Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Region: Phnom Penh is located in the municipality of Phnom Penh


Geographic Coordinates: 11.569400, 104.921000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Population: 2129371
Language: Khmer

Phnom Penh, The capital city of Cambodia, Is a bustling metropolis that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient and modern cultures. The city is situated at the confluence of three major rivers – Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac – making it an important commercial hub for trade and commerce in Southeast Asia. One of the most iconic landmarks in Phnom Penh is the Royal Palace. Built in 1866, This grand structure serves as the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. Visitors can explore the palace’s ornate architecture, Intricate carvings, And beautiful gardens that surround it.

Another must-visit destination in Phnom Penh is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This former high school was used as a prison during Pol Pot’s regime from 1975-1979. Today it stands as a stark reminder of Cambodia’s dark past and honors those who lost their lives during this period. For those interested in learning about Cambodian culture, Head to the National Museum of Cambodia which houses an impressive collection of Khmer art including sculptures, Ceramics, Textiles and more. The museum also has exhibits on traditional music and dance performances that are held regularly throughout the year.

Foodies will love exploring Phnom Penh’s vibrant street food scene where you can sample local delicacies such as fish amok (a steamed fish curry), Kuy teav (a noodle soup) or num pang (a Cambodian-style sandwich). For those looking for a more upscale dining experience there are plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine including French-inspired dishes due to Cambodia’s colonial past. no visit to Phnom Penh would be complete without experiencing its buzzing nightlife scene. From rooftop bars with stunning views to live music venues playing everything from jazz to rock n’ roll there’s something for everyone here!

Overall Phnom Penh may not be as well-known compared to other Southeast Asian cities, But its unique blend of history, Culture and modernity make it a must-visit destination for any traveler.



Important Landmarks

  1. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
  2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
  3. Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  4. National Museum of Cambodia
  5. Independence Monument
  6. Wat Phnom
  7. Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
  8. Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)
  9. Riverside Promenade
  10. Cambodian Living Arts – Plae Pakaa Show

Primary Industries

  1. Garment and textile manufacturing
  2. Tourism and hospitality
  3. Agriculture and food processing
  4. Construction and real estate development
  5. Banking and finance
  6. Information technology (IT) services
  7. Education and training services
  8. Healthcare services
  9. Retail trade
  10. Transportation and logistics

Noteable History

  1. The founding of Phnom Penh in 1434 by King Ponhea Yat.
  2. The reign of King Norodom I (1860-1904), who oversaw the construction of many important buildings and monuments, including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
  3. The French colonial period (1863-1953) made Phnom Penh an important center for trade, commerce, French culture, and architecture.
  4. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), Phnom Penh was evacuated, and its population forced into rural labor camps or executed en masse.
  5. In 1979, the Vietnamese invasion led to the ousting of Khmer Rouge regime but sparked a decade-long civil war that devastated much of Cambodia including Phnom Penh.
  6. Democratic elections were established in Cambodia in 1993 after years of UN-led peacekeeping efforts and political negotiations.
  7. Notable figures associated with Phnom Penh include King Norodom Sihamoni, former king Norodom Sihanouk, Prime Minister Hun Sen, writer Loung Ung(author of First They Killed My Father), musician Sinn Sisamouth,and artist Vann Nath(who survived imprisonment at Tuol Sleng prison under the Khmer Rouge).

Museums and Things To See

  1. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
  2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21)
  3. Choeung Ek Killing Fields
  4. National Museum of Cambodia
  5. Wat Phnom Temple
  6. Independence Monument
  7. Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung)
  8. Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
  9. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
  10. Phnom Penh Night Market
  11. Tonle Sap Riverfront Park
  12. Koh Dach Island
  13. Wat Ounalom
  14. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
  15. Artillery Museum of Cambodia


Sports Teams

  1. Phnom Penh Crown FC: This football club was founded in 2005 and has since become one of the most successful clubs in Cambodian football history. They have won six Cambodian League titles and three Hun Sen Cup titles.
  2. Boeung Ket Angkor FC: Another successful football club, Boeung Ket Angkor was founded in 2010 and has won four Cambodian League titles and two Hun Sen Cup titles.
  3. National Sports Academy: This academy trains young athletes in various sports such as athletics, boxing, cycling, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling. It was established by the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports to develop the country’s sporting talent.
  4. Cambodia Basketball Federation: The federation was established in 1956 but basketball did not gain much popularity until recently when they started hosting international tournaments such as the ASEAN Basketball League.
  5. Cambodia National Cricket Team: The national cricket team was formed relatively recently in 2001 but has made significant progress since then by winning several matches against other international teams from Asia-Pacific region.


Cultural Events

  1. Khmer New Year: This three-day festival is celebrated in mid-April and marks the start of the Cambodian calendar year.
  2. Water Festival: This annual event takes place in November and celebrates the end of the rainy season. It includes boat races on the Tonle Sap River, fireworks, and concerts.
  3. Pchum Ben: This 15-day religious festival occurs in September or October and involves visiting pagodas to make offerings to ancestors who have passed away.
  4. Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival): This event takes place in November during the full moon and features boat races, parades, fireworks, and traditional music performances.
  5. Royal Ploughing Ceremony: Held annually in May at Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, this ancient ceremony marks the beginning of Cambodia’s rice-growing season.
  6. Independence Day: Celebrated on November 9th each year, Independence Day commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 with military parades and cultural performances.
  7. Angkor Sankranta (Khmer New Year): A four-day celebration held at Angkor Wat temple complex featuring traditional dance performances, games, food stalls etc.
  8. Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year): A three day celebration held around mid-April that includes water fights as well as traditional ceremonies at local temples.

Cuisine

  • Fish Amok – a traditional Cambodian dish made with fish, coconut milk, and spices. It is often served at restaurants like Romdeng and Friends International.
  • Khmer BBQ – a popular street food that consists of marinated meat or seafood cooked on a grill. You can find it at places like Sovanna BBQ or The Flicks 1.
  • Nom Banh Chok – a breakfast dish made with rice noodles, fish curry sauce, herbs, and vegetables. It’s available at many food stalls throughout the city.
  • Beef Lok Lak – another traditional Cambodian dish made with stir-fried beef served on top of lettuce leaves with dipping sauce on the side. Try it at Malis or Khmer Surin Restaurant.
  • Kuy Teav – a noodle soup typically eaten for breakfast or lunch that comes in various flavors such as pork bone broth or beef broth with bean sprouts and herbs on top. Check out Noodle House by Kiwi Bakery for some delicious options.
  • Bai Sach Chrouk – grilled pork served over rice with pickled vegetables is another popular breakfast option you can find at many street vendors around the city.
  • Chinese Dumplings – you can try these dumplings in various shapes and fillings from Din Tai Fung restaurant located in Aeon Mall Sen Sok City Shopping Centre
  • Khmer desserts – Sticky Rice Mango (Nom Korm) is one such dessert which you can try after your meal from any local vendor
  • Cambodian Craft Beer – Kingdom Breweries located near Russian Market serves up some great craft beer options

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Royal Palace Park
    2. Wat Botum Park
    3. Independence Monument Park
    4. Olympic Stadium Complex
    5. Phnom Penh Water Park
    6. Koh Pich Island (Diamond Island)
    7. Tonle Sap Riverfront Promenade
    8. Chaktomuk Riverfront Park
    9. Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) Sports Club
    10. Aeon Mall 1 and 2 – shopping malls with indoor entertainment options such as cinemas, bowling alleys, and arcades

    Suitcase

    Enjoy The Journey.


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