Cambodia: 5 Places to visit in Phnom Penh
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:59
Despite its relaxed way of life, Cambodia’s capital city is teeming with things to do. Here’s our must-see list.
The capital city of Cambodia is teeming with things to do and is one of the few places in the world that has managed to maintain its rich culture, despite modern advancements. Its slow pace of life makes it a relaxing place to travel to. Let peace transcend upon you as you take in the rich heritage, the green fields, the beautiful architecture and the faces of smiling schoolchildren on bicycles, waving at you on the streets. Here are 5 of the several places you have to visit.
1) Visit Wat Phnom
Located in the northeast part of Phnom Penh, atop a hill, this Buddhist temple was discovered by a woman named Penh – which is how the name Phnom Penh originated (the hill of Penh or Penh’s hill). It is believed to house four Buddha statues deposited by the Mekong River. Visitors flock to this temple, since there is a widespread belief that if you bring lotus flowers as offerings, any wish you make at the temple will come true.
2) Visit the Killing Fields
As ominous as it might sound, Pol Pot’s heinous regime was something the Vietnamese people will forever have etched in their memories. Take a trip back not-so-long-ago to when millions of babies, children and adults were murdered under the ruthless command of Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge. Visit the genocide museum to learn a little more about this tragic time in the 60s. The main ‘highlight’ (or lowlight, depending on how you see it), is the Buddhist stupa that is stacked high with over 8000 human skulls.
3) Visit Central Market
A visit to Central Market will give you a unique chance to see how the country’s local produce is sold and you can also buy some genuinely Cambodian art pieces, textiles, gold and silver jewellery and antiques. Central market has four wings and will keep you occupied for hours and hours as you explore the various stalls teeming with all sorts of truly local products. Grab a souvenir or five.
4) Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
Featuring behind-the-scenes tours, you’ll get the exciting chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of Cambodia’s wildlife at Phnom Tamao. Although the centre isn’t as well-maintained as you’d like it to be, it offers the animals a safe haven and open space and isn’t as restrictive as a zoo is. The animals in the centre are treated well and you can see that the carers genuinely love them. Opt for a personalized tour – although it make be a little costly – for a truly unique experience.
5) Volunteer at a home/school
Cambodia is a developing country and many locals have to toil away under the sun and many of them don’t have access to the luxuries that we are so privileged to. There are several schools and homes for the disabled where funds and volunteers are needed. Make this trip an unforgettable one and a truly empowering one, by volunteering in whatever way you can, at a place where it is needed. Forgo a day or two of sightseeing and go home feeling utterly satisfied, for having brought so many smiles to so many faces.
Diya-Maya Tsering Bhalla
