Joanna James
Phnom Penh is a less-talked-about gem in Cambodia that you should visit. If you’re a solo female traveller, this guide is for you to discover something that doesn’t feature in the guidebooks.
Before diving into Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, here’s a disclaimer: it’s not going to be a fun experience but an experience that serves as a stark reminder of atrocious crimes that were committed during the Khmer Rouge period in the 1970s. However, if you think it could be triggering for you, you should skip the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It was originally a high school but was later turned into a detention centre, where some of the most horrific crimes in human history took place. This detention centre was responsible for the deaths of over 17,000 people. Cambodia decided to turn it into a museum to pay tribute to the prisoners who endured the impossible. Your visit to this museum is bound to be emotional and even somewhat disturbing, but essential nonetheless if you want to understand Cambodia’s recent history.
A culture buff and a historian at heart will love spending time at the Royal Palace. It’s the current royal residence of the royal family and one of the best places to understand Cambodian heritage. The palace has a long history, dating back to 1866 when it was built. The design is fascinating, with its mix of Khmer architecture and French influences. With a gilded roof and a spire topped with a multi-headed snake, the Throne Hall is a major highlight. As the name suggests, it’s where the important ceremonies take place. Other highlights include the Moonlight Pavilion and the Silver Pagoda. The Royal Palace still plays an active role, so some sections might be closed to visitors, but the parts that are accessible offer a delightful glimpse into Cambodia’s rich heritage. This is an iconic landmark, making the area a tourist hotspot. As a result, there are several tourist hotels and apartments close to the palace. If you happen to be looking for a service apartment in Phnom Penh, you should check out Citadines Flatiron Phnom Penh, which is only 16 minutes from the palace.
One of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, the National Museum of Cambodia houses a collection that goes back to the prehistoric era through the post-Angkorian period. In 1920, George Groslier, a French architect, designed the museum, taking into account both Khmer architecture and French architectural elements. The extensive collection, with 14,000 items, includes sculptures, ceramics and religious artefacts, with King Jayavarman VII being a highlight. Recently, the museum has enriched its displays with a collection of looted artefacts that were returned to Cambodia, adding renewed historical significance to its exhibits.
Standing on a manmade hill, Wat Phnom is a temple with a history dating back to 1372. The legend of Lady Penh, where she discovered four bronze Buddha statues and a statue of Vishnu in the Tonle Sap River, is tied to this temple. According to the story, she built the temple to house the statues she discovered in the river. The temple was given a facelift in 1926, but its original features remain intact. Remember that it’s an active temple where locals come to pray for good fortune, so dress modestly.
Feeling like a bit of retail therapy? Head to the Russian Market. Going by the number of locals as well as tourists frequenting the market on any given day, it’s obviously one of the prime shopping destinations in Phnom Penh. You can find a diverse array of items here, including clothes, antiques, jewellery, and Cambodian handicrafts. Wondering why it’s called the Russian Market? Well, it’s because back in the 1980s, Russian expats favoured it for their shopping.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
