PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s buzzing capital city. Due to its French influence, it has earned the nickname “Paris of the East”. I would say it is quite different than Paris though - considering I don’t know any places in Paris where you can eat tarantula kebabs! This city requires you to be quick on your feet; be mindful of where you are walking!
Attractions:
Choeung Ek Killing Fields: The entrance is only $6 USD and that price includes an audio guide. I highly recommend this. Expect to walk around for 2-3 hours. Walking around with the audio guide will give you insight into the sad reality that was the Cambodian Genocide; this is a very emotional and humbling experience. Getting here isn’t difficult; you can jump in a tuk-tuk (a round-trip ride should cost you around $10 USD).
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum/S-21 Prison: Former high school turned prison camp during the genocide. Now serves as a museum. Super heavy but definitely a must-see. I went with a tour guide and found it worthwhile.
Independence Monument & Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanou: If you walk around the city, you’ll likely pass these - pretty cool!
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda: Costs about $10 USD to walk around the grounds. You’ll get some cool photo opps here.
Wat Phnom: This temple is on the only hill in town and costs $1 USD to enter the temple. It is open from 8:00am-6:00pm every day.
Central Market: This is a typical Southeast Asian Market but one of the main attractions in Phnom Penh. This market is filled with souvenirs, street food, artwork, etc.
You can also: go into the National Museum ($10 USD), visit Wat Ounalom, and do a Mekong River Tour!
Accommodation:
Mad Monkey: This hostel has a pool, cheap drinks, and is a great place to meet people! Plus you can get a dorm room for under $6 USD/night.
Transportation:
Sihanoukville is 5 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and costs $10 USD. The flight is 30 minutes and costs $80-$120 USD. If you travel here, be sure to visit Koh Rong - an island just off the coast!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is 6 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and costs $10 USD. The flight is 1 hour and costs $70-$80 USD.
Siem Reap is 6 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and costs $10 USD. The flight is 45 minutes and costs $40-$110 USD.
Bangkok, Thailand is 13 hours by bus from Phnom Penh and costs $28 USD. The flight is 1 hour and costs $50-$105 USD.
