Phnom Penh on the Banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers

Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia stretches beside the banks of both the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

One of the top tourist attractions is the lovely Royal Palace. Since the 1860s it's been the residence of the royal family of Cambodia. The palace and the gardens are open to the public.

The Silver Pagoda is home to the Emerald Buddha statue and a large 90-kilogram Gold Buddha statue that is studded with many diamonds.

The Cambodia National Museum has over 1,800 objects on display. Everything tells the history of Cambodia.

The Killing Fields of Choeung Elk are a sad reminder of the terror of the Khmer Rouge. This was a brutal regime meant to turn Cambodia into a socialist agrarian society. It existed from 1975 to 1979 during which time between one and three million Cambodians were killed under Pol Pot’s authoritarian command.

River Boat Cruises are a great way to see the city from the water. There are regular sunset cruises. The tour boats head along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers.

Wat Phnom Temple sits on a hillock and is the first religious building on this spot constructed in the 14th century. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the city.

Wat Ounalom is the most important temple complex and the headquarters of Buddhism in Cambodia.

Psar Thmei Market is housed in a domed building built in 1937 in the Art Deco style. There is a vast range of local produce for sale.

Independence Monument was built to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953. The structure is made of sandstone and represents an Angkorian temple. It is decorated with multi-headed snakes. Today this monument is also a memorial to Cambodia’s war dead.

At Wat Botum Park is the Cambodian-Vietnam Friendship Monument. It was built in 1979 after Vietnamese forces defeated the Khmer Rouge.

Sisowath Quay is the most popular promenading spot for both walkers and joggers. The riverside strip is lined with palm trees. There are cafes and street stalls.

Koh Dach and Koh Oknha Tei are two Mekong River islands that are linked by a bridge. They are referred to as the “Silk Island”. There are large silk weaver communities on both islands. Ferries transport people to the islands.

Exploring Cambodia

Angor Wat is a temple that has become a number-one tourist spot. It is accessed from the town of Siem Reap. The temple is the world's largest religious building and takes three days to explore.

Koh Rong Samloem is one of the most beautiful islands. The Saracen Bay is home to a dozen beach hut resorts.

Siem Reap is one of the top places to see since it is the base of Angkor Archeological Park.

The Angkor National Museum is worth exploring. The exhibits explore the culture and artistry of the Khmer Empire.

Preah Vihear Temple is located in the most dramatic location. It sits on top of the Dangrek Mountains. This is a complex of pavilions linked by long causeways and was originally built to honor the god Shiva. The temple is on the border with Thailand and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Banteay Chhmar reminds visitors of an Indiana Jones-style temple. It is a large temple sitting surrounded by jungle. Built in the 12th century its stone reliefs along the walls are some of the most intricately detailed in Cambodia.

The Elephant Valley Project lets visitors walk with the sanctuary's elephants.

The Veun Sai-Siem Pang Conservation Area is one of the best places in Cambodia for trekking. Here you can also see gibbons.

You can hike in Virachey National Park and enjoy seeing elephants, tigers, and sun bears.