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Who doesn’t want to see a Kingdom of Wonder, where ancient history and natural beauty meet, welcome to Cambodia! You will discover one of Southeast Asia’s most enjoyable destinations through Cambodia, with unspoiled beaches, colonial townscapes, dense forests, and majestic rivers and lakes. This blog takes you on a journey through its bustling capital, Phnom Penh, and the enchanting temples of Siem Reap.
Phnom Penh: A tour of the country’s capital
Phnom Penh is a buzzing capital city with lots of good bars and restaurants, as well as some important historical sites. Royal heritage, life after a tragic past, and bustling city life are the words that best describe the place and sum up its essence. Here’s a list of places that you can explore in this vibrant city:
1. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: There are a few things to note before heading to the Royal Palace it’s the royal residence and a place of national pride which means you are expected to dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered, otherwise you will be refused to enter or asked to pay extra. The palace and pagoda are awash with regal structures, intimate temples, collections of gifts from foreign leaders, and murals that paint a picture of the country’s past. The palace is a stunning complex of Khmer architecture with the Silver Pagoda features a floor made of 5,000 silver tiles and houses the Emerald Buddha. Locals like to bask in its beauty every day, flocking to the small patch of grass that sits in the shadows of the palace’s Moonlight Pavilion to feed the birds, enjoy snacks, or place offerings. A visit has to be planned strictly as per the opening hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. which will cost around Rs.550.
2. Tuel Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21): This site sheds light on Cambodia’s dark history during the Khmer Rouge regime as this former high school was converted into a prison and interrogation center between 1975 and 1979, where thousands of people were tortured and killed. The emotions while visiting this place are inexplicable, you need to experience it by yourself as it stands as a poignant reminder of the atrocities and serves as a place of reflection. You can easily access this place by tuk-tuks in just 15 minutes from the Royal Palace. There are audio guides and on-site guides available as well for explanations of the personal stories and survivor testimonies. From 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., this place is accessible to visitors with a charge of $5 per person. Choeung Ek Killing Fields: You can combine your visit to Killing Fields with Tuol Sleng for a comprehensive understanding. Also, there is no public transport to the Killing Fields from Phnom Penh so it’s wise to combine the visit in one go Keep in mind that it is not a tourist attraction but a memorial to the thousands of people who were killed here. A visit here costs around Rs.250 & is sure to add to your experience.
3. Wat Phnom: Wat Phnom, the most famous temple in Phnom Penh, stands atop the only hill in the city serving as a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s bustling streets. The temple becomes a hub of celebration with traditional games, songs, and dance during Khmer New Year and locals pay respect to their ancestors through offerings and prayer at Pohum Ben Festival. You can reach here at around 8 a.m. explore the gardens and take pictures of the surroundings. After that visit the main pagoda and stupa which costs around Rs.80.
4. National Museum of Cambodia and Russian Market: You can access the museum from a tuk-tuk from anywhere in the city center & it costs around Rs.200-400, additionally it’s just within walking distance from the Royal Palace and Riverside. It opens daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. which costs around Rs.850 for adults and is free for children under 10. Here you can expect architecture and cultural experience as a guarantee. Going into the local market would cost you between Rs.200-500 where you will see traditional Khmer garments and handmade jewelry but just beware of fake brands. After strolling through the market in the evening you can enjoy a sunset walk along the Riverside Promenade.
Siem Reap: Siem Reap is home to many unique treasures like the Terrace of the Elephants, a must-see on your visit, and part of the walled fortification of the Angkor Thom temple complex. If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, there’s no way to miss out on visiting Siem Reap: the gateway to the infamous Angkor Wat ruins, and much more. Here’s how you can explore the location:
1. Tonle Sap Lake: Visit the Royal Residence, an interesting place to walk around which serves as a holiday home to the royal families away from their main residence. In the afternoon explore the island’s famous floating village, Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The two-hour boat trip takes you around the tall, styled houses which cost around Rs.1,432 per person.
2.Pub Street: Walk around the infamous Pub Street in the evening and grab dinner at Khmer Kitchen which not only has an extensive menu but is a fab spot for people to explore the nightlife of Cambodia.
3. Angkor Wat: Now it’s time to visit the Angkor Wat Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, & the crown jewel of Cambodia’s history and one of the largest religious monuments in the world originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu in the early 12th century, it later transformed into a Buddhist temple. You can get here by Tuk-tuk, bicycle, and private car between 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry fee depends upon the number of days where a 1-day pass costs around Rs.2,697 and Rs.5,224 for 3 days. Get an early start and experience an Angkor Wat sunrise. The Angkor small circuit includes three main temples- Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. Take your time and explore every nook that Angkor Wat has to offer.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Note: The best time to visit Cambodia is between November to May.
1. How to Reach?
Popular Routes:
You can land in Phnom Penh International Airport or at Siem International Airport which usually takes 6-10 hours depending upon the layovers.
Via Thailand:
Popular Bus Routes:
From Thailand Route: Bangkok- Poipet Border- Siem Reap, it takes 8-12 hours to cross the border at Aranyaprathent and continue by bus or taxi.
From Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City- Bavet Border- Phnom Penh which takes 6-7 hours, make sure to book buses from reputable operators like Giant Ibis or Mekong Express.
2. Local Transport
The transport system of Cambodia is well-organized and connected, the most popular option you will see here is Bajaj Rickshaw which costs around Rs. 20-25 depending upon the distance. There are other options as well such as buses, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks which you just have to book through the Grab App which makes your travel convenient.
3. Visa: There are two types of Visas over here, however, it depends upon which one you want to avail for yourself:
4. Accommodation
5. Places to Eat: Cambodia offers local Kmer delicacies to international cuisines, the options are plentiful in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
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