Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, and is known as one of the busiest cities in the Kingdom of Wonder. It is located at the junction of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The city is a hub that merges the flavors of both French colonialist as well as the Khmer Empire.

About Phnom Penh

Although the capital city of Phnom Penh is not as refined as other capital cities, it does retain its charm as a relaxed South East Asian capital. It even boasts of a riverside promenade and an abundance of Buddhist wats (temples). These add to the charm of the city.

The city is identified as one of the most relaxed and friendliest capitals within Asia. This is mostly due to the fact that Cambodians have not yet been heavily influenced by mass tourism. Residents are very hospitable and welcoming to travelers.

In recent years, the city has seen several high rise buildings sprouting about the city skyline. Traffic lights and large shopping malls have also been constructed. However, the city overall is still relatively undeveloped compared to the other capitals in Asia.

It is at “riverside” where most of the tourists head off to, as it has the most restaurants and cafes in the area. The usual tourist areas are not that plenty, but it only encourages visitors to actually see and feel the Cambodian culture better.

view of the Phnom Penh Night Market entrance
Riverside view of the Phnom Penh Night Market

Going to Phnom Penh

  • By air – Being the capital city, it has the Phnom Penh International Airport, which is the largest airport in Cambodia.
  • By bus – There are several bus companies that offer International transport by bus, mostly coming from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Vientiane, the Four Thousand Islands in Laos, and Pakse.
  • By boat – Apart from air and land travel, travel by boat is also possible. There are ferries that connect Phnom Penh from Siem Reap, which usually costs around $35.00.
  • By train – Travelers can also take the train since Cambodia’s rail network is now open. Royal Railways is responsible for the trains operating on it.

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Getting around

Getting around the city is easy as there are several options visitors can choose from. Apps such as Passapp, Grab, and other Uber-like applications are available. Most tuktuks are using more than one app. Plus, there are still the traditional tuktuks and motorcycle tax (motodup) that can be spotted in practically every corner.

Tip: When riding traditional tuktuks or motodup, make sure to set your price for the ride ahead, to avoid misunderstanding.

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