There are quite a few interesting places to visit whilst you are in Phnom Penh and some other great places which are only a short distance from the city and these can easily be visited in day trips.

Places of interest to the visitor include Historical sites, Wats and Pagodas, River cruises, landmarks, monuments, Fun parks and more. There are certainly enough places to visit and you would need a good week in the capital to see them all. Most of the Moto and Taxi drivers know the popular points of interest in and around the city and there is definitely something to cater to anyone's taste.

The Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

Admission: US$3 Open: 7.30am – 11am and 2.30pm – 5pm daily
Photography not permitted inside the Pagoda; cameras are permissible for an extra US$2 or video camera an extra US$5 for other areas.

The Palace is now home to the King and Queen of Cambodia, built in 1866 by King Norodom. The Royal Palace stands on the original citadel, Banteay Kev (built in 1813). Visitors have only been welcomed to view the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda’s surrounding compound since King Sihanouk's return to Cambodia.

Chan Chaya Pavillion
Classical Cambodian dance performances were once staged in the Chan Chaya Pavilion.

Throne Hall
Diplomats used the Throne Hall for coronations and ceremonies such as the presentations of credentials. This magnificent structure was originally constructed in wood on this site, built in 1869. King Sisowath inaugurated the cement structure we see today in 1919. The 59m-high tower was an inspiration of the Bayon at Angkor. The Khmer Rouge was responsible for the destruction of the many items that were once displayed here. The courtyard however still houses an unusual but interesting house made of iron, given to King Norodom by Napoleon 111 of France.

Silver Pagoda

Named the Silver Pagoda due to its 5000 silver tiles that cover its floor, each weighing 1kg.This remarkable structure was rebuilt in 1962. Its origin was constructed of wood, inspired by Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo in 1892 during the rule of King Norodom.

The Khmer Rouge preserved the Silver Pagoda in its quest to demonstrate the need for conserving the Cambodian culture and it’s riches to the outside world. However at the same time, over 50% of its contents were destroyed under Pol Pot. Here remains one of the rare reminders in Cambodia of the Khmer civilisation.

With its staircase entrance made of Italian marble, the Silver Pagoda is undoubtedly an amazing place to visit. An Emerald Buddha sits high on the dais, which is said to be made of Baccarat crystal. Gold, Bronze and Silver Buddha's all varying in size, are all housed within this amazing structure, along with its rich elegance, and dazzling diamond covered decorations. Bejewelled masks used in classical dance and solid and hollow gold Buddha's can be seen along the walls of this extraordinary Pagoda, all are magnificent examples of the Khmer artistic realm.

The Silver Pagoda has many other interesting sites to view, all a must see, including the Mondap library which is home to the richly illuminated sacred texts written on palm leaves. Among the many shrines here are those of King Norodom, an equestrian statue, who reigned from 1860 –1904; a pavilion that is home to a huge footprint of the Buddha, the shrine of King An Dong (1845-59); a pavilion of celebrations held by the royal family, a shrine dedicated to the daughter of Prince Sihanouk and a shrine for his father, King Norodom Suramarit (1955-60). Here also stands the Bell Tower, which is used to order the opening and closing of the gates to the sound of its bell.

Admission: US$2 Open: 8am-11.30am and 2pm – 5.00pm daily (except national holidays)
Photography here is not permitted, however a booklet of its exhibits is available onsite.

Situated north of the Royal Palace the National Museum is a traditional terra cotta structure in all its elegance. Courtyards, all of which are facing onto a garden, display an extraordinary array of sculptures including those dating back to the 6th and 7th century to its left and at its entrance.

Pottery and bronzes are also on display within the museum, dating back to the 4th to the 9th centuries, the 9th to the 10th centuries and the 10th to the 14th centuries as well as more recent works. Post Angkorian Buddha's (10th – 14th century), in which many of them were rescued from the Angkor Wat when the civil war erupted, are a permanent collection here on display.

Admission: US$2 Open: 8am-1.30am and 2pm-5.30pm daily
Video cameras an extra $US5

Not for the squeamish, Tuol Sleng Museum holds years of depressing history, from what once was Tuol Prey School (taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces), to a prison then known as Security Prison S-21 which became one the largest detention and torture prisons in the country; to the Museum it is today; a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

Admission: US$2 Open: 7am – 5.30pm daily

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is situated 15klm from central Phnom Penh. Here is the devastating reminder of the torturous and barbaric reign of the Khmer Rouge. Thousands upon thousands of men, women, infants and children were transported here from Security Prison S-21 after being detained and tortured. A Memorial Stupa, built in 1988, displays the remains of human skulls arranged in age and sex behind glass panels. A memorial day, 9th May of each year is held at Choeung Ek.

Admission: US$1 Open: 7am – 5.30pm daily

Wat Phnom is known to be the symbol of Cambodia, a popular destination to view the remaining monuments, and one that shows evidence of the natural jungle overgrowth, and its inevitable destruction. Guarded by lions, and naga, a mythical serpent, is the entrance to the home of the first Pagoda. Built in 1373, it was to house four Buddha statues that were washed from the Mekong River and had settled here. Here you’ll fine the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, the statues of the Madame Penh, (the woman who discovered the four Buddha's), and the shrine of Preah Chau.

It also offers a short elephant ride, take the opportunity, it’s a perfect photo to take home!

Is the headquarters of the Cambodian Buddhist patriarchate, founded in 1443, where the head of the Buddhist hierarchy resides, along with a large number of Monks. The main building consists of 3 floors, where you’ll find remnants of the destruction from the Khmer Rouge, statues of Buddhist historical reference and decorated walls showing scenes of the life of Buddha.

A colourful Wat redecorated in fresh paint, is the second of Phnom Penh’s Wats to be reconstructed. Chambers of vihara display the scenes and life of Buddha.

This Wat was named after Chakrue Ponn, who was one of King Monivong’s ministers. He was honoured for initiating the founding of the pagoda. Moha Montrei means ’the great minister’.

This mosque has been completely rebuilt from donations from Saudi Arabia. Prayers are held here 5 times a day.

Situated in Khet Chraing Chamres, 7klm from central Phnom Penh, this mosque, once used by the Khmer Rouge is now serving the Cham community and the ethnic Malay Muslims. All visitors are requested to abide by the rules and remove their shoes on entering the mosque.

A new modern brick structure, built by the local Muslim community is topped with a white dome and star, takes the place of the original building that was constructed back in 1901.

There are a couple of golfing alternatives for the avid gofer if they absolutely must get a game in. The Cambodian Golf and Country Club is situated aproximately 35km south of Phnom Penh on Route 4. It has 18 holes.
The other alternative is a 9 hole mini golf course located at L'Imprevu Restaurant which is about 8km down the national hwy heading towards Vietnam. This is obviously the cheaper alternative.

The Kambol F1 Go-Kart club is located on Route 4 about 8 km south of the Airport. They have Honda GX 200cc go-kart's and you can race them on a 950m track. So if you feel the need for speed head on down for a fun time.

There are a couple of movie theaters located in Phnom Penh where you can see movies screened in Cambodian and Thai if however English is your language you can visit the private viewing rooms at Movie Street Video Centre, #116 Sihanouk. For French films, Le Cinema which is located at the French Cultural Centre #214, Street 184 has films every few days.

There are 2 bowling alleys in Phnom Penh. Superbowl is located at #113 Moa Tse Toung Boulevard (Parkway Square) and Phnom Penh Bowling Club is located at #34-38, Street 294. Both places will ensure you have a fun time.

The Olympic stadium has a pool and entry is US$2. Some of the larger hotels also have pools. For a fun day out though you can't go pass a visit to the water park. It is located on the road to the Airport and has a few different types of slides plus a couple of pools and some other fun water rides. Great to cool of and really enjoy yourself at the same time.

The Cambo Fun Park is located just south of the Cambodiana Hotel along the river. It opens around 5pm in the evening and there are a few rickety ride to test out if you are brave enough theres lots of food stands to grab a bite to eat at and it can be fun to while away the evening hours.

This is located on the road out past the Airport and the place gets quite a few visitors wanting to test out such weapons as AK-47's M-60 mounted machine gus and even the good old B-40 rocket propelled grenade launcher. If you are into this type of thing your sure to have an exciting time.

Located in the district of Kandal Province near Koki and situated on the Mekong River, the Kien Svay is a popular destination for tourists and the locals. Take a boat trip to the huts that have been built over the water or laze about in the picnic area. The many vendors sell food dishes here among them fresh fruit, river lobster and grilled chicken.

Once the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Udong is now a quiet town boasting magnificent views of the Cambodian countryside. The two humps of Phnom Udong are its main attraction with several stupas on each end of the ridge.

Ta san Mosque (heavily damaged walls, evidence of the Khmer Rouge rule), Phnom Vihear Leu (vihara on two white poles) and Arey Ka Sap (pagoda) are among some the interesting sites on the smaller ridge. On the larger ridge, Phnom Preah Reach Throap boasts an impressive structure in Vehear Preh Ath Roes, along with viharas that house statues of Buddha, as well as large stupas decorated with interesting design and colours. Follow the staircase down to its base to view the decorated pavilion of graphics of the Khmer Rouge and visit the Memorial of the victims of Pol Pot.

Just south of the capital, is the leading wildlife sanctuary of Cambodia, which is home for the many animals, confiscated from poachers and traffickers. The sanctuary is continually undergoing improvements and strives to provide suitable habits for its larger animals. Admission is 1000 riel.

Spectacular views accompany this Angkorian-era temple surrounded by ruins, located in the Takeo Province. Once known as the site of Suryagiri, inscriptions here are dated back to the 11th century. Modern Monks reside in the Buddhist vihara nearby. Best visited in the early part of the day or late afternoon as it sits high on a hilltop.

Two temples with an interesting historical background, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau and its nearby Wat, a modern cement structure heavily damaged by the Khmer Rouge are among the most interesting places to see in Tonlé Bati.

Once controlled by Thailand between 1794 and 1907, Siem Reap is what can only be described as the gateway to Cambodia’s spiritual homeland, the temples of Angkor.

It remains a popular tourist destination with its charming tree lined streets and old French houses. It provides an array of facilities from bars and clubs, medical centres, tours, markets, souvenir shops, accommodation from guesthouses to five star hotels and international restaurants that cater to every visitor’s need. Siem Reap in its tranquil setting is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Cambodia’s spiritual experience of Angkor.

Situated in the southwest, Koh Kong is an untamed mountainous area where most of the population reside. However, the Boutum Sakor National Park, its beautiful beaches and nearby islands are bound to become tourists destinations.

Krong Koh Kong a coastal town, this area boasts the attraction of two waterfalls just upstream and several beaches at its doorstop, the most popular for locals the one being where the river meets the ocean just south of the town.

The scenic waterfalls Koh Poi and Tatai are a visitor’s favourite, whereby one boat trip will get you to both. The dry season is the most popular time to experience this natural beauty.

Koh Poi Waterfall sometimes described as a rapid, lies on a tribriturary of the river and has a number of stepping-stones and boulders that are great to climb in the dry season.

Tatai Waterfall is in a spectacular setting of a lush green gorge, in the wet season, amongst a picturesque setting, its a rapid rushing over 4m rock walls, the dry season a bit more fun whilst able to enjoy a splash in the calmer waters of the river and a walk across its rapid wall.

Cambodia’s leading seaside resort, Sihanoukville was originally named after the King, however, it was changed to Kompong Som for a period between 1970and 1993. Locals still choose to use either one to this day.

Sihanoukville is a modern township popular with Cambodians on weekends and a booming tourist destination that offers beautiful sandy white beaches and tropical islands. An ever-evolving coastal town, Sihanoukville offers an extensive range of restaurants, banks, medical services, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.

Day trips to the many islands are a must to discover the natural beauty and picturesque scenery of the undeveloped beaches, as well as diving and snorkelling, are all part of the attraction to this magnificent area of southern Cambodia.

Situated east of Sihanoukville, Ream National Park (Sihanouk National Park) offers an adventurous and educational experience. A boat trip to Ream National Park can be arranged from Sihanoukville. Here you’ll find a myriad of bird life, Monkeys, mangroves and forests, the protected area for dolphins and many isolated beaches.

Admission: US$ 5

Bokor National Park officially Known as Preah Monivong National Park is one of the countries largest protected areas of tropical forest, located just 41km from Kampot, 132km from Shianoukville and 190km south from Phnom Penh. We recommend you arrive early enough to view the spectacular scenery.
The park is home to a large number of birds and mammals, including wild elephants which, with some luck you may catch a glimpse. There are also a large number of nocturnal animals that live here however, they inhabit the more remote areas of the park and unless you stayed overnight seeing them would be rare.

Popovil Falls - a beautiful two level waterfall where sunbathing and swimming is an enjoyable pastime especially on the higher tier that stands at least 14m high. In the wet season, Adventure Canoe Cambodia (based in Phnom Penh) offers canoeing trips from the bottom of the falls, the closest thing to white water rafting!

Bokor Hill Station – the old French hill station is popularly known for its secluded waterfalls, its dense jungle vistas and cool climate. Uninhabited since 1970 with its ghost like feeling and surrounded by breathtaking views, the small community contains the grand colonial hotel, known as the Bokor Palace and the old Catholic Church which hosts the story of the French, Khmer Issarak, Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese of yesteryear.

Wat Sampau Moi Roi is otherwise known locally as the Five Boats Wat because of the five large rocks, that is said to resemble boats and has fantastic views to the coastline. The abandoned Post Office, the Water Tower, the old Casino and Ranger station can all be enjoyed here.