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Phnom Penh is a bustling capital located at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong River, Bassac River and Tonle River. The city’s riverfront is lined with parks, restaurants, the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Various places of interest include Independence Monument, Old Market and Riverfront Park.
Siem Reap is known as the gateway to Angkor Wat where visitors get to see the rural beauty of Cambodia. Explore floating villages and bird sanctuaries or take a bike ride through the paddy fields. Be sure to visit Angkor National Museum which is home to a breathtaking gallery of 1,000 Buddhas.
This palace complex consists of several buildings, structures and gardens overlooking a riverfront park. The Royal Throne Hall has a tower standing at an impressive 59 meters high. To the south of the hall is Roy Al Treasury and Napoleon III Pavilion, and to the north stands the Silver Pagoda.
Officially known as Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, this Baccarat crystal Buddha sits on top of an impressive pedestal in the Royal Palace. In addition to this, there is also a life-size solid gold Buddha which weighs 90 kg and is adorned with 2,086 diamonds.
Built in 1920, this museum is comprised of four pavilions and houses one of the world’s greatest collections of Khmer cultural items such as sculptures and ceramics. Various other artifacts include the reclining Visnu, elephant vessel and wooden adorned Buddha.
This monument was built in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It is the site for annual celebrations such as Independence Day on January 7 and Constitution Day on September 24. This monument is also a memorial for those patriots who died for the country. Prior to 1975, this museum was a high school, but it was later converted into a prison and interrogation facility. Here visitors will see how inmates were held in tiny cubicles and tortured. It serves as a memorial and reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. Also known as Toul Tom Poung Market, this bazaar is a must-visit for those traveling in Phnom Penh as they sell a variety of handicrafts, antiques and many more. It is called the Russian Market by foreigners because a majority of Russians used to go shopping here in the 1980s.
Independence Monument
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Russian Market
There are five gates to Angkor Thom, a city with a huge cluster of temple ruins. The south gate is where most visitors enter and can see two rows of 54 gods and 54 demons. Both rows of statues are holding a serpent (known as naga) as if engaged in a tug of war.
This temple was built in the late 12th and early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII and is located in the center of Angkor Thom. It has over 2,000 large faces carved on the 54 towers which is classic of Khmer art and architecture. This temple represents the intersection of heaven and earth and its long walls has a collection of legendary and historical events.
This 300 meter long terrace is filled with carvings of elephants and garudas (large bird-like creature) spanning the front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace area. Many sculptures of elephants, horses, lions, dancers and warriors can also be found at the terrace.
Explore this massive three-tiered building crowned with five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters high. The walls are covered with carvings depicting stories such as the mythological battles of Kuru and the historical march of the Suryavarman II army.
A favorite place to watch the sun set, visitors will get a fantastic view at the top of this hill. Climb up the long and steep path to see the five towers of Angkor Wat in the west, the city of Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake and the western bay. Be sure to get an early start as only a limited number of people are allowed to stay on top of the hill.
This temple is known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ due to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Therefore, they could have only been carved by the hand of women. Visitors will see the finest display of Khmer art as the pink sandstone construction and ornate design give off a fairytale ambiance.
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