Tourist Places To Visit In Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is a city that is always brimming with ancient Khmer culture, whether it may be the injudicious relics of the Vietnamese invasion, the incredible remnants of the glorious architectural style of the Khmer regime, or the bustling street culture of the people. This offers with tourists with several intriguing tourist places to visit, such as the National Museum, the magnificent Wat Phnom, and the Independence Monument. Additionally, visitors can also catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife at a nature reserve or explore the busy markets of Phnom Penh. Let us read on to understand how these different tourism hotspots attract vistors from all over the globe.

The National Museum of Cambodia is situated northwards of the Royal Palace of Cambodia. Some of the finest sculptural treasures of the Khmer kingdom lie sealed within the walls of this museum. The traditional terracota architectural design of the National Museum and its alluring courtyard garden attract many visitors on a daily basis. National museum showcases impressive pre-Angkorian sculptures along with eye-catching statues of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The remarkable Shiva sculptures provide a sneak peek into the life and times of the great God, lending the National Museum both religious and cultural sentiments.

Wat Phnom is a majestic temple nestled atop one of the highest points in Phnom Penh, a 27-meter tall hummock. This temple has ancient roots that date back to the 14th Century. The present prime religious shrine at Wat Phnom dates back to 1926. One of the main Buddhist shrines in the city of Phnom Penh, this temple hustles and bustles with hundreds of devotees throughout the year. History has it that the four Buddha effigies adorning the temple premises were miraculously discovered by a lady named Penh. This monument is a perfect example of an ancient structure getting engulfed with thick forest life.

The Russian Market at Phnom Penh exuberates a vibrant atmosphere filled with local Cambodian people and several shopping options. Some of the highlights of this busy market include handicrafts prepared by the locals, Thailand-based souvenirs, inexpensive clothing, and Cambodian silk. The best bet is to visit the Russian Market during the wee hours of dawn, with the market opening around 6 AM. The cool weather provides comfortable shopping environment. Originally known as Psar Tuol Tom Pong, the innumerable Russian tourists found in the area eventually got it the name Russian Market.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was constructed in 1979 when the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia. This museum contains relics and photohraphs of the victims who succumbed to the atrocities of the Vietnamese military forces. The museum eventually reopened in 1980 as a memorial that commemorated the Khmer Rogue reign's genocidal misdemeanour. Behind the walls of this museum lie intriguing records and photographs that provide a peek into the atrocities that the prisoners had to go through while serving their sentences at the vicinity. Historians would feel at home here.

An NGO named Wildlife Alliance constantly works towards rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving rare, endangered wildlife species of Cambodia. They rescue these rare animal breeds from the jaws of poachers and traffickers and nurture them at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center. The wildlife reserve hosts daily tours of its vicinity. Some of the exciting things that tourists can take when inside this wildlife park include stepping into the tigers' den, feeding baby macaques, feeding mighty elephants with their own hands, and getting up close and personal with gibbons, otters, and leopards.

Independence Monument, also known as Vimean Ekareach,  is one of the many magnificent structural masterpieces built by the Khmer regime. This structure was constructed in 1958 to memorialize Cambodia's freedom struggle and their independence from the clutches of the French colonial rule. Possessing striking similarities to the remarkable Angkor Wat shrine, Independence Monument boasts of a lotus-shaped stupa and a large ceremony hall that could host various national festivals. The ceremonious lights surrounding the hall provide an apt setting for tourists or locals to come by and take impressive snapshots.

Tourists would find it a leisurely experience to stroll through the Sisowath Quay Boardwalk in Phnom Penh. This boardwalk provides a stunning eyeshot of the reddish yellow sun setting in the horizon. This boardwalk is also studded with comfortable benches suitable for resting post your stroll. Several vendors also throng Sisowath Quay Boardwalk, offering visitors with popcorn, peanuts, and other refreshments. When done with their rejuvenating walks, tourists can also unwind and feast on some delicious local food at the nearby Western and Khmer restaurants.