Things To Do In Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a beautiful city situated at the convergence point of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The shining towers of the Royal Palace, the alluring banks of the Mekong River, and the fluently wavering saffron robes of the monks bring in a truckload of tourists to the city. French palaces from the colonial reign and shrines that signify magnificent Angkorian architectural prowess add to the relaxing and provincially vibrant atmosphere of this town. Tourists can either explore a national park, indulge in arts and crafts, or take up adventurous watersports amidst tranquil waters. Let us read on to check out the exciting things to do when in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Living Arts coaches dancers, musicians, and singers as part of their aim to bring back ancient art forms to modern society. These performers learn how to make a living through their exceptional arts using the props provided by the institution. The National Museum runs shows organized by Cambodian Living Arts daily from 7 PM to 8 PM. The traditional dance performance held here helps tourists revisit the glorious reign of the Angkorian kingdom. The show also provides a brief glimpse into the theatre, song, and music culture that prevailed within Phnom Penh in those days.

The gorgeous island of Koh Dach has been correctly placed right in the center of River Mekong. Koh Dach can be reached by taking up a one-hour long ferry ride through River Mekong, and is studded with beautiful weaving villages all over its expanse. Famous as Silk Island, Koh Dach's weaving villages provide tourists with intriguing insights about Cambodian silk. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the locals using handlooms to prepare silk or dying things to create incredible designs. This tranquil island offers tourists with stunning landscapes and a get-away destination from the struggles of their daily routine.

Phnom Udong served as the capital of Cambodia for a long time, before Phnom Penh could become the country's capital. Forming the capital from 1618 to 1866, Phnom Udong is famous for the majestic Mount Udong. The two mounds that form part of this mountain are uniquely decorated with dome-shaped Buddhist temples. Some of the most exciting tourist spots to visit when at Phnom Udong include the stupas of Damrei Sam Poan, Phnom Vihear Leu, Ang Doung, Phnom Preah Reach Throap, and Mak Proum. Studded with Buddhist relics, sculptures, shrines, and carvings, Phnom Udong attracts a truckload of tourists daily.

Phnom Penh is blessed with impressive dirt tracks throughout its expanse. The best way to explore these dirt roads is to ride through them on an ATV.  Village Quad Bike Trails offer ATV tours that swiftly provide a peek into the village culture as well as the busy city life of Phnom Penh. These tours begin with intriguing traveling routes that cover impressive tourist spots such as the S21 Prison and the Killing Fields. Once done with the city side, you pass through peaceful villages. On this 4-hour trip, tourists can sight rice paddies filled with greenery, conventional houses, playful kids, and lively birds.

The Royal Palace houses Cambodian rulers even today, acting as an abode for the different rulers that have taken over the reins of the country. The architectural style prevalent across the structures of Royal Palace resemble ancient Angkorian architecture and Thailand-based architecture. The construction of this palace began in 1866. Tourists are allowed to catch a glimpse of incredible structures and to meet and greet with the royal family. Situated within proximity of the riverfront, the view surrounding this ancient architectural wonder allures in many tourists daily.

'Free the Bears' sanctuary nurtures gentle yet fierce native bears from Cambodia. Some of the bear species that thrive within this sanctuary include Moon Bears and Sun Bears. Free the Bears continually strives to facilitate an apt habitat for these animals and preserve their species. Visitors can catch a glimpse of these cheerful creatures playing within their enclosed abodes. An exciting aspect of a tour of the Free the Bears Sanctuary includes tourists preparing food for the bears. Through this practice, the tourists understand what these bears like to eat and can play food-based treasure hunt games with them.

Popularly known among the locals as Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Preah Keo, Silver Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple located inside the Royal Palace. The floors of this temple have been coated with about 5 tons of glimmering silver. Another extravagant feature of the temple is the Emerald Buddha, which is a stunning Baccarat-crystal effigy placed atop a pedestal covered with gold. The shrine provides a peek into the story of Lord Buddha through the various gold, silver, and bronze statues that adorn its premises. Tourists visiting Silver Pagoda are greeted by the splendid artisanship of the ancient Khmer regime.