If you’re thinking of visiting Cambodia, exploring its capital is an excellent place to start. Phnom Penh has had a turbulent past and its French colonial time has really left a mark here. In the city, you can find beautiful pagodas and French buildings, wide boulevards with plenty of shade, as well as stylish bars and restaurants along the riverside. Before we reveal the top 10 experiences of exploring and discovering Phnom Penh, we will cover some basics. When looking for accommodation, you can be sure that this city has the offer to suit everyone’s budget, starting from international five-star luxury hotels and resorts. Another option is affordable boutique hotels such as, for example, Kabuki.

Now take a look at our choices of top 7 experiences exploring and discovering Phnom Penh.

THE ROYAL PALACE AND THE SILVER PAGODA
The Royal Palace is a complex of grandiose buildings, including The Silver Pagoda on the south. The complex is surrounded by tall yellow walls and it hosts beautiful and peaceful gardens. It is called The Royal Palace because it was occupied by the Kings of Cambodia starting from the 19th century. You will need at least two hours to explore this complex entirely. The Silver Pagoda got its name for its silver tile floor and it’s most famous for its sacred, jewel-encrusted statue of the “Emerald Buddha.” This location was also the place where the King used to meet with the monks.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Cambodia National Museum is definitely a place worth visiting. You will be amazed by its very architecture that shows a combination of western and traditional Cambodian design. The most interesting collection to see is the one containing Angkorian-era relics. In addition, you can check out some interactive exhibitions. And if you want to get really impressed, visit one of the classic Cambodian dance performances in the garden of the museum at 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

THE KILLING FIELDS CHOEUNG EK GENOCIDAL CENTER
This is not the most enjoyable part of the tour but it’s very significant in order to understand the history of Cambodia and its residents. The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh are a horrific reminder and memorial of the 17.000 people that disappeared during the Khmer Rouge regime that started in Cambodia in 1975. The tour includes an informative audio guide.

THE TUOL SLENG GENOCIDAL CRIMES MUSEUM
This museum displays numerous photographs and torture tools and serves as a memorial to the 20 thousand prisoners killed in captivity. This infamous building actually served as a prison and torture facility for people before they would be taken to the Killing Fields.

THE CENTRAL MARKET
The Central Market is a place with rich architecture, culture, and, of course, numerous opportunities for good shopping. It was built in 1937 and its dome is breathtaking. After you are done admiring this Art Deco building, mingle around to find some good deals. If you don’t like the crowd, the best time to visit would be sometime in the afternoon, before 5 p.m.

THE RUSSIAN MARKET
Russian Market or Psah Toul Tom Pung (ផ្សាទួលទំពូង) was named for the popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s. The market is the most popular place for tourists and foreigners and probably the best market for you to pick up many kinds of souvenirs.

THE INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
The Independence Monument was built by Vann Molyvann to celebrate independence from French colonial rule. A surrounding park is a place to relax and enjoy yourself. The Cambodia Vietnam Friendship Monument was built following the fall of the Khmer Rouge Regime. It was built in the 1970s and also represents a great place for picnicking today. These two monuments have a great historical significance for Cambodia and are rightfully considered among the top 7 experiences exploring and discovering Phnom Penh.

WAT PHNOM – HISTORIC HILLTOP BUDDHIST TEMPLE COMPLEX
Place on top of the 27m high tree-covered knoll, Wat Phnom is on the only hill in town. In accordance with the legend, the first pagoda fell upon by Penh. Then it was erected in 1373 to home four sculptures of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong River. The principal entry to Wat Phnom is via the Great East stairway, which will be guarded by lions and naga balustrades.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Friends Restaurant serves Asian-Western food with innovative dishes, desserts and cocktails and what’s special about it is that it rehabilitates street kids. The Foreign Correspondents Club is located on a rooftop terrace and its walls are filled with intriguing photos from the war era. The Elephant Bar is famous for hosting various celebrities, some of them being Charlie Chaplain, Jackie Kennedy, and Brad Pitt. The bar’s signature cocktail, Femme Fatale was inspired by Jackie Kennedy. Malis restaurant is perfect for an evening meal and it owes its success to the celebrity Master Chef Luu Meng. Make sure you try amok, the favorite national dish – local fresh fish flavored with curry paste and steamed in a banana leaf.

THE PROMENADE
After all the exploring and shopping, you should go and enjoy a nice, relaxing walk by the river. This is the perfect place to chill out, chat and feel the local vibe of Phnom Penh.