A city that celebrates its long history, French colonialism and the tragic Khmer Rouge rule. Phnom Penh offers many spectacular and thought-provoking sights.
Independence Monument
In the heart of Phnom Penh and celebrating the liberation from the French in 1953.
Visit at night when the monument is lit by floodlights.
Full-Day Phnom Penh Private Sightseeing Tour from £57 per person
National Museum of Cambodia
Dating back to the 4th century, Cambodia has a rich and varied history all covered by this excellent museum
Choeung Ek Memorial
More commonly known as the Killing Fields, this memorial marks the devastating recent Cambodian history.
One of the many killing fields used by the Khmer Rouge during their rule between 1975 and 1979.
More than 15,000 people were murdered and buried in mass graves.
Half-day tours are available that include the S-21 prison.
The Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) Tour from £18 per person
Oudongk
Around 40km from Phnom Penh is this former capital of Cambodia, 1618-1866.
Wat Langka
Dating from 1442 this excellent temple survived time and the Khmer Rouge to remain and wonderful temple
Tonle Bati
Siem Reap is not the only place to see ancient temples.
Around an hour from Phnom Penh, Tonle Bati is home to Ta Phrom Temple, dating back to the late 12th century as well as the neighbouring Yey Peo Temple and Tonle Bati Lake.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
If the blue royal flag is flying then the ling of Cambodia is home, although in reality he does not stay that often.
Vistors can tour the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion and the Emerald Buddha can be seen in the Silver Pagoda.
Kaoh Dach
Escape the city and visit Kaoh Dach or Mekong Island.
With various traditional handicrafts and artisans sitting alongside traditional Cambodian life and agriculture this makes for an excellent trip.
You can get a tuk-tuk and ferry or jump on a cruise boat.
S-21 Prison (Toul Sleng Genocide Museum)
More than 17,000 people came through this former school that the Khmer Rouge turned into an interrogation, torture and execution centre.
An essential, if haunting, stop for visitors to Phnom Penh.
Sisowath Quay
A wonderful boulevard reminiscent of French seaside resorts.
Around 3km long with bars, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and luxury hotels, a stroll here is a great way to see the city with cooling breezes from the river.
Wat Ounalom
Built in 1443 and the centre of Buddhism in Cambodia.
Built to house an eyebrow hair of the Lord Buddha, which has somehow survived.
Kingdom Breweries Tour and Beer Tasting in Phnom Penh from £12 per person
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