Whether visitors enjoy a romantic riverside stroll or tour the museums and historic sites, Phnom Penh, once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” is a rich cultural capital that is not be missed.
Visa
Most nationalities receive a one-month, single-entry tourist visa on arrival in Phnom Penh airport; the cost is approximately USD 25. Citizens of Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are exempt from the visa requirement.
Weather
Phom Pehn in January is warm and humid, with highs of 31 degrees Celsius and lows of 23 degrees Celsius.
Getting there
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer daily flights from Bangkok; the flight length is one hour.
Getting around
Although Phnom Penh is small and walkable, the notoriously busy traffic might make it difficult to get around the city on foot. Motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks are ubiquitous and can be hailed from the sidewalk. Another popular way to traverse the city is in a cyclo, which is like a fancy, three-wheeled version of a tuk-tuk. Taxis are also an option, but they usually don’t have meters.
Sightseeing
Stroll the Sisowath Quay (Preah Sisowath): This charming walk along the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers is great for people watching.
Wat Phnom (St. 96 Norodom Blvd.): This hilltop temple, the most important in Phnom Penh, is worth a visit. Just beware of the infamous monkeys that have been known to bite.
Phsar Thmei (Central Market, at the cross of Street 130 and Street 61): Large art deco building constructed in 1937, where hawkers sell clothes, handicrafts, and delicious prepared food.
S21 Toul Seng Genocide Museum (Street 113 Boeng Keng Kang): A gruesome but essential look at the country’s history during the time of the Khmer Rogue. Many guides available at the museum have personal stories from the period.
Choeung Ek (Killing fields): Located 15 kilometers outside of the city, this is one of the most important sites in Cambodia’s dark history. Excellent audio tours are available with the price of admission.
Taste
Doors
Spanish tapas bar featuring live music nightly.
●18 Street 47 & 84, Sangkat Strass Chork Kahnh Duan Penh, +855 23 986 114,
www.doorspp.com
La Résidence
French restaurant in a former imperial mansion.
●22-24 Street 214, +855 23 224 582,
www.la-residence-restaurant.com
Deco
Japanese tapas and fresh seafood.
●Corner of Street 55 and Street 52, +855 17 577 327,
www.decophnompenh.com
Comme à la Maison
French and European food set in a quiet garden.
●13-15 Street 57, +855 23 360 801,
www.commealamaison-delicatessen.com
Open Wine
French gastronomic cuisine.
●219 Street 19, +855 12 3456 78,
www.openwinerestaurant.com
Samba- Brazilian Steak House
One of the only Brazilian gourmet restaurants in Cambodia.
●Preah Sihanouk Blvd, +855 23 222 599,
www.samba-asia.com
Population: Approximately 1.5 million
Languages: Khmer (official), French, and English
Time: GMT +7 hours
Currency: Cambodian riel; USD 1 = KHR 3,910.90; THB 1 = KHR 121.74. USD are widely accepted.
Climate: Tropical warm and humid, with three distinct seasons: cool (November to March), hot (March to May), and rainy (May to November).
More info: Cambodian Tourist Authority (www.tourismcambodia.com)
