Phnom Penh

Cambodia's capital on the Mekong, home to the gilded Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda and the somber history of S-21 and the Killing Fields. Together with Siem Reap, it forms Cambodia's classic two-city route.

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's capital and largest city, on the west bank of the "Four Arms" confluence where the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and Bassac rivers meet. It has been the Khmer capital since 1434. The French colonial era (1863–1953) left tree-lined boulevards and yellow colonial buildings, earning it the nickname "Pearl of Asia." During the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975–1979 the entire city was forcibly emptied. Today's Phnom Penh has been rebuilt from the ruins, a city where tradition and modernity, bustle and a heavy past exist side by side. The sights are compact and clustered: the Riverside (Sisowath Quay) runs along the Tonlé Sap, with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, night market, and bars and restaurants all within walking distance; the Central Market and Wat Phnom lie in the city center; the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Russian Market are in the south; and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields are 15 km outside the city. Most Chinese travelers pair Phnom Penh with Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) as a two-city route, linked by a 5–6 hour bus, a 1-hour flight, or a Mekong–Tonlé Sap boat. Climate: the cool season from November to February (23–31°C, little rain) is best; March–May is scorching, often reaching 38°C; June–October is rainy season, with afternoon downpours and flooded streets, but fewer tourists. Getting around: Phnom Penh International Airport is 10 km from the city center, about 30–45 minutes by taxi or Grab (the new Techo International Airport, due to open in 2025, is farther away, so check before you travel). In the city, use Grab or PassApp to call a tuk-tuk (US$1–2 for a few kilometers) or a taxi; the Riverside area can be explored on foot. US dollars and Cambodian riel are both accepted, with riel used for small change. Chinese citizens can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival (about US$30). Recommended stay: 2 days. Tips: the Royal Palace and temples require knee-covering bottoms and tops with sleeves; bag snatching from passing tuk-tuks and motorbikes happens from time to time, so wear your bag in front and don't hold your phone out by the roadside for long; watch out for overcharging scams in the Riverside bar district at night; visiting S-21 and the Killing Fields is a heavy experience, so please be quiet and respectful, and bringing young children is not recommended.

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