Explore Phnom Penh

Immersed in a vibrant history and adorned with ethereal beauty, Phnom Chisor stands as a testament to Cambodia's rich past. Located around 50 kilometers south of the bustling city of Phnom Penh, this breathtaking hilltop temple attracts history buffs and sightseers alike yearning for a taste of Cambodia's authentic culture and magnificent landscapes. Phnom Chisor, built in the 11th century by the Khmer King Suryavarman I, is a profound depiction of the glorious days of the Khmer empire. This ancient temple, primarily constructed from laterite and bricks, showcases an awe-inspiring blend of traditional Khmer architecture and Hindu mythology. The intricately carved depictions of deities, including Shiva and Vishnu, are a vivid illustration of the kingdom's religious beliefs and cultural heritage. The journey to reach the summit of Phnom Chisor itself is a unique experience. A steep stairway of 412 steps leads to the top. As you embark on this gradual ascent, you are...

Known locally as Phsar Tuol Tom Pong, but widely recognized by tourists as the Russian Market, this is arguably one of the most fascinating destinations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Russian Market offers an extraordinary glimpse into the rich culture and traditional lifestyle of Cambodia. Its name originated from the influx of Russian expats who frequented the market in the 1980s. Located in the capital's southern portion, the Russian Market is a bustling labyrinth filled with various stalls selling all sorts of unique treasures. Unlike some other markets, the Russian Market isn't only a place for tourists to pick up memorabilia. It's also an active hub for locals to do their daily shopping. As you navigate through the tight walkways packed with countless stalls, you'll come across an abundance of Cambodian silk, traditional clothes and ceremonial items, antiques, musical instruments, and much more. This place in Cambodia seems to have something for everyone. ...

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Independence Monument, or Vimean Ekareach as it is known locally, stands tall as a testimony to the country's sovereign freedom. A significant symbol of Cambodia's history, the monument was erected in 1958 to commemorate the country's independence from France in 1953. Designed by the famous architect Vann Molyvann, the Independence Monument exhibits the Khmer architectural style, reflecting the evolution of Cambodia's historical architecture. Its lotus-shaped stupa design draws inspiration from the famous Angkor Wat Temple and other historical Khmer towers. The monument stands at a height of 37 meters, an imposing sight embellished with five levels of Naga snake heads. As you approach this historical monument, you'll observe intricate carvings of mythical serpents and garudas, a bird-like creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The monument indeed narrates the tales of Cambodia's rich historical past ...

Encased in the heart of Phnom Penh – Cambodia's pulsating capital – Orussey Market stands as a bustling testament to the local life. Adorned with endless aisles of stalls and street vendors, this market place offers a vibrant, chaotic, but ultimately, an authentic Cambodian experience. Orussey Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh. Unlike the other markets that cater mostly to tourists, Orussey is where the locals shop, providing an unfiltered view into the day-to-day lives of Cambodians. This market truly embodies a "local's market", making it an ideal spot for travelers yearning for a culturally-rich experience. Walk through its labyrinthine aisles and be amazed at the sheer variety of items on offer. It's like an Aladdin's cave of goods from fresh produce, meat, and seafood, to clothing, household items, and even auto parts. Given the market's vast array of goods, haggling becomes an art form in itself and is widely pr...

A deeply rooted cultural tradition and an essential part of the Khmer religious calendar, Pchum Ben, known as Ancestor's Day, holds a special place in Cambodia. This unique festival is one of the most anticipated, respected, and significant rituals that offers Cambodians a way to express their profound respect and appreciation for their deceased ancestors. Spanning 15 days, usually from the end of September to the middle of October, Pchum Ben is not just a day but a fortnight of religious and cultural festivities. Joined hand in hand by a shared veneration for their past, Cambodians from all walks of life participate in various ceremonial activities that epitomize the true spirit of Pchum Ben. In the pre-dawn hours, devout Buddhists flock to temples clad in white clothing, the color synonymous with mourning in Asian cultures. They bring with them offerings of food, most notably "Bay Ben," balls of sticky rice and sesame, which are believed to appease the hungry ...

The Mekong River, storied and iconic, sets the scene for a quintessential Cambodia travel experience – the Mekong River sunset cruise. An expedition that not only introduces travellers to the spectacular landscapes of this Southeast Asian gem but also captures beautifully the striking play of colours in the sky as the sun dips down the horizon. Your journey begins in the bustling city of Phnom Penh. As your boat pulls away from the pier, the city's skyline, adorned with grand pagodas and contemporary architecture, begins to give way to lush, untouched landscapes. The gentle hum of the boat harmonises with the melodic chirps of distant birds, lulling you into a state of tranquillity. One of the signature experiences of this cruise is its uninhibited view of the sunset. As you glide on the placid waters, watch the sky transition from a bright azure to a canvas splashed with hues of orange, purple, and pink. The sun gradually descends, casting a warm glow over the Mekong riv...

When it comes to urban parks and recreation, Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh doesn't disappoint. Amongst the must-visit locales are the Sovanna Shopping Center and the picturesque Sisowath Quay, both serving as perfect spaces for modern leisure and outdoor enjoyment in the bustling city. The Sovanna Shopping Center, located in Phnom Penh's southern part, has emerged as a hub for shopping, entertainment, and urban recreation. From high-end boutiques and popular global brands to local design-based stores, the Shopping Center caters to all tastes and budgets. Beyond retail therapy, it offers a variety of food courts, cinemas, and indoor game zones, thereby encapsulating a modern integrated recreation park. It is a perfect spot to experience Cambodia's contemporary shopping culture and urban lifestyle all in one place. Head north from Sovanna Shopping Center and you will find Sisowath Quay. This bustling riverfront promenade is a stark contrast from the enclosed sho...

Buddhist ceremonies form the heart and soul of Cambodia, intricately threading through every facet of society. As you journey across this charismatic land, you will witness an incredible part of its cultural fabric steeped in religious beliefs. Cambodians follow Theravada Buddhism, which heavily influences their everyday life. Ceremonies take place throughout the year, marking vital events like birth, marriage, death, and various religious holidays. The robust sights, lively sounds, and profound sentiments of these ceremonies offer a fascinating way for travelers to delve deeper into Cambodia's culture. A traditional ceremony, Boun Srolani, is held every year during the Cambodian New Year or 'Choul Chhnam'. Here, locals visit pagodas with bountiful offerings such as incenses, flowers, and fruits to accumulate merits and blessings for the coming year. Pchum Ben is another noteworthy ceremony taking place annually. As Cambodia's Ancestors' Day, it lasts ...

Immerse yourself in the explosive flavors and vibrant street culture of Cambodia. The country famed for its historical temples and sprawling landscapes is also home to a bustling street food scene that tantalizes your taste buds with an exotic array of dishes. The food vendors peppered across the city give you an authentic experience of Cambodia's unique culinary heritage. Num Pang, lovingly referred to as the Cambodian sandwich, is a indulgent blend of flavours marinated with pickled vegetables and meat, neatly tucked into baguettes. The unassuming participation of French-derived baguettes in this Khmer invention introduces a surprising yet delightful transnational culinary affair. The fillings range from succulent pork to flavourful chicken and are often customized with an assortment of sauces as per one's preference. Robust and deeply marinated in a secret mix of spices, the Khmer BBQ is a carnivore's elysium. The enticing smell of grilling meat fills the eveni...