Phnom Penh travel - Cambodia, Asia

Top sights and experiences

1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: The Royal Palace complex is a stunning example of Khmer architecture, featuring ornate buildings and gardens. The Silver Pagoda, located within the complex, is known for its silver-tiled floor and collection of Buddha statues.
2. National Museum of Cambodia: Home to the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture, this museum houses millennia of masterful Khmer design and artworks.
3. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): This former high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime is now a museum that provides a sobering look into Cambodia's recent tragic history.
4. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields): Located outside the city, this site commemorates the victims of the Khmer Rouge and offers insight into one of the darkest periods of Cambodian history.
5. Wat Phnom: Set atop a 27m-high knoll, this Buddhist temple is the only "hill" in town and is considered the founding site of the city.
6. Central Market (Psar Thmei): This distinctive art deco building houses a bustling market where visitors can shop for local goods and experience daily Cambodian life.
7. Independence Monument: Built to celebrate Cambodia's independence from French rule, this monument is an important landmark in the city center.
8. Sisowath Quay: This riverside promenade is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering a pleasant place to stroll and enjoy views of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong Rivers.
9. Russian Market: A popular shopping destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide variety of goods including clothing, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
10. Cambodian Living Arts Performance: Visitors can experience traditional Khmer classical dance and music performances, often held at the National Museum

Weather patterns of Phnom Penh

Temperature

• The average annual temperature in Phnom Penh is around 29°C (84°F).
• The hottest months are March and April, with average highs reaching 35-36°C (95-97°F).
• The coolest months are December and January, with average lows around 23°C (73°F).

Rainfall

• Phnom Penh has a distinct wet and dry season.
• The wet season runs from May to October, with September being the wettest month (315mm of rain on average).
• The dry season is from November to April, with February being the driest month (only 4-10mm of rain).
• Annual rainfall averages around 1400-1500mm.

Humidity:

• Humidity is generally high year-round, averaging 68-70%.
• The most humid months are September and October (77% humidity).
• The least humid months are January and February (59-62% humidity).

Best time to visit:

The most pleasant weather for tourists is generally from November to February when temperatures are slightly cooler and rainfall is low. However, this is also the peak tourist season.

Transport in Phnom Penh

Overview of transportation systems in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Primary Transport

Road-based transport including taxis, tuk tuks, and private transportation

Airport Transfers:

Phnom Penh International Airport is located about 10 km west of the city center. To get from the airport to the city:

• Taxis: Available just outside the arrival lobby, costing around $7-10 for the 20-30 minute ride into the city center.
• Motorcycle taxis (motodups): A cheaper but less comfortable option, costing about $3 to get into town.

Public Transit:

• City Buses: As of 2020, there are 17 bus lines operating in the city.
• Operating hours: Generally from 5:30 am to 8 pm.
• Fare: 1,500 Riel (approximately $0.37) per ride, regardless of distance.
• Air-conditioned buses run on set schedules, making them a reliable option.

Taxis and Ride-sharing:

• Traditional taxis: Unmarked and unmetered taxis are common. Fares should be negotiated in advance.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab and PassApp are popular services offering car, tuk-tuk, and motorbike options.

Typical costs: Short trips within the city center cost around $5-10, while longer trips can cost $30-50 or more.

• Tuk-tuks: A popular and quintessential Cambodian experience.

Costs range from $1-5 for most trips within the city.

Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

• Motorcycle taxis (Motos):Fast and inexpensive, but less safe than other options.

Short rides typically cost $1-2, with longer trips up to $5-10.

Helmets are essential for safety.

• Bicycles: Several rental shops offer bicycles, including mountain bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes.

Rental costs range from $2-5 per day for basic bikes, up to $10 per day for higher-end options

Notable events and festivals

1. Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May 26, 2024): This ancient tradition marks the start of the rice-growing season. The ceremony, usually led by the king, involves sacred oxen plowing a ceremonial field and being presented with various crops. The Royal Palace's soothsayer then makes predictions for the upcoming harvest based on which foods the oxen eat.
2. Royal Birthday of King Sihamoni (May 14, 2024): This is a three-day celebration honoring the current monarch of Cambodia, King Norodom Sihamoni.
3. Visak Bochea Day (May 22, 2024): This Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Devotees often visit temples to make offerings and participate in religious ceremonies.
4. International Labor Day (May 1, 2024): While not specific to Phnom Penh, this public holiday is observed throughout Cambodia.
5. Royal Birthday of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk (June 18, 2024): This day honors the King's mother and is celebrated as a public holiday.

It's important to note that during these public holidays, government offices, banks, and some businesses may be closed. However, many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops typically remain open, especially in Phnom Penh.

Shopping for local crafts and souvenirs in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls. Here are some top recommendations for shopping, especially for local crafts and souvenirs:

1. Central Market (Phsar Thmei): Located in a distinctive art deco building, this market is excellent for souvenirs, jewelry, and electronics. It's particularly good for gold and silver jewelry, as well as traditional Khmer crafts.
2. Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Pong): This bustling market is popular among tourists and locals alike. It's a great place to find clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is known for its maze-like alleys filled with various goods.
3. Street 240: This charming street behind the Royal Palace is lined with boutique stores, cafes, and shops selling unique items. It's an excellent place for finding handcrafted goods, textiles, and products from local artisans and NGOs supporting fair trade.
4. Artisan Designers (A.N.D): Located on Street 240, this shop showcases handcrafted goods made by disabled and disadvantaged artists, including indigenous minority groups. It's a great place to find authentic Cambodian art and textiles.
5. Night Market: Open in the evenings, this market offers a lively atmosphere and a variety of stalls selling clothing, handicrafts, artwork, and street food. It's an excellent place to experience local culture while shopping.
6. Aeon Mall: For a modern shopping experience, this mall offers a mix of international brands and local shops. While not focused on traditional crafts, it can be a convenient place to find a variety of goods.
7. Tuol Tompoung Market: Often referred to as the Russian Market's little sister, this local market is known for clothing, accessories, and traditional Khmer silk.
8. Watthan Artisans: Another store supporting disabled artists, offering a range of handcrafted Cambodian goods.

Excellent day trips and side excursions from Phnom Penh:

1. Silk Island (Koh Dach): Located about 18 km upstream from Phnom Penh on the Mekong River, this island offers a glimpse into traditional Cambodian life. Visitors can observe silk weaving, explore local villages, cycle through orchards and rice fields, and relax on riverside beaches.
2. Oudong (Udong): The former royal capital of Cambodia, Oudong is known for its twin-hill Phnom Udong. Climb to the top for majestic views of the Cambodian countryside and explore ancient temples and stupas.
3. Choeung Ek Killing Fields: Located 25 km south of Phnom Penh, this somber site offers insight into Cambodia's tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime.
4. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre: Situated 40 km south of Phnom Penh, this center allows visitors to see rescued wildlife and participate in activities like feeding elephants.
5. Kampong Cham: This riverside city, about 3 hours from Phnom Penh, features colonial architecture, the world's longest bamboo bridge, and the picturesque Koh Pen island.
6. Arey Ksat: Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Phnom Penh, this area offers rural landscapes perfect for cycling through rice paddies and fruit orchards. Visitors can also enjoy swimming pools at resorts and potentially witness traditional Lakhon Kohl masked dance training.
7. Chreav Waterfall: Located about 3 hours from Phnom Penh on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, this waterfall offers a scenic natural escape.
8. Tonle Bati: A 20-minute drive from Phnom Penh. The area is a favorite weekend getaway for locals, from visit ancient temples, picnicking to fishing and swimming.