • aesta1 Dec 7, 2011 @ 8:09 am | delete
    Food is good here.
  • goo2eyes Sep 24, 2011 @ 8:04 am | delete
    yes, you speak french over there.
  • aesta1 Sep 26, 2011 @ 4:29 am | delete
    Many older people do but there are many French who are here and running businesses.
  • OutdoorLily Apr 2, 2011 @ 11:02 am | delete
    Thanks for the in-depth glimpse! I've always wanted to visit Angkor Wat and one day plan to go but I see there is so much more to enjoy and will certainly need more time! Thanks again, loved it!
  • blackspanielgallery Mar 20, 2011 @ 9:55 pm | delete
    Nice photos
  • poutine Mar 19, 2011 @ 8:04 am | delete
    Well deserved Purple Star.

    Fabulous photos and description.
  • JoanneOtt Mar 12, 2011 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens, I love all your photos and descriptions. I see you got a purple star, congratulations and well deserved!
  • jojokaya Feb 28, 2011 @ 5:12 am | delete
    Awesome place to visit.
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by

aesta1

My husband and I work in Phnom Penh now. We have been coming here for at least 8 years now and have seen how it has developed. We enjoy being here and... more »

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This book will touch your heart 

Lucky Child: A Daughter of Cambodia Reunites with the Sister She Left Behind (P.S.)

Amazon Price: $6.43 (as of 05/24/2012)Buy Now

I just finished reading Loung Ung's book, First they Killed my Father. Not only does she writes well, she shares her own experience so you get the story first hand. I understood very well what happened when Phnom Penh was evacuated after reading her account. I will be interested to read this one, too.