Holidays in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Highlights

You certainly won’t struggle to find exhilarating things to see and do in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia - it’s a bustling hive of activity with something going on day and night to entertain any visiting holidaymaker.

As well as being the biggest and wealthiest city in the country, it is the commercial, cultural and political centre of Cambodia, covering an impressive 679 sq km.

Situated at the confluence of three rivers - including the mighty Mekong - Phnom Penh still manages to emanate a rustic charm, despite rapid development in recent years which has seen the emergence of ultra-modern multi-storey buildings, plush hotels, trendy restaurants and glitzy bars.

It is home to spell-binding old historic temples where people worship in this predominantly Buddhist nation and you'll also encounter huge French colonial mansions dotted around various areas of the cityscape amid tree-lined boulevards.

Many holidaymakers pay a customary visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, before making a beeline for the famous Wat Botum monastery which was founded by King Ponhea Yat in 1442 and Wat Phnom, from which the city took its name.

A visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, the National Museum and the awe-inspiring Silver Pagoda is also highly recommended.

When you feel like a break from sightseeing you can head for the riverside where you can enjoy a relaxing massage in one of many spas. You can even join in with the hordes of people taking part in open-air dance lessons and exercises.

This vibrant city also has an impressive range of shops and excellent market places where you'll find some wonderful merchandise including paintings, carvings, paintings, silk, silver, gems and even antiques.

No visitor can fail to be impressed by the gastronomic delights being served in a range of outlets, from street food carts to fine dining restaurants. Cambodian cuisine is influenced by Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, and Chinese tastes and traditions.

Phnom Penh also knows how to party with an abundance of night clubs and live music venues. Before you start dancing the night away it's worth heading to the Riverfront, a popular area where you'll find dozens of lively bars and restaurants.

The city really delivers when it comes to accommodation, with many options available ranging from budget hostels frequented by backpackers to opulent 5-star hotels which ooze comfort and style.

Motorbike taxi or hired car is a good way to get around Phnom Penh as buses only serve long- distance routes. If you want to take things at a more leisurely pace a novel method of transport is motor tricycle, or even a cyclo non-powered tricycle.

Of course, there's also the option to walk and immerse yourself in the wonder of this enchanting city.

Events and Festivals in Phnom Penh

There are many festivals and celebrations in Phnom Penh each year. Here are a few of the most popular.

Independence Day

This is a major event on November 9 which celebrates the date Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. The capital Phnom Penh acts as the national hub for the festivities which include colourful parades with floats and marching bands, galas and fireworks displays. A formal ceremony takes place at the Independence Monument and a huge parade is held in front of the Royal Palace.

Cambodia International Film festival

This is the main professional film event in Cambodia. It lasts a week and highlights films made in the country and others from around the world. Cinemas throughout Phnom Penh show films each day and admission is free. The festival is organised by the Cambodia Film Commission and Bophana Center.

Sacred Furrow Ceremony

This takes place in May and is held in front of the National Museum in Phnom Penh.. It is conducted by the royal family and is a traditional ritual to mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. The event includes sacred cows ploughing a sacred furrow, before being led to trays of rice, beans and corn.

What to eat in Phnom Penh

You’ll discover many traditional Cambodian dishes in Phnom Penh, as well a host of delicious local specialities which will tantalise your taste buds.

Bok l’hong is a flavoursome salad which is a popular choice in Phnom Penh. It normally comprises smoked fish or salted crab, galangal tamarind and prahok, a wonderful Cambodian fish paste. It is often accompanied by steamed rice and grilled meat.

Babor is scrumptious street food - often served as a breakfast - which resembles porridge but is made with rice, chicken or pork broth, onions, eggs, bean sprouts, fried breadsticks and dried fish.

Amok trey is a spicy and very fragrant coconut fish curry which has been steamed in banana leaves. It can also be made using chicken, snails or tofu instead of fish. The flavour It is normally served in coconut shells.

Samlor Korko is a delightful slow-cooked spicy Khmer stew, traditionally made with pork and plenty of leafy greens.

There are many tasty desserts which are popular in Phnom Penh including mango and sweet sticky rice. Coconut milk is added to soften the rice and the dessert is served hot.

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to great dining places in Phnom Penh. Malis Restaurant, Romdeng Restaurant, Piccolo Italia Da Luigi, ST 63 BASSAK Restaurant.