Riverside in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh’s river front or “Riverside” area runs adjacent to the Tonle Sap River. Many bars and restaurants line the road adjacent to the river making this a hive of activity with local food stalls and many residents using the space for exercise or to just sit and relax as the sun goes down. Take a walk along from the Naga World Hotel and Casino behind the Cambodiana & Himawari hotels all the way up to the night market and you are guaranteed to experience all manner of activity along the way.
Towards the northern end, you can find many boats operating river cruises and tours, including excursions to silk island and Oudong, a former capital city of Cambodia.
Independence Monument
Constructed in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule (officially ended 1953), Independence Monument was designed by arguably Cambodia’s most celebrated and respected architect, Van Molyvann. The monument is centrally located at the cross roads between Norodom & Sihanouk Boulevards and is often used for official purposes on Cambodian holidays and days of national celebration.
Norodom Sihanouk Monument
Located not far to the east of Independence Monument along Sihanouk Boulevard, you can find a memorial monument to the late King Norodom Sihanouk (from which the road takes its name). Sihanouk Monument is testament to the Cambodia people’s affection for their late King. Sihanouk monument was built in 2013 and serves as a memorial to the life of the much loved former King of Cambodia. The memorial itself is just as popular with Cambodian visitors as it is with international tourists and people can often be seen taking pictures at all times of day.
National Museum
Another must see tourist attraction in Phnom Penh is the national museum which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art. There are over 14,000 items housed in the museum ranging from pre-historic times through to the Great Khmer Empire and after.
The museum buildings were inspired by Khmer temple style architecture and were built between 1917 and 1924 with renovations undertaken in 1968. During the Khmer Rouge regime the museum was abandoned and left in a state of disrepair. During this period many items were lost or stolen. The museum was reopened in 1979.
The Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) can be found adjacent to the museum and together they serve to protect and enhance the knowledge of Cambodian cultural heritage.
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
The S21 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or S21 as it was referred to by the Khmer Rouge, was a former school in Phnom Penh. During the Khmer Rouge, the school was turned into a prison for people labelled as enemies of the regime. During that time, anybody of any age or gender could find themselves imprisoned here, with many never returning. Please be aware that there are images of scenes of torture inside some of the former cells and the site has a very sobering atmosphere.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a must see Phnom Penh tourist attraction. Located along the Riverside, the palace is situated within a complex of buildings and serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia.
Originally built in the 1860’s, its name in Khmer language is “Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol”. The palace was built after the decision was made to relocate the capital of Cambodia from Oudong to Phnom Penh sometime in the mid-19th century. There are four main compounds inside the palace grounds, the Silver Pagoda, the Khemarin Palace, the Throne Hall & the Inner court. Please make sure to dress respectfully. You are required to wear respectful attire including shorts and skirts that cover the knee.
Wat Ounalom
Not far from the Royal Palace and also along the Riverside area is Wat Ounalom. Regarded as the center of Cambodian Buddhism and the most important Wat (temple) in Phnom Penh, there are 44 structures within its grounds. Originally constructed in 1443 the main complex houses what is believed to be an eyebrow hair of Buddha and an inscription written in Pali.
Although generally not on the traditional tourist trail, if you can find the time to visit the Wat it can be an interesting and rewarding experience with some great photo opportunities inside.
Killing Fields (Cheoung Ek)
Phnom Penh tourist attractions don’t come with more infamy and sadness attached than that of the The Killing Fields (Cheoung Ek). The Cheoung Ek site is one of the more well-known of multiple sites in Cambodia housing mass graves of victims of the Khmer Rouge regime.
It’s estimated that between 1975-1979 the Khmer Rouge executed over 1 million people. There are many excavated & un-excavated sites here, with a central memorial to the victims and a small museum. You can purchase a head set which will provide details in any language about the brutality that took place here. Next to the small museum there is a room showing film footage.
This is a place of the utmost respect, make sure you dress appropriately and consider Cambodian culture at all times. This is an important experience on the tourist or expatriate itinerary to understand some of the darker history of this beautiful country and will help you understand how and why the country has developed to what we see today.
Silk Island
Silk Island (Koh Dach) is a great and easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just to northeast of Phnom Penh city, the island offers you the chance to get into the more provincial spirit of the Cambodian countryside where you will be able to experience first-hand the craftsmanship that goes into Cambodian silk wear production.
There are several organised tours that you can arrange via travel agencies or online. Most of the tours are reasonably priced and don’t take too long. Should you take the ferry over to the island, the main silk weaving center is located just a kilometer away from the ferry drop off point where you will find traditional Cambodian silk Kramas.
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom, which in Khmer translates into “Mountain Pagoda”, was built in 1372 and stands at 27 meters. Located to the north of the city, it was the tallest religious structure in central Phnom Penh for many years. Wat Phnom has undergone some renovations in recent years with an arts and crafts center being added at the ground floor.
Considered one of the city’s major tourist attractions, Wat Phnom also holds religious significance amongst Cambodians and is shrouded in mythology. The legend states that a wealthy widow name Duan Penh (whose name is now given to the area of the city surrounding Wat Phnom) found a koki tree floating in the river. Inside this tree were four bronze Buddha statues. Taking this as a sign of good luck she then proceeded to construct a small shrine on the hill nearby which gave birth to what is now Wat Phnom.
You will often find Cambodians making offerings, praying and receiving blessings at this sacred site so please remain respectful to this important piece of cultural heritage.
Wat Langka
Wat Langka was founded in 1442 and gets its name from its previous links to Buddhist monks that would visit from Sri Lanka. There are many monks residing here that are highly regarded for their knowledge and dedication to the religion.
Some of the monks do speak English and meditation sessions are available on various days of the week. As always it is advised to check the schedule before attending. Many tourists visit the Wat to see the Golden Buddha. The Wat contains many historical writings and scriptures.
Wat Langka is located in the BKK1 area of Phnom Penh which is slightly away from the traditional tourist area of Riverside but very close to Independence Monument and Naga World Casino. The BKK1 area is a popular expatriate hangout with many restaurants as well as plenty of guesthouses & hotels in the area catering to tourists.
Please contact our professional team of real estate agents at +855 23 966 878 or enquiry@kh.knightfrank.com if you need any advice on relocation and real estate in Cambodia.