Country number 2, travelling with a camera on the Asia tour. Arriving by boat into Phnom Penh (PP I will call it for ease) from Vietnam. The pace of traffic is certainly a lot slower and I had to learn to cross the road again!
No taxis here and you are constantly hassled by tuk tuk drivers wanting your fare. Be careful, agree a price before you get in. They will overcharge you, so quickly get to know how much to expect to pay for the length of journey, then haggle. If they don’t come to your price, go to walk away and inevitably they will agree – not something I enjoying doing. Plus, please be aware, I was constantly told to watch for bag snatchers, even when you are in a tuk tuk. Sadly it is a common practice in PP I was advised.
Negatives first. I didn’t warm to the backpacker, bar street or waterfront areas. Go and try it for yourself would be my suggestion.
My highlights in PP:
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Cambodian Living Arts Show
- Visiting the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
- Wat Ounalom & Phnom
- Central Market
The palace is a prominent landmark in the city and impressive to say the least. There are many buildings to explore here. Built in the mid 19th century with help from the French, it is the official residence of the current monarch, King Norodom Sihamoni.The Silver Pagoda complex is next to the palace. There are several chedi or stupas (monuments housing sacred relics associated with the Buddha or saintly persons) which are a sight to see. There is also an interesting mural around the walls with scenes from the Reamker, a Cambodian epic poem. $6US to visit, closes 11am-2pm, so check opening times before you visit.
I am not going to go into a lot of detail here as you can visit the official site to learn more about this tragic time in Cambodia’s history. In short, in the genocide of 1975-1979, an estimated 1.7 million people lost their lives, around 21% of the country’s population. I have to admit, I wasn’t aware of the full horrific details of this time. 6$USD to visit and there is a nicely done audio to listen to the story as you wander around the site. These days it is a very tranquil place with may people visiting to pay their respects to the lives and whole generations lost.From the city, you can take a tuk tuk, the driver will wait for you, 17$US. Or there are several air conditioned buses (15$US – transport only which stops at S21 and Choeung Ek). Be aware, it is a very dusty / dirty / bumpyroad down to Choeung Ek. So if you choose a tuk tuk, invest in a mask. I chose not to visit the Prison S21 museum, but understand it is worth while if you want to find out more about the history. The site used to be a school, but in 1976 the Khmer Rouge turned in into a torture, interrogation and execution centre.
Cambodian Living Arts
Click here to read more on my earlier blog, – it was amazing!
Wats
There many several impressive wats (Buddhist temples) in PP that you should stop by when in town. Check out if there are any specific ones that interest you prior to your visit. They are either free to enter, or maybe just 1$. Donations are appreciated as many of the temples are undergoing renovation.
Central Market
As with any other market in Asia, be prepared to barter and hold your ground! The building is impressive at Central, a French Art Deco built in 1937.I must say a ‘big thank you’ to Sara and his team at the PRASATs Boutique Hotel in BKK1 district. They made my stay memorable. An oasis in the city with amazing customer service from all of the staff – great food too.
Next stop Kampot, it will be nice to get into the countryside.
