Phnom Penh is a charming city in Cambodia. Summary and general impression. Pakse — Phnom Penh

Cambodia! How long have I dreamed about it and finally the dream came true. Today I want to talk about one of the most important and, in my opinion, controversial cities in Cambodia - its capital city of Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh). In the post I will share information about what is worth seeing in Phnom Penh, where it is better to stay and where you can eat deliciously (the last one is our personal fad ☺).

It's worth starting with the fact that Phnom Penh is still less tourist-oriented than Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, Kep or Kampot. Nevertheless, the status of the capital of Cambodia leaves a certain imprint.

It is believed that Phnom Penh was founded in 1372. According to legend, the nun Peng saw the trunk of a lumbang tree floating down the Mekong, in the branches of which something gleamed. When she pulled the trunk closer to the shore, she saw that 5 Buddha statues were entangled in its branches: 4 bronze, they shone, and one stone. Most likely they were washed away during the flood of the Mekong from one of the many temples of Laos, which is just upstream of the river.

With the support of local residents, an impressive hill (phnom) was poured, on which Peng erected an altar and installed Buddha statues that sailed along the Mekong. Later, Wat Phnom Temple was built on this site, which today is one of the main attractions of Phnom Penh. Thus, it turns out that the name of the city of Phnom Penh stands for hill (phnom) Stump, or as she is more often called Mother Stump. Phnom Penh - Mother Stump Hill.

But in historical records, one can also find earlier mentions of a settlement in this area, although it was called Krong Taktomuk, which in Khmer means "City at the confluence of four rivers." This is not entirely true, because if you look at the map of Phnom Penh, you can see that it is located at the confluence three rivers: Mekong, Bassak and Tonle Sap. But they converge with the letter X, so, indeed, there is a feeling that four rivers “converged” in Phnom Penh.

How to get to Phnom Penh

By plane

Phnom Penh This is the main air gate of Cambodia. Here, or rather in 7 km from Phnom Penh, is the largest in Cambodia international Airport. Its former name is Pochentong International Airport. Unfortunately, direct flights from Russia to Cambodia could not be found. Although, according to unverified information, there seem to be charters from Novosibirsk. To select cheaper air tickets, you can, for example, use the search from Skyscanner. But from nearby countries or inside Cambodia, you can fly to Phnom Penh literally for a penny, and if you also pay for everything with a card, then it’s completely free.

By bus

Cambodia has a highly developed bus network. There are big Shuttle Buses, there are minivans. Prices vary depending on the type of transport, the reliability of the company and the greed of agents.
Approximate prices for buses to Phnom Penh:

• Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh - from 10$
• Kampot-Phnom Penh - from 5$ . Travel time is about 3 hours;
• Siem Reap-Phnom Penh - from 7$ . Travel time is about 7 hours;
• Bangkok-Phnom Penh - from 20$ . Travel time is about 15 hours.

By taxi

They often offer taxi services. The most common route is Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh. Average price - 50$ . This is, of course, the most convenient way, and if you go with a small company, then the price is not much more expensive than the bus.

By speed boat

This option is only available in the Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-Siem Reap direction and, unfortunately, only during the high season. This pleasure is worth the average 35$ from a person. Travel time 6-7 hours.

But, I repeat once again, you can ride with a breeze across the water surface from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh only in the high season, when there are enough customers to pay for the boat. Although, for 1500$ you will be delivered individually without any problems - but this is still a slightly different story.

Where to live in Phnom Penh

As I wrote above, Phnom Penh is not as heavily focused on tourists as other major cities in Cambodia. Phnom Penh has several districts with well-developed infrastructure for guests of the capital. They are concentrated mainly around the main attractions of Phnom Penh: Royal Palace and the National Museum. We stayed a little away from them at the Okay Guest House.

Nice place to stay for a couple of nights.

Pros of Okay Guest House:

• convenient location;
• breakfasts are included in the price, although they are very modest and mediocre, but nevertheless it is very convenient;
• Friendly staff;
• Spacious rooms;
• Acceptable price;
• As a bonus, we were presented with a free walk along the Mekong at sunset. Considering that the usual price of such a river cruise 5-6$ per person.

Cons of Okay Guest House:

• "tired" rooms, some of them did not interfere with at least cosmetic repairs;
• Water cuts (during our stay we had to change our room because of this. Twice!);
• Pretty slow internet
• It is not possible to buy a room without breakfast;
• There is no option to pay by card, only cash;
• Poor hotel restaurant.

In general, I can not say anything particularly good or bad. With an average price of 13$ for a spacious room hot water and air conditioning is a good option where to stay in Phnom Penh.

Getting around Phnom Penh

We didn’t find any options for renting a motorbike, and we didn’t really want to - the traffic on the streets of Phnom Penh is much more active than in Sihanoukville or Kampot. True, there is an option to rent a bicycle - but still this is a very dubious pleasure.

Tuk-tuks are the main way to get around Phnom Penh. You don’t particularly need to look for them, as soon as you leave the hotel, museum or cafe, you are surrounded from all sides with sentences “Knock-knock, seer ?!”. Minimum price — 3$ , below it we could not bring down the price for the trip even once.

ATMs in Phnom Penh

There are no problems with ATMs in Phnom Penh. One of them was right on the same street as our guesthouse. We preferred to use another, which is located not far from the National Museum of Cambodia. For some reason, he inspires more confidence in us. But this is subjective. In any case, before inserting a card into an ATM, you should carefully examine it for overlays, Velcro, cameras and other inventions of the Kulibins, who wished for the glory of Ostap Banner.

It is most convenient to withdraw money in dollars. Withdrawal fees are the same as elsewhere: up to 399$ — 5$ , from 400$ before 1000$ — 6$ . More 1000$ ATMs don't usually dispense cash at a time.

A little hack! We usually withdraw not round amounts. Those. Not 400$ , A 390$ (the withdrawal amount must be a multiple of 10). What does it give us? Exchange! With this approach, you will immediately have not only hundred bills, but also 10-20, which is very convenient - you don’t have to run and look for where to change money.

Where to eat in Phnom Penh

But with the question "where to eat" in Phnom Penh, we had problems. Most places did not inspire much confidence, and if we did decide to eat in them, the food turned out to be either frankly tasteless or, even worse, this was followed by indigestion, well at least not strong. Through trial and error, we have formed a list of only two places where it is really tasty, and in addition, very atmospheric. We agree that we just need more time to search, well, there is, that is:

Muse Cafe

This place is our absolute favourite. Here they prepare bomb sandwiches, make delicious coffee, including cold coffee.

The interior is also very nice, conducive to sit and relax from the madness going on outside the cafe. Very good location - right in front of the National Museum of Cambodia.

Nice smiling staff with good English. Adequate, even more than, prices, especially in the price-quality ratio. In general, you will be in Phnom Penh - we recommend visiting this wonderful institution.

Shangri La

This Japanese cafe is located somewhat away from the main tourist trails. The menu is represented mainly by Ramen soups in various interpretations. Portions are huge. Feel free to order one dish for two. Given the size of the dish, the average price per 6$ for the dish, and its taste - we can safely recommend the cafe Shangri La as a great place to have a tasty and satisfying lunch.

Important nuance: The kitchen is open by the hour. For example, lunch time from 11:00 before 15:00 What you can eat here at other times, unfortunately, I do not know.

History of Phnom Penh

As I wrote above, 1372 considered the founding year of Phnom Penh. For the first time, it became the capital a little later - in 1431, before that the capital of the Khmer Empire was angkor thom, which is now part of the world-famous complex angkor.

The transfer of the capital was a forced measure: Angkor Thom was captured by the Thais and the king Ponya Yat, ruling at that time, fled from there to Phnom Penh, where the royal court settled right up to 1505. At this time, the protracted games of thrones began, which stretched as far as 360 years. During this time, the capital of Cambodia, at that time the Khmer Empire, managed to visit Udong, Srey Santhor, Pursat and Lovek.

The status of the capital was returned to Phnom Penh only in 1866, during the reign of King Norodom I, the ancestor of Norodom Sihanouk, after whom Sihanoukville is named. Norodom moved the government to Phnom Penh, and also built the Royal Palace, which until now, with the exception of the Khmer Rouge period, remains the official residence of the royal family of Cambodia.

Gradually, the city developed, not without the participation of the French, who actively colonized Cambodia, and to 1920 Phnom Penh has gained fame as the “Pearl of Asia”. And with the construction of an international airport and a railway linking the capital with Sihanoukville, Cambodia in general, and Phnom Penh in particular, became part of a large Asian tour that many respected gentlemen aspired to make before starting a family and, so to speak, entering adulthood.

But, unfortunately, all good things come to an end sooner or later, and in the history of Phnom Penh, a truly black streak began - Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime. During the existence of Democratic Kampuchea, and this is the name Cambodia received during the reign of the Khmer Rouge, about 3 million people were killed, despite the fact that the entire population of Cambodia was no more than 7 million!

These were truly dark times for Phnom Penh, from a rapidly developing city, it turned into a place where torture camps were set up in schools, people were tortured, entire families and villages were slaughtered, and those who were objectionable were killed without trial or investigation. Today, evidence of these atrocities in Phnom Penh is Fields of Death And Tuolsleng Genocide Museum one of the most heartbreaking places we've ever visited.

The incredible efforts 1979 Pol Pot's regime was overthrown and the city began to gradually recover, but unfortunately, it is unlikely to reach its former greatness.

Attractions Phnom Penh

Here is the maximum full information about the most iconic sights of Phnom Penh: how to get there, opening hours, ticket prices, clothing recommendations, related facts and our impressions of visiting them.

Just want to draw your attention to the fact that Phnom Penh is far from the capital of tourist attractions in Cambodia. A rare tourist stays here longer than a couple of days, and, frankly, in Phnom Penh for more than two days and there is not much to do. But back to the sights of Phnom Penh: here, in addition to the standard temples, museums and palaces, you can visit two places that are absolutely terrible for the understanding of modern man - the genocide museum and the killing fields, real illustrations of the atrocities that Cambodia experienced during the Pol Pot regime.

Independence Monument

A point on the map:
Working hours: around the clock;
Visit cost: for free.

The monument was built in 1958, in honor of the 5th anniversary of independence from France, which Cambodia received in 1953.

The monument itself resembles a classic Khmer lotus-shaped stupa, with obvious references to the buildings of Angkor Wat.

This monument is the center of social life in Phnom Penh. Festive festivities are organized on the square in front of it, and a fire is lit inside the “corn”.

Royal Palace

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 8:00 before 11:00 and with 14:00 before 17:00 ;
Visit cost: for foreigners - 10$ .
Dress code: If you are in a T-shirt or a topic, then just throwing a stole over yourself will not help, you need clothes “with sleeves”. Unlike the Royal Palace in Bangkok, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh does not rent clothes, but they sell huge white T-shirts to cover up shame for sure ☺.
Divorce: comrades tuk-tukers, who graze in huge numbers on the entrances to the palace, will be happy to tell you that it does not work, but they know many other interesting places where they will be happy to take you. In 90% of cases, such statements are just a scam in order to invite you to your tuk-tuk, so you should not trust them too much, check it yourself - it's not difficult.
Advice: it is better to visit the Royal Palace closer to closing, as there will be less people there, since the main groups are brought to the opening in the morning and immediately after lunch.

The architectural complex of the Royal Palace was built in 1865 and since that time, with the exception of the period of Khmer Rouge rule, is the official main residence royal family of Cambodia. Yes, do not be surprised, Cambodia is a kingdom, or rather a one-party parliamentary monarchy.

The most significant are the following buildings on the territory of the palace:
Throne room:

Silver Pagoda (Temple of the Emerald Buddha):

The Silver Pagoda used to be called Wat Ubozot Ratanaram. The official name of the temple is Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, but it is usually called Wat Preah Keo for short. Well, the Silver Pagoda or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are unofficial, but convenient for tourists, names.

During the reign of King Norodom Sihanouk, the floors of the temple were covered with huge silver panels (hence the popular name - silver pagoda) with a total weight of more than 6 tons. Whether they survived after the Khmer Rouge regime is difficult to say, since now the floors in the temple are covered with worldly-wise best years carpets, and what is under them is unknown.

The second name, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, thanks to the Buddha figurine made of French crystal Baccarat(glass manufactory Sainte-Anne, Baccarat, France), XVII century, which is kept in the pagoda.

From the point of view of the history of Cambodia, the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is certainly an important and iconic place. But from the point of view of a traveler who has visited at least Thailand and been there in, the Cambodian Palace is unlikely to make a strong impression on you.

In addition, the watchman syndrome blooms here: the entrance to many halls and pavilions is blocked by ribbons, a bunch of guards, each of whom has his own personal idea of ​​​​what is possible and what is not, etc.

On the one hand, the Royal Palace is a must see in Phnom Penh, but it didn’t make much of an impression on us, but the price of tickets seemed too high for an attraction of this level. We rather experienced disappointment from his visit.

National Museum of Cambodia

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 8:00 before 17:00 ;
Visit cost: for foreigners - 10$ , audio guide (optional) — 5$ , photo permission - 1$

National Museum Cambodia is the largest museum in the country, moreover, under the auspices of the government Department of Cambodian Museums, it manages other state museums in the country. The National Museum of Cambodia has an extensive collection of Khmer art, including sculptural, ceramic, bronze and ethnographic exhibits, and it is constantly replenished.

The National Museum of Cambodia was built on the initiative of the historian and lover of Khmer art Georg Grosler ( 1887-1945 ). he is also the author of the project and the main patron of the museum. The grand opening took place in 1920 on the eve of the Khmer New Year with the participation of such dignitaries as the King of Cambodia Sisowat I, the French Governor Francois-Marius Baudouin and many others.

Before 1951 the museum was under the control of the French colonial authorities. After independence in 1953 the museum became the subject of bilateral agreements between France and Cambodia. During the Khmer Rouge regime, the museum was closed, all its employees were repressed, and many exhibits were destroyed or stolen. The museum building itself and its territory were hit hard: many ceilings, walls were destroyed, the yard was overgrown and the jungle was getting closer.

The National Museum of Cambodia reopened to the public October 13, 1979. In my opinion, this museum will be of interest only to those who are deeply interested in the art of Cambodia. For an ordinary tourist, its exhibits will most likely seem very similar and get bored pretty quickly.

The presented exposition reminded us of something, although, perhaps in terms of price-quality ratio, that exposition was even more interesting.

Temple of Wat Phnom

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 8:00 before 18:00 ;
Visit cost: for foreigners - 1$ ;
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.

Wat Phnom is also called Temple of the Mountains or Mountain Pagoda. I already mentioned this place above, it is the Temple on the mountain that is considered the “heart” of Phnom Penh.

Do not expect anything extraordinary from this temple. A simple stupa, a park with shady paths.

The most precise definition I can give to this place is cute.

Ounalom Temple (Wat Ounalom)

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 6:00 before 18:00 ;
Visit cost: for free;
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.

Ounalom Temple This is the main Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. Moreover, it is a very important temple for Buddhists all over the world.

The fact is that the Ounalom temple was built in 1443 in order to preserve the hair from the eyebrow of the Buddha, which is kept there to this day.

During the reign of the Khmer Rouge, the Ounalom temple was heavily devastated, and the monks living in the monastery at that time were brutally killed.

After the overthrow of the regime, the temple was completely restored. Now there are 44 buildings on its territory. In addition, the Ounalom temple is the residence of the patriarch of one of the Buddhist movements Mahanikaj (Mahanikaj).

Of all the temples in Phnom Penh, Ounalom made the strongest impression on us. One feels that this is a living temple, and not just a popular one. tourist facility. It is also indicative that only here the caretakers and ministers completely lacked the aforementioned “watchman syndrome”: go wherever you want, look, sit, walk, pray - and it works, somehow everyone themselves tunes in to the correct attitude towards the shrine, people, the world . Ounalom Temple- a definite must see in Phnom Penh.

Embankment (Sisowath Quay or Riverside)

A point on the map:
Working hours: around the clock;
Visit cost: for free;

Wide sidewalks, a view of the Mekong - and here you have a favorite place for the promenade of both visiting tourists and the local population. The length of the walking area is several kilometers.

On the other side of the road is the popular tourist area Riverside with many bars, cafes and hotels.

Mekong River

More precisely, we are not interested in the river itself, but in a cruise on it, because a cruise on the Mekong is one of the mandatory points of the tourist program in Phnom Penh.

Boat locations:
Working hours: from dawn to dusk, the most popular is a sunset cruise in 17:30 ;
Visit cost: from 5$ ;

Mekong- this is the largest river in the territory of not only Cambodia, but the entire Indochina peninsula. Its length is 4500 km, and the area of ​​the basin is 810 thousand km².

During the cruise, you can enjoy wonderful views of Phnom Penh. See old houses. And the skyscrapers that replace them.

Cruise on the Mekong is a very, very pleasant way to brighten up an evening in Phnom Penh.

Lotus Bloom Temple (Wat Botum Vathey)

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 7:00 before 18:00 . This seems to be official working time, but in fact, you can get there only with your grandmother-caretaker, so the temple's working hours directly depend on her;
Visit cost: for free;
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.

Another iconic temple for Cambodia and Phnom Penh. It was built in 1442 and is considered one of the oldest. The original name of the temple Wat Tayawng, and the modern name is the Temple of the Blooming Lotus ( Wat Botum Vathey) he received in 1860 in memory of the original site of the temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lotus lake, from where it was moved to its current location during the reconstruction.

The ashes of famous political and historical figures of Cambodia, as well as members of the royal family, are kept on the territory of the temple.

When visiting the temple, the old caretaker conducts a small ceremony, in return it is supposed to leave some donation, the amount of which you set yourself. My grandmother does not speak English, but she shows everything very expressively, so it is quite easy to understand the general meaning of her explanations.

After visiting the Temple of the Blooming Lotus in Phnom Penh, there is a feeling of lightness, peace. This is one of the most pleasant temples in Cambodia.

Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

A point on the map:
Working hours: around the clock;
Visit cost: for free.

Architecturally, this monument does not represent anything interesting, but given its location, and it is located in the park just opposite the Temple of the Blooming Lotus, you can take a look at it with at least one eye.

In addition, it reflects important point in the history of Cambodia. This monument, built in the late 1970s, commemorates the friendship between the Khmer and Vietnamese peoples after Vietnamese troops helped defeat the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot.

Since once again we are talking about Pol Pot, it's time to talk about the two most creepy, but at the same time, iconic sights of Phnom Penh, directly related to him and his regime - Tuolsleng Genocide Museum And Fields of Death. Moreover, it is better to watch these two places in conjunction.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or S-21 Prison

A point on the map:
Working hours: from 8:00 to 11:30 and from 14:30 to 17:30;
Visit cost: for foreigners - 5$ , audio guide (optional, no Russian language) — 3$ ;
Dress code:
Important: on the territory of the museum of the genocide in Cambodia it is forbidden to laugh and talk loudly;
Advice: the genocide museum is best visited on the same day as the killing fields, first the museum, then the killing fields.

The museum is located in the Tuol Sleng prison building ( Tuol Sleng), also called S-21 or Secret Guarded Site 21.

Before becoming a prison for hundreds of prisoners, this building was a school, whose students and teachers were among the many victims of this terrible place.

Those prisoners who managed to endure the torture were also unlucky - they were sent to the "Killing Fields" and killed there. More victims of prison 14,000 people, and only came out alive from behind the walls 8 people!.

There are not very many exhibits in the museum, mainly paintings and photographs of the victims. But this place makes a depressing impression. It is very difficult to be there, many cry. I would not advise children and people with a vulnerable psyche to visit Tuolsleng prison at all.

In general, this is a very strong place, in a negative way, but still. It raises many questions, in particular, how could such atrocities be happening in the second half of the 20th century? Who benefited? Who financed the Pol Pot regime?

A visit to secret facility 21 made Sergey and I want to learn more about this bloody period in the history of Cambodia and write a separate post about Tuolsleng prison And Fields of Death.

The Killing Fields

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 7:00 before 17:30 ;
Visit cost: for foreigners - 3$ , plus an audio guide — 3$ . At the entrance there is information that the ticket costs 6$ , but they give out two tickets: one for the entrance, the second for the audio guide. Theoretically, you can refuse the audio guide, but I do not recommend it, because the audio guide will help you get deeper into the spirit of this place. The audio guide is also presented in Russian.
Dress code: nothing bright and provocative, appropriate modest clothing;
Important: on the territory of the Killing Field Museum it is forbidden to laugh and talk loudly, although you are unlikely to have such a desire;
Advice: the genocide museum is best visited on the same day as the killing fields, first the museum, then the killing fields. Since the Killing Fields are in 17 km from Phnom Penh, the most convenient way to get here is by tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk trip from the center of Phnom Penh to the killing fields and back, with a stop at the genocide museum, will cost 20-25$ , depending on your bargaining skills.
Comment: I would not recommend visiting the killing fields for children and people with a vulnerable psyche.

The Killing Fields is one of Phnom Penh's tourist calling cards, its iconic "landmark". I put the word "attraction" in quotation marks, since the hand does not rise to write about this place as if it were an ordinary tourist attraction.

In these fields, the prisoners of the Tuolsleng prison and other "enemies" of the people and the regime found their last shelter. The suicide bombers were brought here at night blindfolded, and many were also promised that they were not being taken to be executed, but to new house. Good house, do not say anything. People were beaten to death (saving cartridges) and thrown into the pits, without checking whether the person died or not, and sprinkled with chemicals on top to finish off and bring down the cadaverous smell.

In Cambodia, about 300 such killing fields, and this near Phnom Penh is considered one of the largest - the remains of more than 8000 people, including women and children.

Visiting the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh is even more depressing than the genocide museum. The tour is built perfectly, as in a good performance or a piece of music: emotions are pumped up, pumped up, and here you are standing at the “magic tree” listening to the march in your headphones that resounded from it day and night and you see the marks that remained on it from numerous children's heads , split on its trunk ... Monstrous!

In terms of the strength of emotions, the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum are among the most important attractions in Cambodia. Although, I repeat, it is very difficult to call them just sights.

I would not like to end the story about Phnom Penh on such a sad note, so I will tell you a little useful information, about where and what you can buy in Phnom Penh.

Shopping in Phnom Penh

I must say right away that after visiting the n-th Asian country, Serezha and I were no longer attracted to local bazaars and night markets. But since they are also attractions of a kind, it is impossible not to mention them.

Central Market (Central Market, Psar Thmei)

A point on the map:
Working hours: 11:00 before 14:00 .

The Central Market is a place where both locals and tourists shop. Here you can buy both food and consumer goods, as well as a jeweler, spices and some unique things. With quality, of course, you will not guess, and you will have to bargain notably. If it's close to you, you'll love it.

Russian market (Russian Market, Psar Toul Tom Poung)

A point on the map:
Working hours: sunrise to sunset, lunch 11:00 before 14:00 .

The market got its name because of the large number of Russian buyers in the 80s of the last century. Today, it is immensely loved by tourists from all over the world who want to shop in Phnom Penh.

Night Market

A point on the map:
Working hours: from sunset to 22:00 , most active from Friday to Sunday.

The night market is a favorite evening entertainment for locals and tourists alike. In order to buy some fried spider bugs, local souvenirs, etc. — better place can not found.

Aeon Mall

A point on the map:
Working hours: With 10:00 before 22:00 .

If you miss civilization, you need to update the wiring, buy decent clothes or something like that - you shopping mall aeon.

Here you can find clothes of various international brands, many restaurants, a cinema and a lot of all sorts of activities. After we lived for 3 months, one might say, in the village, it was interesting for us to plunge into this paradise of a shopaholic.

Summing up my story about Phnom Penh, I want to say the following:

• Phnom Penh did not make us want to stay or come again, a couple of days to see the main sights of Phnom Penh is more than enough;
• In Phnom Penh, we had problems with food, it was difficult to find establishments with delicious dishes;
• The main attractions, with the exception of Tuolsleng Prison and the Killing Fields, are grossly overpriced and not worth the money spent on them;
• It can be seen that Phnom Penh is developing and, in principle, it will be interesting to see what it will turn into in a couple of years.

Cambodia is a land of contrasts. Much in this amazing state is polar, and a traveler who comes here will be happy to notice more and more new facets of life in the country. For example, Cambodia, although located in the south of Eurasia, is often visited on its territory heavy rains. In the 1970s, the authorities tried to ban the religion, but Hindu temples still remain. calling card countries. The state has a parliament, but power is still concentrated in the hands of the king - Norodom Sihamoni.

To feel the true spirit of this country, you should first head to its capital - Phnom Penh, which is located near the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Bassak and Mekong rivers - trade routes crossed here from time immemorial, which contributed to the prosperity of the city, founded more than 600 years ago.

There is a legend about the founding of Phnom Penh, which guides often tell tourists. It says that once a felled lumbang tree floated along the Tonle Sap River (which, by the way, is popular in traditional medicine and cuisine of countries South-East Asia), among the branches of which something glittered. From the shore, a local nun named Stump saw that these sparkling objects were nothing but Buddha statues: one stone and 4 bronze. In memory of this unusual event, she decided to build a hill near her dwelling, on which Wat Phnom was later founded. So they sometimes translate the name of the capital from the Khmer language - “Mother Stump Hill”. In ancient times, however, the name of the city was different - Krong Taktomuk, that is, "City at the Crossing of Rivers."

The best time to visit Phnom Penh is during the winter months, from November to January - during this period it is not so hot here, and many people can hardly endure the humid heat. From May to October there are heavy tropical rains, due to which some areas of the city even often flood. In winter it is dry and windy.

Do not forget that you have come to the opposite part of Eurasia, and here much is different from what we are used to. So, traffic in the city can be described with a simple and capacious word “chaos”, and many medicines (for example, aspirin) are very difficult to buy here - the Khmers are simply not used to taking them. But these differences will not prevent you from enjoying the trip - after all, this is why we fly to other countries, right?

The sights of Phnom Penh are less known outside of Cambodia - the same Angkor (near Siem Reap) annually comes to many large quantity tourists. Nevertheless, there is also something to see here, and, after all, this is a city in which the Khmers live for themselves, and in Siem Reap their whole life is subordinated to foreigners. Therefore, it is in the capital that you can truly discover the culture and mentality of this original people.

Wat Phnom Monastery

In Buddhist architecture, the type religious buildings called "temple-mountain". These buildings are always crowned with high towers, symbolizing the sacred mountain Meru - the abode of the gods. But the building of the Wat Phnom Monastery in Phnom Penh is a “temple-mountain” in the literal sense - this is how its name is translated from the Khmer language.

A legend is connected with the construction of the monastery, which is often attributed to the foundation of the city itself - about the nun Stump, who found Buddha statues hidden in the branches of a tree in the river. As in many legends, it is difficult to distinguish truth from fiction here, but one thing is certain: Wat Phnom was built at the same time as the city - in 1373.

In 1437, the King of Cambodia, Ponya Yat, who moved the capital from Angkor Thom to Phnom Penh, ordered to increase the height of the monastery, because the new royal palace, by misunderstanding, turned out to be higher than the religious stronghold, and this, in the understanding of the Khmers who are reverent about religion, was very wrong. Since then, Wat Phnom has remained the tallest religious building in the city.

During the 19th century, the building was rebuilt several times, the last time construction work was carried out in 1926.

The appearance of the monastery, of course, can hardly be compared with the former magnificent splendor of the temples of Angkor, however, Wat Phnom is also very interesting: the walls of the tower are covered with bas-reliefs, and its top is crowned with a long spire. Inside there are statues of the Buddha (of various sizes and made of various materials), and the walls are decorated with paintings depicting the incarnations in which Siddhartha Gautama lived before his enlightenment.

Royal Palace

At the confluence of wide and deep rivers Tonle Sap and the Mekong, in a picturesque area in the heart of Phnom Penh, is the Royal Palace. It is a whole complex of buildings built in 1860-1866. Since then, for a hundred and fifty years, members of the family of the King of Cambodia have been living here (not counting the difficult times for the monarchy during the reign of the Khmer Rouge).

In addition to beautiful buildings made in the style of traditional Khmer architecture and decorated with bas-reliefs and graceful columns, the territory of the palace includes a park.

Many parts of it are closed to the public, for example, various administrative offices. It will not be possible to enter the territory on the days of official events, including those associated with the reception of delegations from other states. Visitors can see the Throne Room, the Elephant Pavilion, the repository of symbols of royalty and the Reception Hall here.

silver pagoda

Separately, we should talk about the so-called Silver Pagoda, which is formally part of the complex of buildings of the Royal Palace, but deserves special attention in itself - this is the official Buddhist temple of Cambodia, the main religious building of the country, which even the king himself visits.

This building, built in 1866, is known as different names: Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot or Wat Preah Keo in Khmer or "Silver Pagoda" - under this name it appears in the stories of guides for foreign tourists.

It is curious that, unlike many other religious buildings in Cambodia (stone), the pagoda is built mainly of wood. This choice of material, however, did not prevent the architects from richly decorating the building both outside and inside. In the rooms, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes with scenes from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, there are many statues depicting the Buddha - each of them is unique and made of original materials. So, in the fund of the temple you can find a small sculpture made of French crystal, there is an emerald Buddha, as well as a life-size statue made of gold and decorated with almost 10,000 diamonds. In general, there is something to see.

Independence Monument

Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, and it was decided to commemorate this event by erecting a monument. The monument was unveiled in Phnom Penh five years later.

At first glance, it may seem that this is some kind of ancient Khmer shrine, a wat (temple), which was transferred from Angkor to the capital. But in fact, this monument is not even 60 years old, and the architects who worked on it specially stylized it as monuments of Cambodian antiquity out of respect for the past of their country.

The convenient location in the central part of the city, a 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace, makes it a popular tourist attraction. In the park, laid out around the monument, local residents also like to relax.
On public holidays - for example, Constitution Day and, of course, Independence Day - various festive events are held here. At night, the monument is beautifully illuminated with red, blue and white lamps - these are the colors of the Cambodian flag.

The image of the monument can be seen on the banknote of 100 Cambodian riels.

National Museum of Cambodia

Fans of ethnography and art of different nations should visit the National Museum of Cambodia, which, like the Independence Monument, is located in the center of Phnom Penh, north of the Royal Palace.

It was opened in 1920 at the initiative of the French historian, artist and philanthropist Georges Grolier. He also created the design of the building, which combines the features of traditional Khmer and European modern architecture.

The museum houses the world's largest collection of Khmer art, from ancient and primitive sculptures to contemporary paintings and household items. Also here you can see bronze and ceramics, statues, religious objects (including sculptures of Hindu gods) - more than 14,000 exhibits in total.

In 1975-1979, under the Khmer Rouge, the museum's exposition, unfortunately, was badly damaged, many items disappeared without a trace, but work to restore the collection continues to this day with the participation of archaeologists and historians from all over the world.

Leisure

You can spend time with interest and benefit in Phnom Penh both for sightseeing and just walking through the streets of the city, looking into small shops and shops, markets and cafes, because you can’t help but take the chance to get to know everyday life Closer Cambodia.

As the sun goes down, the capital transforms - neon signs of restaurants and bars light up, music sounds from many establishments, locals and tourists merge into one crowd. Nightlife is especially active in the area, which is called in the English manner "Riverside" (Riverside) - this central part cities. Nearby are the embankment, the Royal Palace and many other remarkable places that are conducive to a walk.

One of the most iconic establishments in Riverside is the FCC (Foreign Corresponders Club), opened more than half a century ago. It originally gathered journalists working in Cambodia from all over the world, and during the Civil War in 1975, reporters and their families took refuge in the club building until they were evacuated from the country through the French embassy. Today, the FCC is a place of memory of those terrible events, on the walls of the club are hung historical photos. Now it is very cozy here, you can relax, drink a cocktail and listen to classic rock of the 60s and 70s.

Another notable club in the center of Phnom Penh is called Paddi Rice - in this establishment stylized as an Irish pub atmosphere, the progressive youth of the capital gather to dance to live music.

Equinox, Metahouse, Howies, Heart of Darkness, Pontoon Night Club, San Tropez, Black Cat and many others are also popular (both among locals and tourists). There are many billiard clubs in the city - Cambodians love to play pool.

In the evening, you can buy a ticket for a pleasure boat plying the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers - from the decks of the yachts you can enjoy a beautiful view of the center of Phnom Penh shining with lights, and the Royal Palace looks especially beautiful at dusk.

In addition, sex tourism is developed here and others. extreme views rest - however, for those who do not want to run into trouble, it is better to avoid dubious companies and not agree to the offers of street barkers.

How to get there

Phnom Penh International Airport is near Phnom Penh. International Airport(former Pochentong). Most international flights arrive here.

There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Russia, including from Moscow. You can get to Phnom Penh with a transfer in Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other Asian cities. There are low-cost flights to Cambodia by Asian low-cost airlines: AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Jetstar from Singapore.

Visa on arrival at the airport is issued at the "Visa on arrival" counter. It costs 20 USD, payable in cash. If you have previously issued an electronic visa e-Visa, you can immediately go to passport control (Immigration). Luggage is collected after passport control.

The airport is located 7 kilometers from the city. To get from it to Phnom Penh you will have to use a taxi. It is best to order it at the counter at the airport. A car will cost you 9 USD, and a tuk-tuk 7 USD. Outside the airport, you can catch a private trader for 5 USD. You can get by motorcycle taxi for 2 USD.

local transport

In the city, among all vehicles, the palm should be given to a moped. Moto-taxi, of course, not the most safe view transport, but it fits almost perfectly into the chaos of the cities of Southeast Asia. In tourist areas, motorcycle taxi drivers mostly speak English and know the area very well. The price of the trip should always be negotiated in advance, as well as the route, since a slight change in it will immediately give the driver a signal to demand a larger fee. You need to pay in small money, because drivers do not always have change, and even if they do, he won’t tell you about it anyway.

A motorcycle taxi with a driver can be rented for the whole day. In addition, it is always possible to rent a moped. True, care should be taken - the movement in Cambodia is too chaotic. Renting a moped for the whole day will cost about 5 USD. It is possible that the company's employees will "find" a lot of "tourist-made" scratches and damage, so in order to avoid fraud, it is worth taking photos of the moped before renting it. Ordinary taxis are also popular in cities.

Hotels

In Phnom Penh, it is easy to rent a room, an apartment or even a cottage. True, in many cases it will be difficult to simply call these premises residential, well, or they will require serious intervention by electricians and plumbers. But this option is likely to cost less than a hotel room.

Among hotels, one of the most popular options is the Arunreas Hotel (4 *), located within walking distance from the city center and the main attractions. In addition to the location, among its advantages should be mentioned a cozy and stylish interior, as well as the excellent work of the staff. Arunreas also has an excellent restaurant. In each room you will find air conditioning necessary in the hot Cambodian climate, as well as a mini-bar and wireless internet.

The La Rose Suites hotel (4.5 *), which is also located in the city center, does not lag behind in terms of quality of service, but noise from the streets does not penetrate into its territory. It has a pool, spa and restaurant, and rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, refrigerators and minibars.

Another noteworthy hotel in Phnom Penh is the long name iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort. Its owners (by the way, ethnic Japanese) believe that it is a three-star hotel, but thanks to attentive and caring employees, it is not easy to agree with such positioning. This hotel is located a little further from the central areas of the city, however, you can easily get anywhere by tuk-tuk (motor taxi). On the other hand, the distance from the center means that it is always quiet and calm here. iRoHa Garden has a pool and spa, as well as a restaurant and a bar. The hotel is small - it has only 27 rooms, but each of them is equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and Wi-Fi.

Rambutan Resort (3.5 *) also boasts a good location - not on the outskirts of the city, but not among the noisy and always crowded with mopeds and cars streets. There is a swimming pool here, which will definitely appeal to travelers not accustomed to the humid heat. Guests will also appreciate the vending machine with a free Coca-Cola. The hotel has a restaurant, and the rooms of the guests are waiting for air conditioning and wireless internet.

Those who care about the appearance of the building, in which they will live for a week or two, should pay attention to the White Mansion (4 *) hotel, which is located in a large white mansion (namely, this is how its name is translated from in English) classic colonial style. A high level of service (in addition to the fact that the staff is polite and always ready to help, here all non-alcoholic drinks in the mini-bar in the room are already included in the price) are combined here with a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The hotel has a swimming pool and a restaurant, and when you check into your room you will see the aforementioned mini-bar and air conditioning, at least one Russian channel (“Russia”) will be broadcast on TV, and a Wi-Fi access point is always at your service.

Restaurants

Most of interesting to the tourist catering establishments are concentrated in the city center. Of course, in any corner of Phnom Penh you can find some small cafe or just a street food stall, but Khmer cuisine is very specific, and there is a high risk of eating something wrong.

But there are places in the capital of Cambodia where you immediately feel like you are at a social event. Such, for example, is the Titanik restaurant, whose interiors can be called truly grandiose, as well as the evening program: sometimes you can even watch a performance of the Apsara Royal Ballet at dinner. Its menu is represented mainly by national cuisine - here you can taste a huge variety of rice dishes, as well as the traditional Khmer soup "samlar machu" made from pineapples, tomatoes and fish.

Another interesting restaurant on the coast of Tonle Sap is called Viva. It is strange to see a Mexican restaurant in the center of the Asian capital, nevertheless, this is exactly it. Moreover, both the surroundings and the dishes are carefully and authentically recreated, and sometimes it may even seem that you are eating burritos, fajita and guacamole not in Phnom Penh, but, say, in Chihuahua or Guadalajara.

Oddly enough, they make pretty good beer in Cambodia. One of the most popular local varieties is called Angkor, and at Sovanna Restaurant it will be served in a steamed jug. Customers like to drink beef with hot pepper sauce or crab meat with rice with this beer. The establishment is very popular, and therefore it is often difficult to find a free table here in the evening.

But during the day, you should stop by the Bloom Cafe & Training Center and have a cup of coffee with cakes - many of them here are real works of culinary art. In the window you can see cakes in the form of a football sword, a drum kit and even a lady's shoe. To order in this pastry shop they will bake a cake of any shape you want.

Experimental restaurants have been opened in many cities around the world in recent years, inviting guests to dine in absolute darkness. This is how businessmen fulfill their public duty and give jobs to people with visual impairments. In Phnom Penh, such a restaurant is called Dine in the Dark (“eat in the dark”). It is said that in such conditions the taste sensations are exacerbated. If anything, the waiters will definitely take into account your wishes about the spiciness of the dishes. The menu contains not only traditional Asian dishes (noodles, rice, soups - all with pork, beef, fish and seafood), but also dishes of the so-called international cuisine, as well as a separate section for vegetarians.

shopping

The Yellow Market is considered by many to be one of the main attractions of Phnom Penh. Others, on the contrary, believe that markets in Cambodia should be kept away altogether. Both points of view have the right to life, and, be that as it may, the numerous markets of the capital are in any case of interest to the traveler who wants to get the most complete knowledge about the country in which he arrived.

In addition to the "Yellow", the largest in the city are the "Night" and "Russian" markets (the latter got its name in the 1980s, and, apparently, this is due to the fact that goods made in the USSR could be bought there). They sell magnets with the symbols of the country and the city, Khmer dishes, figurines and scarves with national colors, all kinds of jewelry, herbs and spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. All of these will make great souvenirs. Also, any market in Phnom Penh is literally littered with Chinese consumer goods and clothes, which are sewn in abundance throughout Southeast Asia. There are no price tags here - the seller invents the cost exactly at the moment when you meet his eyes, and then it also increases. So bargaining here is simply necessary.

However, Phnom Penh is slowly entering the 21st century and shopping centers familiar to each of us appear on the streets of the city. The largest of them is Aeon Mall, which stores such well-known international brands as Adidas, Mango, Yves Rocher, Puma and others. Also in Aeon there is a cinema with seven halls, a food court and even an ice rink where you can relax after active shopping.

Another popular metropolitan shopping center is called Sorya Shopping Center. It is curious that he became the first shopping complex in Cambodia, equipped with escalators. There are also many shops of famous international brands, as well as a 3D cinema and several cafes specializing in local cuisine.

It has an unusual structure shopping mall Avenue Mall. This is not a multi-storey building that is familiar to us, occupying a whole block, but something like a street lined with small shopping buildings. Here, true connoisseurs of shopping will be able to look into the stores of Samsung, Zara, Mango, Pedro and many others, and those who do not like to make purchases are given the opportunity to watch something from the new rentals in one of the three halls of The Legend Cinema, have a bite to eat in which some cafe (Toto BBQ, The Pizza Company or Brown Coffee) or just relax in a shady little garden.

The ticket cost $19 and the journey took about 10 hours. On the same day I wanted to go by bus to Vietnam. I had about five hours for sightseeing in Phnom Penh. I specially chose a flight in order to also see the city, about which at that time I knew absolutely nothing.

Phnom Penh - attractions, photo, description

Phnom Penh was founded in 1372. Located at the confluence of 3 rivers. It is the capital of Cambodia (the old name of Kampuchea), with a population of over 1.5 million people. Its name comes from the shrine founded by Mrs. Peng, a wealthy widow who pulled a log with five Buddha statues out of the river. For them, a temple was built on a hill - Wat Phnom Don Penh or temple on the hill of Mrs. Penh, which to this day is the most important and revered in Phnom Penh. People settled around the temple and the city of Phnom Penh gradually grew.

The most important sights to visit are the Wat Phnom Temple, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda in it, the National Museum, the Independence Monument. But back to travel.

I left a heavy backpack with the guys in the booth where I bought a ticket, asked some questions and walked along the nearby streets. You need to choose a place for breakfast, of which there are plenty of them in Asia at every turn. Right on the street by the road, tables are set up and food is prepared, not to mention numerous cafes and restaurants. For a long time now I have not disdained to eat in these street places, although sometimes I want something more decent. Near the place where the bus arrived was the so-called Russian Market or Russian Market - it sounded amazing, but I was not interested, I was not going to buy anything, so as not to carry extra weight. Therefore, I went the other way and went to a beautiful temple on a hill.

Temple Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom is the most important temple in Phnom Penh. I felt it right away by the pleasant good energy. The temple is located on a hill overgrown with trees 27 meters high. A wide staircase decorated with sculptures of lions and snakes led me to the temple square, where they let me release swallows from my hands to make a wish, for a small fee of course. For the first time, I succumbed to this, deciding that there was a lot ahead, naturally, first looking at the temple from the inside. Buddha statues are kept there and it is very beautiful. I didn't know then that this Wat Phom temple was built in 1373 and is the main place for making wishes for many believers. Therefore, they sell a lot of swallows there. You just choose the bird you like from the cage, make a wish and at that moment release the bird into the sky - very romantic in my opinion. And the bird is happy too 😀 Inside the temple is also very beautiful. There is a massive stupa in which the ashes of King Panya Yat are kept - he came here in 1434 and began to build the city of Phnom Penh. Before that, there were only small settlements.

Then I hired a motorcyclist and went with him to see the city and the Royal Palace.

There were few cars and in general, the city produced on me good impression. The French are great, for they have made their significant contribution. After all, Phnom Penh is a city built by the French and is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, Bassak and Tonle Sap, which divide the city into three sectors.

Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace are the main attractions of Phnom Penh

royal residence or palace complex, on the territory of which is located Silver Pagoda, and National Museum next to it are undoubtedly the main attractions of the capital of Cambodia. I arrived just in time for the opening, bought a ticket and went to the very heart of Phnom Penh.

In the territory palace complex the famous Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace, the Throne Hall, where coronations and various ceremonies take place, the official Royal residence, the Napoleon pavilion and other noteworthy buildings are located. It is very beautiful in here.

Particularly impressive is the Silver Pagoda or Wat Preah Keo Morakot, originally built of wood in the Cambodian style between 1892 and 1902, later rebuilt in brick and reopened in 1963.

Whole The floor of the Silver Pagoda is covered with 5329 silver tiles, each weighing 1125 grams.! Hence the name. The ceiling and walls of the pagoda are covered with paintings, and many valuable items immediately remind you that you are in royal territory, because many of them are a gift from the king.

It houses 1650 Buddha sculptures made of gold, silver and other valuable materials. The most significant are the gilded statue of the Emerald Buddha of the 17th century, located on a golden pedestal, and the statue of Maitreya Buddha made of gold. The golden Buddha statue is made of a piece of gold weighing 90 kg and encrusted with precious stones and diamonds, the largest of which weighs 25 carats! A 20 carat diamond is placed on the Buddha's chest. It is strictly forbidden to take pictures inside, but I still hastily took one photo. May the Cambodians forgive me, but I can show you.

It is also believed that the ashes of the Buddha, brought here by monks from Sri Lanka in 1956, are stored here, at least Buddhists believe that this is so. Monks don't live here - it's more like a pantry of royal gifts.

On the territory of the royal residence, you can also see the Throne Room, where coronations and official royal ceremonies take place. Royal Dining Hall, Chan Chai Pavilion. Another pavilion of Napoleon and a stupa.

The complex is surrounded by a gallery, the walls of which are frescoed in the traditional style and reflect scenes from the Khmer epic. The length of the paintings is 642 meters along the perimeter and 3 meters in height. 40 artists worked on them in 1903-1904.

To my great regret, I did not manage to get to the Royal Palace, because the King held some kind of meeting there, all the time while I was here, my time is not rubber, it is slowly ending.

I didn’t get to the National Museum of Cambodia either, although its interesting brick-colored building is located nearby and beckons with its architecture, but it was time to go. But I looked at a small museum nearby, also interesting.

The National Museum of Cambodia is located next to the Royal Residence, has more than 14,000 exhibits - the world's largest collection of Khmer art from prehistoric times to the fall of the Khmer Empire. The building of the National Museum looks very interesting. It was built in the period 1917-1920, in 1968 it was reconstructed.

What else to do and see in Phnom Penh

Independence Monument - built in 1955, after the country gained independence from France in 1953.

Visit the central market, built in 1937, and the so-called Russian market or Tuol Tampung - it is popular with antiques collectors, souvenirs and clothes are sold here, and they say that there is more choice. For branded clothing, also here.

On the street, the same motorcyclist caught me and took me back to my backpacks. And on the way, as usual, I take pictures of something. This is a spacious and pretty embankment of the Mekong River.

I came back to the booth where I bought a bus ticket, took my backpack and they took me to another part of the city, from where the bus left for Vietnam, more precisely, to the city of Ho Chi Minh. I had 30 minutes left to buy something to eat on the road and I went to Vietnam.

On the way, I had to take a ferry across the largest river in Indochina - the Mekong River, and while we were waiting, I took a photo right through the glass of the bus.

How to get to Vietnam from Cambodia by bus and the schedule from Phnom Penh to, Vietnam, as well as to local settlements, you can see

Well, I continued my independent journey through Asia and went from Phnom Penh to the city - click on the link and read the following article.

are the most interesting places in the capital of Cambodia, frequented by locals and tourists. Phnom Penh is the capital and most Big City Cambodia, according to residents, is once again becoming beautiful city as it was before the Khmer Rouge came to power. I knew about him from history a very long time ago. And although the popularity of this Asian metropolis, compared to much more famous ones, is not at such a high level, however, many tourists come and fly to the Cambodian capital to get to know the culture of the country better. What to see in Phnom Penh? There are many different sights here. This is a royal palace complex and historical colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, beautiful views and a picturesque promenade, this is traditional Khmer cuisine, an unforgettable Apsara show and a rich nightlife. And also the unique spirit of the country and interesting shopping. And all this is located in one city, about my impressions of visiting the most important sights of which I will tell you in this article.

I flew to Phnom Penh from Bangkok with my girlfriend during ours. We planned to see the Cambodian capital and the most significant places in her. It turned out that there are so many interesting things here! Each of them evokes conflicting feelings, because among them there are classic Buddhist shrines, bustling Asian markets with all their pluses and minuses, as well as evidence of recent history that is nightmarish for perception. civil war and genocide. And all of them left an imprint on the appearance of the modern city and we will remember for a long time.

You can move around Phnom Penh, as well as, on foot or by motorcycle taxi (the fare costs $ 1). Another option is to book a car or tuk-tuk. We walked a lot, and sometimes ordered a driver from the hotel when we had to travel far.

Unlike, they are located not so far from each other and all of them can be seen in one day by making a walking route through the central part of the city. After all, the distance between the furthest is no more than 3 km. Only the Genocide Museum is off to the side, and the Chuong Ek Killing Field is generally out of town. We went there for the whole day. Thus, two days may well be enough to see Phnom Penh.

I recommend coming for at least two full days, and it is better to allocate half a week. So you can take your time to explore the Cambodian capital and relax a bit. And you will see former capital Oudong of Cambodia, as well as several pre-Angkorian temples in Takeo province.

Map of Phnom Penh with attractions

The main attractions of Phnom Penh

I decided to highlight the seven most important, in my opinion, the sights of Phnom Penh.

1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

I especially liked the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. This is the current residence of the King of Cambodia, built by King Norodom in 1866. Then they decided to move the capital of Cambodia to Phnom Penh from Oudong. Many important ceremonial buildings are open to the public. Big interest evokes the Silver Pagoda, where the king meets with the monks and important royal receptions are held. It also contains the main relics of Cambodia. The Emerald Buddha was once kept here.

The appearance of the palace complex was influenced by French influence (especially in the beautiful gardens), and during its construction the style of the Royal Palace in Bangkok was borrowed. However, it has its own unique atmosphere.

It is best to come here in the morning, while it is not very hot and there are few tourists. You can easily spend two or three hours in the Royal Palace.

• Address: Embankment (Sothearos Blvd), intersection of streets 240 and 184.
• Opening hours: from 7.30 to 11.00, from 14.00 to 17.00
• Ticket price: $6.25 or 25,000 riels.

Read more:

Gardens around the Throne Room of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

2. National Museum of Cambodia

Located next to the Royal Palace. It is impossible to pass by this magnificent building if you are walking along the embankment of the Tonle Sap River. The building of the National Museum is bright burgundy, it can be seen from afar. All the most important artifacts relating to the history of the country are collected here: there are about 5000 Angkor exhibits alone! This museum is famous for the fact that here you can see the original famous statue Leper king or bronze Vishnu of the 11th century. Also in its halls is a huge collection of post-Angkorian Buddha statues.

And every day at 19.00 in the garden of the National Museum you can watch the traditional performance of Apsara dances. The cost of the presentation is $15.

• Address: intersection of 13th and 178th streets, next to the Royal Palace.
• Opening hours: every day 8:00 - 17:00
• Ticket price: $5

Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the museum.

Building of the National Museum

3. Wat Phnom

This not very high hill, on top of which the operating Wat Phnom pagoda is located, played a significant role in the history of Cambodia. It was on this spot that the city of Phnom Penh was founded in the 16th century, named after a hill (phnom) and a woman named Penh.

The present temple was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century. On the territory there is a small stupa, a vihan, inside which a fortuneteller works, and a statue of the king of Angkor Poney Yat, who decided to move the capital from Angkor to southeastern region countries.

Wat Phnom is really nothing special. It is worth seeing only if you have a special interest in the history of Cambodia. We spent 15-20 minutes there.

• Address: intersection of Boulevard Norodom and street 96.
• Ticket price: $1.

Wat Phnom stupa and seven-headed naga at the foot of Phnom Penh's main hill

4. Embankment of the Tonle Sap River

Residents of Phnom Penh are very fond of their promenade

In the most beautiful place in the city center is the Tonle Sap riverfront. It occupies a very large and important place in the life of the inhabitants of the capital of Cambodia. It is here that all the main attractions of Phnom Penh are located - the Royal Palace, the National Museum. 178 street leading to the museum is known as Art Street, here you can buy the best souvenirs made by skilled craftsmen - from paintings to silk products. To the north, from the embankment, a street leads to Wat Phnom, and to the south, you can see how the Tonle Sap River merges with the great Mekong.

I have visited the waterfront several times. In the evening it is quite noisy and crowded here - almost all the inhabitants of Phnom Penh come here for a walk. Small temples are open for prayers and offerings, food stalls treat everyone, musicians play and entertain tourists in the hope of making money. I was curious to observe the daily life of the Cambodians. And in the morning on the embankment you can meet the dawn. And there are noticeably fewer people.

You can also ride a beautiful boat along the Tonle Sap River. This will diversify your leisure time in the capital of Cambodia. Such a cruise lasting several hours costs from $20. Prices depend on the duration and number of tourists. Boats depart from the pier near Wat Phnom and the Old Market.

Cruise on the Tonle Sap River

Quite a traditional market, Psar Thmei, however, surprises instantly. It is located next to Norod Boulevard. When you approach it, you see a large yellow art deco building. In translation, its name means "new market". However, among tourists, the name "central market" - central market - has taken root more. You can buy everything at Psar Thmey - from jewelry to clothes, from souvenirs to food. Be sure to go shopping here. My friend Paula chose her skirt very carefully and was very pleased with her purchase.

• Address: intersection of streets 130 and 63.
• Opening hours: from dawn to dusk

Psar Thmey is a fashionable building of the central market of the capital of Cambodia

6. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh serves as a memorial to the bloody and insane Khmer Rouge regime. They turned the school building into prison S-21 - a place for imprisonment and torture. During the reign of Pol Pot in the late 70s of the XX century, a huge number of innocent people were systematically tortured here. Trying to extract the necessary confessions, the Khmer Rouge kept people here for months in intolerable conditions. Over 17,000 people were taken to the Choung Ek Killing Field for execution. Only a few managed to survive.

I think it's an emotionally difficult place to visit. But acquaintance with him is necessary for understanding the history of Cambodia.

• Address - intersection of streets 113 and 350
• Visiting time: 8.00 – 17.00. have a lunch break
• Admission fee: $3

Geography

The city of Phnom Penh is located in the southern part of the country and is surrounded on all sides by the province of Kandal. The landscape of the city is represented by plains typical for the country, plantations with rice and other agricultural crops. There are also three major rivers- Tonle Sap, Bassak and Mekong.

When these three rivers cross, they form an "X", and it was at the place of their confluence that the city was built. Rivers are a natural source fresh water and other resources. Geographical coordinates Phnom Penh cities: 11°33"N, 104°55"E The city covers an area of ​​375 square kilometers (145 square miles), with 11,401 hectares occupied by urban structures and 26,106 hectares by roads. The area of ​​agricultural land is 34,685 sq. km (13 sq. mi), of which 1,476 sq. km (365 acres) are served by the local irrigation system.

Climate

Cambodia has a tropical climate - warm and humid. Due to the fact that during the monsoon season in the country falls a large number of rainfall, it is a favorable place for growing a variety of crops. Tropical climate makes Cambodia perfect place for the development of tourism. The country is not directly affected by tropical storms, and travelers do not need to fear natural disasters - volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.

You can go to Cambodia at any time of the year. However, in the last two months of the rainy season, some roads become impassable, which can affect your plans. The average temperature is around 27°C and the minimum is 16°C. The coolest months are December and January, while the hottest month is April.

Cool season: November-March (22-28°С)

Dry season: March-May (27 -35°C)

Rainy season: May-October (24-32°C, humidity up to 90%)

The temperature in the city varies from 15 to 38°C. The city is exposed to tropical monsoons. The monsoons blow from the southwest bringing rain from Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean from May to October. During the dry season (November to March), monsoons from the northeast dominate here. From September to October, Phnom Penh receives the most rainfall, while the driest period occurs in January and February.

Economy

Double Digit Economic Growth recent years provoked a real economic boom - the construction of new hotels, restaurants, bars and residential areas. Numerous cultural and historical sights of Phnom Penh make the city very popular. tourist place. The city's economy is based on the production of clothing, trade, small and medium-sized enterprises. The real estate sector has been booming in recent years: real estate prices continue to rise. Investors from Korea, Indonesia and Cambodia are investing in the construction of two satellite cities in the vicinity of Phnom Penh. The investment project for the construction of the city of Kamko is estimated at more than $200 million and will be completed by 2018.

Because between Phnom Penh and neighboring countries direct budget flights run, people often come to Phnom Penh both for leisure and for business. The network of city hotels is constantly expanding.

The province of Kandal, surrounding the city of Phnom Penh, serves as the so-called "economic belt" of the capital. For example, in 2007 Cambodia was ranked the world's sixth largest exporter of clothing, and most of the tailoring industries are concentrated in the Kandal province. This industry creates jobs for half a million Cambodians and generates $0.3 billion in monthly wages. In 2007, large volumes of exports of agricultural products were also recorded - palm oil, peanuts, rice, pepper and others.

On July 31, the project to build the Longing Resort Leisure Park in Kandal Province was terminated. This happened due to the fact that its territory was illegally expanded, which posed a threat to the security of the capital. According to the Asian Development Bank, Cambodia's economic growth rate was 9.5% in 2007 and 9% in 2008. At the same time, according to the Cambodian government, this figure was 7% each in 2007 and 2008.

How to get there

Phnom Penh can be reached by domestic or international flights, as well as by land or water from neighboring provinces. Getting to Phnom Penh is quite easy. Despite the fact that due to the economic growth of recent years, traffic in the city has become increasingly busy, you can drive from one end of Phnom Penh to the other in less than 40 minutes.

Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport, you can take a taxi or motorcycle taxi. There is no meter in such taxis (this system is just being introduced). For a 20-30-minute ride to the city center, you will have to pay $7. A ride in slower and less comfortable motorcycle taxis will cost $2. A regular taxi from the city to the airport costs $5-$7. Since you can get stuck in traffic during rush hour, allow 30-40 minutes to get to the airport.

Phnom Penh's ferry pier is located on Sisowat Quay, 104 Street. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh by river, you can immediately get into a taxi waiting for you at the pier. A motorcycle taxi ride to hotels in the city center will cost 1,500 - 3,000 riels, and $3-$5 by regular taxis.

You can order a taxi through your hotel or tourist agency, as well as independently find a car along Monivong Boulevard. Taxis do not have a meter or a special sign. A car with a driver can be hired for the whole day for $20-$30. The minimum cost of a trip is $2-$3.

Short - and long-term rental of vehicles

The ubiquitous motorcycle taxis are the most common and fast way movement around the city, but their level of security leaves much to be desired. Motorcycle taxis get into accidents and become the objects of robberies much more often than ordinary taxis. A motorcycle taxi ride costs 1,000-4,000 riels, and for the whole day you will have to pay $6-$10. Prices go up in the evening.

Some guest houses(for example, Capitol) offer their guests bicycle rental services for $ 1-1.5 per day. Bicycle shops are concentrated at the intersection of 182 and 107 streets. In them you can buy a used bike for $30-40 or sell yours for $20.

A motorbike can be rented for $3 - $5 per day. Tourists are usually offered sports bikes of 250cc (for $10-13), although they are too powerful and heavy for slow traffic within the city. In the city it is better to ride a 100cc motorcycle, and for bumpy roads around Phnom Penh, a 250cc motorcycle is ideal. The chaotic traffic within the city makes driving very dangerous and stressful. Outside the city, the quality of roads varies considerably. If you still decide to go, then move slowly, the holder of the right side. Always wear a helmet and remember that medical services are very difficult to get here.

Ho Wah Genting offers passenger transportation services in comfortable air-conditioned buses. You can get on or off the bus at any point along its route. Buses depart at intervals of 15 minutes to 1 hour and run daily from 6 am to 6 pm. The bus station is located on the corner of the central market of the city. bus route No. 1: Koki, Khien Svay, Neak Luong. Route number 2: Tahmao, Takeo. Route 4: Kampongspy, Sihanoukville. Route number 5: Oudong, Kampong Chhnang. Route 6: Rau Kakong, Kampong Cham. Near the central market (southwest corner) is the largest bus station in the city. Sorya buses will take you to almost any place in the country, to which an asphalt road leads. Compared to others bus companies Sorya uses older buses, but they still have air conditioning and comfortable seats. Prices are reasonable (about $1 for 70-80 km).

The humble cycle rickshaw is the most romantic and practical way to get around the city, but not as safe as a car, and not as fast as a motorcycle. But in the rainy season, this method of transportation is much more convenient. Often the price of a cycle rickshaw ride is twice the price of a taxi ride, but remember that this is still manual labor.

Where to eat

Although Cambodia is considered one of the poorest countries in the world, Phnom Penh offers tourists a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, from noodle and market stalls to fine, expensive Western European-style restaurants. Even guest houses often have restaurants serving, among other things, American breakfasts, Khmer and Chinese dishes.

Most of the restaurants catering to tourists and foreigners are lined up along the banks of the river near the Royal Palace. For example, 278th Street (near the Independence Monument) and Boeng Keng Kang 1 are littered with local and foreign restaurants. On 93rd Street you will find bars and restaurants with more affordable prices.

It serves mainly Khmer dishes, as well as fresh fruit shakes and juices from October to May. The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Mittapheap Hotel, on the corner of 174th Street, next to the school and Wat Koh.

This famous bar and restaurant is especially popular with journalists. It is located on the second floor beautiful building colonial era with an open balcony offering scenic views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Excellent selection of quality traditional dishes Western European cuisine, as well as the best pizza in town. There are also photo shows and exhibitions. The prices are high. Address: 363rd Street, by the river.

This restaurant on 278th Street is a branch of the very popular Garden Center Caf restaurant and serves the same excellent Western European dishes - steaks, ham, baked salmon, burgers. It also offers Asian dishes and a large selection of salads and vegetarian dishes. Home cooking, generous portions. Relaxing, calm and friendly atmosphere.

This restaurant is in a great location. Great selection of coffees, teas and muffins. Salads, sandwiches on homemade bread, vegetarian dishes, breakfasts (scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, muesli and much more). You can sit in the inner gallery or on the balcony, which offers stunning views of the green park and the Independence Monument. Exhibitions are also held here. There is access to WiFi. 56th Street, Sihanouk Boulevard (near the Independence Monument).

This is an authentic classic restaurant serving Thai and Khmer cuisines. reasonable prices. Pleasant interior. A fairly large selection of high quality dishes, including vegetarian ones. Address: 130th street, right next to the river.

Where to stay

There are definitely places to stay in Phnom Penh, with the number of guesthouses and hotels on the rise. Here you will find hotels for every taste - from primitive rooms with fans to luxurious suites. Regardless of when you arrive in Phnom Penh, you can easily find a free room. However, keep in mind that the cheapest numbers sell out quickly. If you arrive in the morning, then your chances of getting an inexpensive room are higher. If you intend to stay for a couple of days, then you can ask for a discount in guest houses and mid-range hotels.

If your budget is limited and you are looking for a cheaper accommodation, head to the Lake Side area, near the only lake in Phnom Penh. There you will find a wide variety of budget guest houses offering rooms for $1.5-10 per night. Also, this lakeside area is known for its picturesque sunsets, which can be admired from one of the wooden piers.

shopping

Around the main market building are stalls selling krams (red and white plaid scarves), stationery, household goods, sarong fabrics, flowers, and second-hand clothes (usually from Europe and the United States). Photographers have a place to turn around in the departments with fresh products. The Central Market is undoubtedly one of the best markets in Phnom Penh. This market offers the largest selection of clean food products. The market is open from early morning until early evening.

Foreigners call Tuol Tom Pong the Russian market. It is located on the corner of 400th and 163rd streets, south of Mao Tse Tung Boulevard. This market offers a huge selection of souvenirs, including genuine and fake antiques. They also sell Buddha figurines, silk, silver jewelry, gems and much more. T-shirts, pants, jackets and shoes can be bought inexpensively. The Russian market is definitely worth a look.

Despite the similarity of the name, this market should not be confused with the Russian market. Psar O'Russey is located in a huge yellow building that looks like a shopping center. The market is located near the Capitol Tours building, east of the Olympic Stadium, next to Monivong Boulevard. Here you will find a wide variety of goods, especially gourmet foods, costume jewelry, imported toiletries, clothing (both new and used), and electrical appliances. The market is like a labyrinth with hundreds of small stalls filled with a variety of goods. If you want to visit a traditional Khmer market, then this is the place for you.