After exploring the famous Angkor Wat of Siem Reap, where do you go next during your Cambodia holidays? The answer should be Phnom Penh! Aside from being the bustling capital of the country, it is home to some of the most famous attractions in Cambodia. However, what should you include in your list of things to do in Phnom Penh? Read more below to find out!
ROYAL PALACE AND SILVER PAGODA
The Royal Palace is one of the famous attractions in Cambodia you can go to during your Phnom Penh travel. This is because it serves as the official residence of the King. Keep in mind that only some sections are open to the public for visiting. These include galleries, libraries, temples, and gardens.
Another place you can visit in the compound is the Silver Pagoda. As you walk to the southern side of the complex, you will see this iconic building. Did you know that this stunning structure was originally built with wood? It was rebuilt to be how it looks as of today during 1962. The Silver Pagoda speaks so much of Cambodia’s history and culture.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CAMBODIA
The rich history of this country is worth knowing for, a visit to the National Museum of Cambodia is one of the things to do in Phnom Penh. It is the largest of its kind in the country that will take you back to the ancient times of Cambodia.
The museum’s large display of artworks, especially Khmer art is definitely unmissable. For you to understand more, there are English speaking guides that can help you as you roam around.
CHOEUNG EK GENOCIDAL CENTER AND TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE
These two places have extreme significance to Cambodia’s history. Although these two are the top places to visit in Phnom Penh nowadays, these were places of horror back then.
During the Khmer Rouge regime, Choeung Ek was the site of the mass killings. Up to this day, the remains of the people who were killed are on display here.
Meanwhile, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum served as a former high school. During the old days, it served as a political prisoners’ camp where many were tortured to death and only a few survived.
PHNOM TAMAO WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER
Photo from wildlifealliance.org
If you are an animal lover and even if not, going to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is certainly one of the memorable things to do in Phnom Penh. Animals that are rescued are being brought here for rehabilitation. They are being cured and nursed until they are in good health. Then, they would be put back to their original habitat. Guests are given the chance to interact with different animals here which is awesome!
BOAT TRIP
As the day ends, it would be a perfect time to admire the beautiful sunset in the city. Cap off your day by joining boat trips that would cruise you along the rivers of Phnom Penh.
There are different companies that offer trips as such that also include a dinner buffet and even live performances of artists.
FLIGHTS TO PHNOM PENH
So, what are you waiting for? Check out flights to Phnom Penh at Bangkok Airways to start your journey in this thriving city of Cambodia!
