Explore Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s lively capital and a city that wears its past and present in full view. Once called the “Pearl of Asia,” it charms visitors with riverside walks, royal palaces, and energetic markets. As the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers converge here, so too do influences from Cambodia’s historical grandeur and contemporary resurgence.

Start with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, where Khmer architecture glows beneath the tropical sun. Nearby, the National Museum houses centuries of Cambodian art, from Angkorian sculpture to modern interpretations. The bustling Central Market and Russian Market invite hours of browsing local crafts, textiles, and street eats, while Wat Phnom offers both serenity and city views.

Phnom Penh also bears the weight of Cambodia’s more recent history. A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields is a powerful and moving experience that offers context to the country’s resilience and recovery. These sobering landmarks are respectfully preserved, inviting remembrance and understanding.

As the sun sets, Phnom Penh shifts into a vibrant nightlife scene with rooftop bars, riverside cafes, and fusion restaurants. You’ll find French bakeries, Khmer fine dining, and lively night markets all coexisting in this multicultural metropolis. Whether you come for history, culture, or the evolving arts scene, Phnom Penh is a compelling destination that connects past and future.