
Best time to visit Cambodia
Follow the sun & evade the crowds
You don’t have to look hard for a contrast in Cambodia’s capital city: from the surrounding rice fields, dotted with pottery kilns and ambling cattle, to the glittering rooftop bars and thriving social start-ups in the centre; from humming Russian baazars and haphazard markets, to the spectacular City Palace and diamond-encrusted Silver Pagoda; from a city famed for its dark and turbulent past at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, to the burgeoning, vibrant population that exists today. But the beauty of Phnom Penh is never quite knowing what to expect, and a day could take you from the sobering Killing Fields and S21 prison in the morning, to an afternoon of devouring gastronomic delicacies conjured up by young chefs in the afternoon. Then, there’s the museums dedicated to Khmer history, the emerging microbreweries and uber-cool eateries, the elegant hotels, the glamorous French architecture, and the glimmering rivers. It might not be the ‘Pearl of Asia’ anymore, but Phnom Penh certainly deserves its place amongst the gems of the southeast.
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There's plenty to see in Cambodia's capital city, whether it's history or gastronomy you're into. Pay a visit to the grand City Palace and its Silver Pagoda, which houses over 1,500 Buddhist artifacts including the magnificent Emerald Buddha and what is believed to be Buddha's ashes. Learn about Cambodia's tragic past at the Cheung Ek Killing Fields, one of the country's largest mass graves, and pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa. Experience Phnom Penh as the locals do at the gob-smacking Central Market, which sits under one of the largest and most beautiful domes in Asia - perfect for browsing for souvenirs or tasting fabulous Cambodian dishes. Head a little ways out of the city to enjoy a longtail boat ride down the Mekong River or visit the shrines in the bygone capital of Oudong.
Nothing beats riding around on the back of a shining Vespa, absorbing the hum of the city, and sampling the cuisine – and feeling like a true Cambodian.
For a breath of fresh air (literally), head out of town to the ancient capital of Oudong, surrounded by beautiful shrines and stupas, and fantastic views of the countryside.
With an endlessly open and vibrant population and plenty of buzzing bars and eateries, it’s easy to get lost in the charms of Phnom Penh – but remember to keep your wits about you. It’s still a large city after all.
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