Lonely Planet Cambodia

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9781786570659
• eBook ISBN: 9781787019324

Phnom Penh

Sights

Activities

Courses

Tours

Festivals & Events

Sleeping

Eating

Drinking & Nightlife

Entertainment

Shopping

Around Phnom Penh

Koh Dach

Udong

Tonlé Bati

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre

Phnom Chisor

Kirirom National Park

Phnom Penh

%023 / Pop 2 million

Why Go?

Phnom Penh (ភ្នំពេញ): the name can’t help but conjure up an image of the exotic. The glimmering spires of the Royal Palace, the fluttering saffron of the monks’ robes and the luscious location on the banks of the mighty Mekong – this is the Asia many daydream about from afar.

Cambodia’s capital can be an assault on the senses. Motorbikes whiz through laneways without a thought for pedestrians; markets exude pungent scents; and all the while the sounds of life – of commerce, of survival – reverberate through the streets. But this is all part of the enigma.

Once the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war and revolution. But the city has since risen from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars and a world-class food scene.

When to Go

• Jan–Feb The holiday crush is over and pleasant northeasterly breezes massage the riverfront.
• Sep–Oct Heavy rains provide relief from searing sun; many hotels offer steep discounts.
• Oct–Nov The water festival Bon Om Tuk is one giant street party on the banks of the river.

Best Places to Eat

A Boat Noodle

A Le Bouchon

A Malis

A Romdeng

A Sovanna II

Best Places to Stay

A Eighty8 Backpackers

A Mad Monkey

A Palace Gate Hotel

A Pavilion

A Raffles Hotel Le Royal

Phnom Penh Highlights

1 National Museum of Cambodia Discovering the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture.

2 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Del...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to Cambodia
• Cambodia’s Top 10
• Need to Know
• First Time Cambodia
• What’s New
• If You Like…
• Month by Month
• Itineraries
• Activities
• Regions at a Glance
• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
• Temples of Angkor
• South Coast
• Northwestern Cambodia
• Eastern Cambodia
• Understand Cambodia
• Cambodia Today
• History
• Pol Pot & the Khmer Rouge Trials
• People & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Environment
• Directory A-Z
• Transport
• Health
• Language
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writers