Tourist Attractions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
National Museum
This vast museum is famed for its collection of art and historical artefacts, and it provides a good picture of the country’s rich culture. The museum was founded in 1917 by Cambodia’s French overlords. Items from the Angkor and pre-Angkor periods may be found here. Archaeological and ethnographic objects are the two types of collections. Costumes, palanquins, barges, sculptures, pottery, and other items are on show. The eight-armed statue of Lord Vishnu is the main attraction here. It takes many hours to thoroughly and attentively visit the museum.
Tuol Sleng Museum
The Tuol Sleng Museum is located in the Tuol Suay Prey High School, which was utilised by the Khmer Rouge during their reign of terror in Cambodia. From 1975 through 1979, this school was used as a jail and interrogation facility. Thousands of individuals were held captive in this building and brutally tortured and killed. The museum today houses numerous records, photos, and the skulls and bones of the inmates who were executed in this structure.
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom is located on a hill in Phnom Penh’s northern district. This hill, also known as Wat Phnom Hill, rises to a height of roughly 88.5 feet (27 metres). It’s a pretty peaceful location. This location is home to a large number of monkeys. The earliest edifice on this location was constructed in the fourteenth century. It has four Buddha figurines discovered by a lady in a Koki tree beside the Mekong River. Over the decades, the building was reconstructed several times. The current building was built in 1926. You may see the Yeay Penh altar, a stupa, and a vihar from here. The bones of King Ponhia Yat and some of his family members are kept in the stupa.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
The King’s house, the Royal Palace, is a huge edifice with stunning roofs, lofty walls, and ornate craftsmanship that amazes tourists. The palace was constructed in 1886 by King Norodom. This palace contains a variety of regal structures, gardens, and parts. Within the palace’s compound is the Silver Pagoda, which has a silver floor. Thousands of floor tiles at the entry, Baccarat crystal Buddha, and a 90-kg solid gold Buddha ornated with diamonds and other valuable stones are just a few of the highlights. Only a portion of the Royal Palace Complex is open to the public.
Wat Ounalom
Wat Ounalom, also known as the Ounalom Pagoda, is an important Buddhist educational centre in Phnom Penh. It is situated on Sothearos Corner. A little distance from this wat is the Royal Palace. The headquarters of Cambodian Buddhist Pattriachate are housed in this wat. This wat had a library of over 30,000 volumes in it at one point. A hair from Buddha’s forehead is also enshrined in this wat. This structure is home to a number of important Buddhist monks. The majority of the structures in this complex were damaged during Pol Pot’s reign, but were later repaired. Within the compound, there is a serene and quiet atmosphere.
Independence Monument
This monument, which dates from 1958, is placed in the largest roundabout in Phnom Penh, at the intersection of Nordom and Sihanouk Boulevards. It was constructed to mark the country’s independence from France. The Vann Molyvann was in charge of the design. It has serpents and nagas and is formed like a lotus-shaped stupa. It was eventually dedicated as a war monument for Cambodians who died in the conflict. During official occasions like as Independence Day festivities, it becomes a bustling hub.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Choeung Ek’s Killing Fields are located around 9 miles (14 kilometres) southwest of centre Phnom Penh. This location provides insight into the country’s political past. This location is notorious for the mass executions of thousands of civilians during the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror from 1975 to 1978. There are around 129 mass graves in this area. It is estimated that 17,000 men, women, and children were cruelly slaughtered and interred in these graves. Today, a white stupa stands here in honour of those who perished in the area. Some of the skulls and bones discovered here are on exhibit at a neighbouring museum. This is not a place to visit if you have children or are easily frightened.
Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm Temple is located near Tonle Bati, about 19 miles (31 kilometres) south of Phnom Penh. It is a stone temple constructed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. In honour of his mother, the king constructed this shrine. A Khmer temple from the 6th century formerly stood on this site. It’s a lovely temple with palm palms surrounding it. Bas-reliefs describing numerous stories may be found here. The western side of the temple should be entered and the eastern side should be exited. It’s also a good idea to bring a lamp when visiting this temple because some of the areas are rather gloomy. Yeay Peau Temple is a short distance from this temple.
Riverfront Park
This park is located near the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers’ confluence. From this park, you may take in the stunning vista of three rivers merging. People come to the park for a leisurely stroll in the morning and evening. During the morning and evening hours, the park’s walking pathways are always busy. This park is very popular with children. There are also a lot of taverns, stores, and restaurants in this region that provide delectable local cuisines. On the other side of the river, next to this park, is a new park called Chhrouy Changva Park, which also attracts a large number of visitors.
Chroy Changvar Bridge
This bridge, also known as the Cambodia-Japan Friendship Bridge, was built in 1966. During the Khmer Rouge’s control from 1975 to 1979, the bridge was severely damaged. During this time, the people of Phnom Penh moved out of the city to other places, and the bridge was abandoned as a result. For many years, it was in a poor state. In 1995, Japan provided financial assistance for the rehabilitation of this bridge. This bridge was renovated by Japanese experts and is now functioning. Many visitors now visit this spot to applaud the efforts of individuals and organisations that contributed to the bridge’s repair.
