Global Overland Travel, Vehicles, Gear and Life

In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, hustle and bustle do not equal danger. Keep an eye out though because petty theft can happen in crowded places, as anywhere else in the world. Understand the local customs and cultural differences before landing, that way respect flows both ways making experiences richer and genuine. Avoid walking alone late at night, as you would anywhere else, especially in big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The key to safety is to be sensible, you are not in your own neighbourhood, be alert and be sensible. Inevitably, you are most likely to experience issues via common tourist scams.

Nestled inside Doun Penh, Street 240 runs east to west between Independence Monument and Wat Botum Park, along the southern wall of the Royal Palace. This little microcosm has tree-shaded avenues harbouring a unique collection of quality boutiques and souvenir shops. Street 240 is the best area to stay in Phnom Penh if you want cafe culture and shopping. However, there are fewer local and street food options, most eateries are tailored to expats and prices can be high.

Sangkat Voat Phnum is a small centrally located neighbourhood set north of the Riverfront District. Home to a good selection of famous attractions and landmarks, you’ll find the incredible Wat Phnom, Memorial Park, the Giant Clock of Phnom Penh and the delicious and busy Night Market. Sangkat Voat Phnum is also the best neighbourhood in Phnom Penh to stay in if you’re backpacking Cambodia on a budget. This is simply because it has such a great selection of good value accommodation options. It offers everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels. Sangkat Voat Phnum has something for every style of traveller.

The neighbourhood of Tonle Bassac is one of the best places to visit in Phnom Penh for food. Located near the BKK1 and Riverside neighbourhood, Tonle Bassac sits off the beaten tourist path. It doesn’t offer a lot of tourist sights, instead, it offers visitors a more local feel, attitude and atmosphere.

What Tonle Bassac lacks in monuments it definitely makes up for in food! This is by far one of the best neighbourhoods in Phnom Penh for eating and dining. It has everything from elegant restaurants to street-side stalls, all of which serve mouthwatering dishes from throughout Cambodia and around the world. A visit to Tonle Bassac will have you licking your lips and loving every delicious minute of it!

One of the must-visit places to go in Phnom Penh is the Tuol Slang Genocide Museum. Whilst this isn’t your usual cultural temple or tourist trip, a visit to Tuol Sleng is a must. Here, a whole generation was eliminated during the Khmer Rouge, the repercussions are still being felt to this day. The former school, situated in the middle of Phnom Penh, was turned into a torture camp. The camp was left as it was found when liberated, complete with torture devices and photos of the thousands of victims.

Want to know more about this place, check out this tour.

Located side by side on Sisowath Quay, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are architectural masterpieces that showcase Cambodia’s royal heritage. They are a definite must-see place on your Phnom Penh itinerary. Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace is a prominent cultural and architectural landmark, offering a glimpse into the nation’s regal past and the splendour of Khmer craftsmanship. History, tradition and spirituality blend beneath traditional Khmer golden curved roofs. Visitors can explore several buildings within the palace complex, including the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and Khemarin Palace. The Throne Hall, with its towering spires and intricate carvings, is a sight to behold. The Moonlight Pavilion, an open-air stage used for traditional Khmer dance performances, offers a glimpse into the country’s artistic heritage. The Khemarin Palace, the official residence of the Cambodian king, is not open to the public but can be admired from the outside.

Housed in a striking red sandstone building, the National Museum boasts a vast collection of over 14,000 artefacts spanning prehistoric, pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, and post-Angkorian eras. The exhibits include bronze and wooden sculptures, ceramics, and stone carvings, offering a comprehensive overview of Cambodia’s artistic and cultural evolution. Making the National Museum one of the attractions on the top 10 things to see in Phnom Penh.

One of the museum’s highlights is the statue of King Jayavarman VII, the most renowned ruler of the Angkorian empire. The statue, depicting the king in a meditative pose, is considered a masterpiece of Khmer art. Other notable exhibits include a collection of lingams (phallic symbols representing the Hindu god Shiva), a series of bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and a variety of artefacts related to Buddhism.

Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high,  Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. Definitely one of the top things to see in Phnom Penh. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman named Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades. Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs.  When a petitioner’s wish is granted, he or she returns to make the offering (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when the request was made.

Known locally as Koh Dach, Silk Island is an island in the Mekong River. Just North of the capital of Phnom Penh, it’s an easy day trip destination that offers insights into rural Cambodian life without having to travel too far from the busy city. Named due to its traditional silk-weaving communities, there’s a lot more to enjoy on the island in addition to the chief silk-related activities. This 10-hectare island is also known as one of the prominent centres of traditional handicrafts in Cambodia, with artisans engaged in silk weaving, pottery, woodcarving and dyeing in its villages. One of the best ways to access Mekong Island is to take a cruise boat from Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh. It usually takes 2.5 hours per round trip, and the cruise will include visiting the handicraft centre at Koh Dach, sunset views and Khmer snacks. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk from the city to the Japanese Bridge, from where you can continue your journey to the island by ferry.

Want to know more about Silk Island, check out this tour.