Located at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap Rivers, Phnom Penh was reputedly founded by a wealthy widow named Daun Penh, who discovered Buddha statues hidden in a hollowed out log that washed up to her doorstep during a flood of the Mekong. Throughout the centuries, Phnom Penh served as the capital of various Cambodian realms, from the ancient Khmer Empire to the French colonial administration, and finally the modern-day government of Cambodia.
Today, Phnom Penh is a chaotic, lively maze of tumbling streets, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and motorcycles. A blur of activity from morning until well after sunset, Phnom Penh's streets are dotted with a mix of colonial French buildings and traditional Cambodian architecture; with its legendary nightlife and bustling avenues, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. Highlights include the temple of Wat Phnom, where Daun Penh was said to have founded the city, and Tuol Sleng, the sobering, former prison where opponents of the Khmer Rouge were executed.
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Explore the National Museum, which has the world's top collection of Khmer sculpture and art. A majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (ca. 800-1431), but there are some works from as early as the 4th century.
A national landmark and most important shrine in Cambodia, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is named for the 5,000 silver tiles that carpet the pagoda's floor. A gold Buddha weighing 200 pounds and adorned with almost 10,000 diamonds is the featured piece of this amazing structure.
Stop at the somber but revealing Tuol Sleng Museum, a former security prison of the Khmer Rouge now turned into a museum. Learn about the horrors of Pol Pot's genocide and the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.
Visit Phnom Udong, the royal capital of Cambodia from the 17th to the 19th centuries, where temples, stupas, and even a mosque cover the three lovely hills. There are great views of the Cambodian countryside here, and a walk through the area is well worth your time.
Visit Wat Phnom, the pagoda set on the only hill in town, and from which the city gets its name. Many locals climb the stairs leading up to the temple daily in order to pray for good luck in business, studies, or other matters.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
This 12-day luxury journey through Cambodia takes you through Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, into the jungles, and down to the sea. You’ll visit heart-wrenching memorial sites like the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum, go on an anti-poaching patrol, and of course, visit the unforgettable Angkor Wat temples, all while staying in world-class hotels.
This 16-day tour of Cambodia’s natural beauty, culture, and history will take you from Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Rumkel, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. You’ll visit the country’s renowned sights, including the infamous Cheung Ek Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, forests, waterfalls, and more.
See the best of Cambodia on this 9-day luxury journey through Phnom Penh, Kep, Koh Rong, and Siem Reap. You’ll visit unforgettable sites like Tuol Sleng Museum, the Killing Fields, King Sihanouk's once palace, tranquil Rabbit Island, Song Saa Private Island, and more, while staying in hotels fit for royalty.
This 20-day classic journey to Southeast Asia is a great way to experience the best of what this diverse region has to offer. With an extended trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities, villages, and beaches of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Make your way from Vietnam’s Saigon to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh on this fascinating 6-day luxury voyage that takes you to historical sites, bustling markets, on languid cruises, and to your final destination by speedboat, while you bed down in some of the area’s most luxurious hotels by night.
Set on a riverside among landscaped gardens, the 12-storey colonial style Sofitel offers sweeping views of the Mekong River. Each of the 201 rooms comes with audio-visual HD connectivity and complimentary WiFi access. The rooms are equipped with Egyptian cotton sheets and includes a spacious bathroom with a double sink. Choose from the hotel’s four restaurants, serving a range of Italian to Japanese cuisines. Other facilities include two swimming pools, an on-site spa, a sports club and a lounge. The Sofitel is approximately 20 minutes from Phnom Penh International Airport.
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