Highlights
Royal Palace
A striking structure near the river, the Royal Palace is vast and once dominated the skyline of Phnom Penh. With classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, the palace remains the official residence of Cambodia’s King Sihamoni. Tourists can visit the magnificent Throne Hall and a handful of surrounding buildings, which are still used in official celebrations and ceremonies. Head to the south of the complex to visit the Silver Pagoda. Named for its floor, covered in five tonnes of silver tiles, the pagoda is full of lavish and beautiful Buddha statues, including a life-sized, solid gold Buddha, adorned with 2,086 diamonds. One of the few remaining places where objects embodying the brilliance of the Khmer civilisation can still be seen, a trip to the Royal Palace is simply a must.
Tuol Sleng and Choeung-Ek Killing Fields
In 1975, a former high school was taken over by Pol Pot’s forces and turned into a prison known as S-21. A testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge, this is a harrowing experience with instruments of torture displayed in former classrooms, alongside photographs of the 18,000 people who were held here. Serving as a place of reflection and to preserve the evidence of the crimes here, the museum aims to keep alive the memory of those killed and to encourage a message of peace. From here, take the journey to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, where the prisoners of S-21 were taken to be murdered. Once an orchard, it is now a series of 129 exhumed mass graves, used as a memorial marked by a Buddhist Stupa, and is considered a place of reflection of the brutal history Cambodia has faced.
National Museum of Cambodia
Home to more than a millennia's-worth of masterful Khmer artistry, the museum is a graceful homage to traditional design, boasting a terracotta structure and a tranquil courtyard garden. Promoting awareness and an appreciation of Cambodia’s rich heritage, stroll through the pavilions and courtyards to view the 5000 artefacts over a chronological direction, from pre-Angkorian periods to more recent works. Perhaps the most impressive sculpture is an eight armed statue of Vishnu dating to the sixth century. English speaking guides, leaflets and audio-guides are available, inviting you to truly delve into the incredible history of Cambodia.
Koh Dach Island
A picturesque island on the banks of the Mekong River, Koh Dach feels far from the hustle of the vibrant city. Minutes from Phnom Penh on the ferry, the island is secluded and sleepy, inhabited mostly by silk weavers and farmers. Thatched huts line the beach and local workshops sell traditional handicrafts, ensuring a day trip here offers a taste of authentic Cambodia. Bicycles are available to hire to explore the island, so get set to pass villages, pagodas, paddies and farms in tranquillity. Visit the Silk Weaving Centre, where the traditional methods are still used and demonstrated, ideal for discovering the history of this beautiful region.
Wat Ounalom
Founded in 1443, this temple is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism and the residence of its patriarch. Located on the Tonle Sap riverfront, the wat is made up of 44 structures and is considered the most important in Cambodia. Known as the ‘eyebrow temple’, the original shrine was built to protect an eyebrow hair of Buddha, still located behind the main temple. Severely damaged during the Pol Pot era, much has been done to restore the beautiful complex to its former glory, housing repaired statues of Buddha.