Phnom Penh
Travel Guide > Asia > Cambodia > Phnom Penh
Introduction
Phnom Penh is the capital, largest city and most wealthy city in Cambodia. The city was first settled in 1372. It did not become very important untill Angkor fell to Siam, at that time the King of Cambodia moved the capital nearby to current day Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh itself was not official the capital of Cambodia until 1865. By the 1920s the city was considered the “Pearl of Asia” because of heavy French colonialism. Its wealth only grew once the canals to the countryside and the railroad to Sihanoukville was completed.
The city suffered greatly because the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese used Cambodia as a base to lunch attacks and only helped to fuel the Khmer Rouge. The Khmer Rouge took over Phnom Penh on April 17th 1975. Immediately Pol Pot emptied the city of people and placed many of the wealthier and more educated people in labor camps. He shortly thereafter create the S-21 Prison Camp in the Tuol Svay Prey High School. There is only 12 known survivors of this detention center, thousands of people were processed then executed in nearby killing fields. In 1979 the Vietnamese drove the Khmer Rouge out of Phnom Penh.
Today Phnom Penh is turning back into a major economic center for Asia and has a population of over 1 million. Tourism is still a big thing but industry and food production are growing parts of the economy. Phnom Penh is a great place to spend a few days. Just remember that the ghosts of the past are still very present, as with the rest of Cambodia.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
- Tuol Svay Prey High School Museum - Is the old home to S-21 and is an excellent museum although a big shocking. There are movies shown every afternoon.
- Kill Fields - Are located just outside of town and are quite stunning. The best way to reach them is to hire a Tuk-Tuk for the day.
- The Royal Palace - Is a very nice palace and worth a visit. The main hall has amazing statues and paintings.
- Shooting Ranges - Are available for people that are interested. You can fire anything from a handgun to an AK-47 to a rocket launcher. Just ask yourself “How often in life do you get to throw a hand grenade?”
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is near the capital and has visa-on-arrival available. Airlines serving the capital are Royal Khmer Airlines from Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap Airways to and from Bangkok and Hong Kong. Other airlines are mainly the Asian ones of Malaysia, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Air Asia flies to and from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok for very good prices.
By Train
It is possible to take trains to Phnom Penh but they are actually slower than the bus.
By Car
Private cars are easy to hire in Phnom Penh and will take travellers to most places in the country.
By Bus
Bus is the main form of transport to and from Phnom Penh. It is best to arrange bus tickets at a guesthouse because bus stations do not really exist and move often. There are always several buses daily to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. There are daily buses to all other major towns in Cambodia to and from Phnom Penh. There is a few morning buses to Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok every day, including on holidays.
Boat
It is still possible to take boats to Siem Reap and Battambang still but with the new highways in buses are much cheaper and quicker. Most locals take the bus instead now unless they have a lot of cargo.
Getting Around
There are two main areas of Phnom Penh. The first is along the river and the second is around the lake. Both areas are very nice although most budget guesthouses and restaurants are around the lake.
By Car
By Public Transport
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Around the lake there are plenty of western and local restaurants. Just try to leave your guesthouse restaurant a few times a day to spread the wealth. Lastly watch out for the “happy pizza” because it is very strong.
Sleep
Budget
Most of the budget guesthouses are located around the lake. Representatives will meet most tourists at the different bus stations.
- Lake Side #9 is a nice guesthouse with a great view of the lake. The rooms over the water can get a little buggy. The cheaper rooms are very basic.
Mid-Range
- Frangipani Villa is a nice option with a garden and clean rooms.
Upscale
Work
Most people working in Phnom Penh are either English teachers or foreign aid workers. More business people are starting to show and the occasional Christian missionary can be spotted around town also. There is also a large population associated with the embassies in the city.
Learn
Keep Connected
Internet
There are several internet bars near the lake side. Most guesthouses provide free or cheap internet for there residents.
Phone
Post
The main post office is located near the train station and can send international mail
This is version 13. Last edited at 18:35 on Jun 2, 08 by Lavafalls (+68). 5 articles link to this page.
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