PHNOM PENH-COMBODIA TRAVEL
GENERAL INFORMATION- The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap. Most of the city’s sights are located between the Tonle Sap River and Monivong Boulevard, in an area bordered by Sihanouk Boulevard in the south and Wat Phnom in the north. For tourists, the lively riverfront – a wide promenade that runs beside the Tonle Sap for nearly 2km – is the city’s focal point. All of Phnom Penh's streets are numbered; some major thoroughfares also have names. The scheme is simple: odd-numbered streets run north-south, the numbers increasing as you head west from the river, and even numbers run west-east, increasing as you head south.
AIRPORT- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the largest airport in Cambodia, located 7km west of the city. Phnom Penh Airport has one new terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The modern and pleasant facility features a bank, ATM, help desk, Wi-Fi, duty free stores and an array of local and international restaurants. As of April 2011 there is no more departure tax to be paid at the airport - all taxes are now incorporated into the ticket price.
Phnom Penh Airport Transfers -You have three transportation options for Phnom Penh Airport transfers: taxi, tuk tuk, and motobike.
TAXIS -Taxis are the fastest, safest way to get from the airport into Phnom Penh. If you walk to the curb immediately after leaving the arrivals hall, there will be a line of official taxis waiting. The official fee for a taxi into Phnom Penh is $9 or $12 depending on which area of town you are headed to, and they will give you a ticket that says the price before you get into the taxi. A taxi to Wat Phnom or the Riverside will cost $9 and pretty much everything else is $12. However, they will try and give you a $12 ticket regardless, so if you are going to the Riverside say $9 and ask for the yellow ticket. You will not need to pay more than this, and there is no extra fee for additional passengers or baggage. Therefore, a taxi to Wat Phnom or the Riverside will cost $9 and pretty much everything else is $12. The trip takes between 25 and 50 minutes depending on traffic.
SuperShuttle -There is also PNH SuperShuttle. SuperShuttle, or Blue Van, leads the nation in shared ride airport shuttle service such as Phnom Penh (PNH) airport. Drivers will accept US Dollars or Cambodian Riel.
BUS- Several guesthouses, travel agencies and bus companies offer daily bus transport between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is a smooth 314 km, 5-7 hour trip. The bus makes usually two stops along the way (at Skun and Kampong Thom). All charge the same, $3.50 (14,000R) one-way. The earliest buses depart starting at 6:30am and the last buses between noon and 1pm.
Tuk-Tuk- Tuk-tuks consist of a motorcycle with a cabin for the passengers hitched to the back. They are cheap (Per tuk-tuk: US$1-3 for a trip in the city, $7 to the airport). Drivers generally do not know their way around and may stop to ask for directions. Most tuk-tuk drivers can be hired for the day (~$20-$25) or half day (~$12-$15).
AREA-678Km2
POPULATION-15,00,000
CO-ORDINATES- 11°33′N 104°55′E
TIME ZONE-UTC+7
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HG Av 31 33 35 35 34 33 32 32 32 31 30 30
LO Av 22 23 24 25 25 25 25 25 24 24 23 22
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT PHNOM PENH-
AIRPORT- Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is the largest airport in Cambodia, located 7km west of the city. Phnom Penh Airport has one new terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The modern and pleasant facility features a bank, ATM, help desk, Wi-Fi, duty free stores and an array of local and international restaurants. As of April 2011 there is no more departure tax to be paid at the airport - all taxes are now incorporated into the ticket price.
Phnom Penh Airport Transfers -You have three transportation options for Phnom Penh Airport transfers: taxi, tuk tuk, and motobike.
TAXIS -Taxis are the fastest, safest way to get from the airport into Phnom Penh. If you walk to the curb immediately after leaving the arrivals hall, there will be a line of official taxis waiting. The official fee for a taxi into Phnom Penh is $9 or $12 depending on which area of town you are headed to, and they will give you a ticket that says the price before you get into the taxi. A taxi to Wat Phnom or the Riverside will cost $9 and pretty much everything else is $12. However, they will try and give you a $12 ticket regardless, so if you are going to the Riverside say $9 and ask for the yellow ticket. You will not need to pay more than this, and there is no extra fee for additional passengers or baggage. Therefore, a taxi to Wat Phnom or the Riverside will cost $9 and pretty much everything else is $12. The trip takes between 25 and 50 minutes depending on traffic.
SuperShuttle -There is also PNH SuperShuttle. SuperShuttle, or Blue Van, leads the nation in shared ride airport shuttle service such as Phnom Penh (PNH) airport. Drivers will accept US Dollars or Cambodian Riel.
BUS- Several guesthouses, travel agencies and bus companies offer daily bus transport between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It is a smooth 314 km, 5-7 hour trip. The bus makes usually two stops along the way (at Skun and Kampong Thom). All charge the same, $3.50 (14,000R) one-way. The earliest buses depart starting at 6:30am and the last buses between noon and 1pm.
Tuk-Tuk- Tuk-tuks consist of a motorcycle with a cabin for the passengers hitched to the back. They are cheap (Per tuk-tuk: US$1-3 for a trip in the city, $7 to the airport). Drivers generally do not know their way around and may stop to ask for directions. Most tuk-tuk drivers can be hired for the day (~$20-$25) or half day (~$12-$15).
AREA-678Km2
POPULATION-15,00,000
CO-ORDINATES- 11°33′N 104°55′E
TIME ZONE-UTC+7
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HG Av 31 33 35 35 34 33 32 32 32 31 30 30
LO Av 22 23 24 25 25 25 25 25 24 24 23 22
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS AT PHNOM PENH-
001-ROYAL PALACE- Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s most splendid architectural building. Cambodia’s Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom I (ruled 1860-1904) in 1886, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Most buildings were completed before World War I, with involvement by French administrators and Thai designers and architects. French influence can be seen in the formal gardens, which enhance the palace, and there are some European-style buildings on the grounds. Now Royal Palace is a home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Sihamoni, King of Cambodia.Including the two magnificent pagodas in the Palace Grounds, the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are among the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing.
His Majeaty Preah Bat Norodom, great grandfather to the present King, built the palace in 1866. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. Royal palace has four gates. The eastern Victory Gate leads directly to the entrance of the throne hall and is used only by royalty and VIPs. The southern gate is reserved for use by commoners and it is through this gate the public reaches the Silver Pagoda.
Location-The Royal Palace sits between streets 184 and 240. The main entrance is situated on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard via the Pavilion of Dancers.
i-The Victory Gate- It opens onto Sothearos Boulevard and faces the entrance steps to the Throne Hall. This was traditionally used by the king and queen, though it’s now used to admit visiting dignitaries. Just to the north of the gate, the Moonlight Pavilion was built for twilight performances of classical Cambodian dance, as a dais for the king to address the crowds and as a venue for state and royal banquets.
ii-The Thorn Hall- The Throne Hall was inaugurated by King Bat Sisowath in 1919. As befits a building used for coronations and ceremonies, it is the most impressive building in the royal compound, topped by four-faced tower 59-meter high. The roof has seven tiers (counted from the lowest level up to the base of the spire) tiled in orange, sapphire and green, representing, respectively, prosperity, nature and freedom. Golden Nagas at the corners of each level protect against evil spirits. The Throne Room the ceiling is painted with finely detailed scenes from The Ramayana. At the rear of the hall is an area where the king holds audiences with visiting VIPs and where the busts of six royal ancestors are displayed.
iii-The Royal Waiting Room-The Royal Waiting Room, to the north of the Throne Room, is used on coronation days, when king and queen mount ceremonial elephants from the platform attached to the east side of the building for the coronation procession. The pavilion is currently home to a collection of artefacts gifted to the monarch by foreign heads of state.
iv-The Royal Treasury-Just south of the Throne Hall is the Royal Treasury, also known as the ‘Bronze Palace’, which the Great Crown of Victory, the Sacred Sword and the Victory Spear.
Timing-Open 7-11 AM, 2-5 PM daily,
Entry- $3 (plus $2 for a camera).
Dress Code-No shorts or bare shoulders allowed, but you can rent T-shirts and sarongs for a token 1000 riel at the entrance.
Location- Street 240 (Preah Ang Phanu Vong)in Chey Chumneas Commune, Daun Penh District.
His Majeaty Preah Bat Norodom, great grandfather to the present King, built the palace in 1866. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. Royal palace has four gates. The eastern Victory Gate leads directly to the entrance of the throne hall and is used only by royalty and VIPs. The southern gate is reserved for use by commoners and it is through this gate the public reaches the Silver Pagoda.
Location-The Royal Palace sits between streets 184 and 240. The main entrance is situated on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard via the Pavilion of Dancers.
i-The Victory Gate- It opens onto Sothearos Boulevard and faces the entrance steps to the Throne Hall. This was traditionally used by the king and queen, though it’s now used to admit visiting dignitaries. Just to the north of the gate, the Moonlight Pavilion was built for twilight performances of classical Cambodian dance, as a dais for the king to address the crowds and as a venue for state and royal banquets.
ii-The Thorn Hall- The Throne Hall was inaugurated by King Bat Sisowath in 1919. As befits a building used for coronations and ceremonies, it is the most impressive building in the royal compound, topped by four-faced tower 59-meter high. The roof has seven tiers (counted from the lowest level up to the base of the spire) tiled in orange, sapphire and green, representing, respectively, prosperity, nature and freedom. Golden Nagas at the corners of each level protect against evil spirits. The Throne Room the ceiling is painted with finely detailed scenes from The Ramayana. At the rear of the hall is an area where the king holds audiences with visiting VIPs and where the busts of six royal ancestors are displayed.
iii-The Royal Waiting Room-The Royal Waiting Room, to the north of the Throne Room, is used on coronation days, when king and queen mount ceremonial elephants from the platform attached to the east side of the building for the coronation procession. The pavilion is currently home to a collection of artefacts gifted to the monarch by foreign heads of state.
iv-The Royal Treasury-Just south of the Throne Hall is the Royal Treasury, also known as the ‘Bronze Palace’, which the Great Crown of Victory, the Sacred Sword and the Victory Spear.
Timing-Open 7-11 AM, 2-5 PM daily,
Entry- $3 (plus $2 for a camera).
Dress Code-No shorts or bare shoulders allowed, but you can rent T-shirts and sarongs for a token 1000 riel at the entrance.
Location- Street 240 (Preah Ang Phanu Vong)in Chey Chumneas Commune, Daun Penh District.
002-SILVER PAGODA- North to the Royal Palace is the Silver pagoda enclosure. It’s also known as Wat Preah Keo Morokot, the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, after the green Baccarat crystal Buddha within. Constructed in 1962 by former King Sihanouk to replace the wooden pagoda built by his grandfather in 1902, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its 5329 silver floor tiles, each around 20cm square and weighing more than 1kg. The Pagoda steps are crafted from Italian marble, and within the throne room, the floor consists of more than 500 solid silver blocks. The building houses many gold and jewelled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha. It’s cast-iron gift from France, which was initially constructed in Egypt. It was shipped to Cambodia in 1876 as a gift from Napolean III.
Emerald Buddha- The magnificent 17th century Emerald Buddha statue is made of Baccarat crystal and solid gold. It weighs 90 kilograms and is adorned with 9,584 diamonds. Bronze statues stand to its left and right sides. Within this area other ancient treasures include a large Buddha footprint, representing the 108 past lives of the Buddha before he was re-incarnated as Prince Siddharta, who subsequently gained enlightenment. On the wall, surrounding the Pagoda compound, are hundreds of meters of frescos depicting an episode of the Indian epic Ramayana. These are the biggest mural frescos in South East Asia.
Emerald Buddha- The magnificent 17th century Emerald Buddha statue is made of Baccarat crystal and solid gold. It weighs 90 kilograms and is adorned with 9,584 diamonds. Bronze statues stand to its left and right sides. Within this area other ancient treasures include a large Buddha footprint, representing the 108 past lives of the Buddha before he was re-incarnated as Prince Siddharta, who subsequently gained enlightenment. On the wall, surrounding the Pagoda compound, are hundreds of meters of frescos depicting an episode of the Indian epic Ramayana. These are the biggest mural frescos in South East Asia.
003- CAMBODIA-VIETNAM FRIENDSHIP MONUMENT- The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument is a large concrete monument that was built to commemorates the cordial relationship between the Cambodia and Vietnam. It was built in the late 1970s by the Vietnam backed regime that took power after Khmer Rouge. The monument consists of two soldiers standing guard over a Cambodian woman holding a baby, on a plinth. The style of the figures has been described as 1930s ‘Soviet realism’. The statue is located Sothearos Boulevard, Near the corner of Sihanouk Boulevard in the middle of Hun Sen Park.
004- INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT- The monument was built in 1958 to symbolise the independence that Cambodia gained from France in 1953. The French fully abandoned their interests in Indochina following defeat by the Vietnamese at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954. Independence is marked in Cambodia on the 9th November. Independence Monument is designed in an Angkorian style, shaped as a lotus-shaped stupa that consists of five levels and every level is decorated with snakeheads. The monument has a unique and peculiar style and doubles as a memorial to Cambodian patriots who died for their country. At night, it is lit with blue, red and white light (the colours of the national flag). There is a big open park at the Independence Monument and it seems to be a popular place among the locals. A ceremonial flame is lit on pedestal inside the monument by a royal representative or a high official, and floral tributes line the stairs.
Location- Street 274 (Sihanouk Blvd.) in Chak Tomuk Commune, Daun Penh District.
Location- Street 274 (Sihanouk Blvd.) in Chak Tomuk Commune, Daun Penh District.
005- NATIONAL MUSEUM- The National Museum of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20) just north of the Royal Palace. The School of Fine Arts (École des Beaux-arts) has its headquarters in a structure behind the main building. Photography is prohibited inside.
Opening-It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 to 11 am and from 2 to 5 pm;
Entry- entry is $3.
Opening-It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 to 11 am and from 2 to 5 pm;
Entry- entry is $3.
006- WAT PHNOM-This sits on a tree covered hill about 30m high in the northeast of the city. It is said that the first pagoda was built in 1373 to house four statues of the Buddha deposited here by the Mekong river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh. Thus, the name Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. The people believe that this temple is powerful in that anyone who makes a wish will have it granted. It is not surprising to see many people coming here to pray for protection or healing.
According to legend, the city was founded on this small hill in the 14th century by an elderly lady (grandma Penh or Daun Penh), who built the temple in order to house and protect four sacred statues of Buddha that she had found in a nearby tree trunk from heavy flooding in the area.
According to legend, the city was founded on this small hill in the 14th century by an elderly lady (grandma Penh or Daun Penh), who built the temple in order to house and protect four sacred statues of Buddha that she had found in a nearby tree trunk from heavy flooding in the area.
007- NEW CENTRAL MARKET (Phsar Thmei) - A visit to the markets and market halls is necessary as they give an opportunity to be acquainted with the country's local produce and to buy textiles, antiques, gold and silver jewellery. The four wings of the yellow coloured Central Market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage.
008- TOUL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM- The Museum is a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. The school was converted into a prison and interrogation center in August 1975 by the Regime. The buildings were enclosed in electrified barbed wire, the classrooms were converted into tiny prison cells and torture chambers, and all windows were covered with iron bars and barbed wire to prevent escapes. From 1975 to 1979, an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned and later killed at Choeung Ek Killing Fields. The buildings are preserved as they were left when the Khmer Rouge were driven out in 1979.
009- CHEUNG EK KILLING FIELD-Between 1975 and 1978,about 17,000 men, women, children and infants , detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets.
The Killing Fields are located nine miles (14.5 kilometers) from Phnom Penh, the "killing fields" of Choeung Ek have become a tourist attraction, but horrifying and fascinating. Choeung Ek is one of thousands of other such sites around the country where the Khmer Rouge practiced genocide during the late 1970s. Choeung Ek Killing Fields is the largest mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge. 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. From 1975 to 1979, Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge soldiers killed 1.7 million Cambodians, or 21 percent of the population, according to Yale University's Cambodia Genocide Program.
Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. The remains of 8985 people, many of whom were bound and blindfolded, were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves in this one-time long an orchard.
The Killing Fields are located nine miles (14.5 kilometers) from Phnom Penh, the "killing fields" of Choeung Ek have become a tourist attraction, but horrifying and fascinating. Choeung Ek is one of thousands of other such sites around the country where the Khmer Rouge practiced genocide during the late 1970s. Choeung Ek Killing Fields is the largest mass grave of victims of the Khmer Rouge. 8,895 bodies were discovered at Choeung Ek after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. From 1975 to 1979, Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge soldiers killed 1.7 million Cambodians, or 21 percent of the population, according to Yale University's Cambodia Genocide Program.
Between 1975 and 1978, about 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets. The remains of 8985 people, many of whom were bound and blindfolded, were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves in this one-time long an orchard.
010- SISOWATH QUAY AKA RIVERSIDE- An attractive boulevard running along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap. It's fronted by a large, long open space with manicured lawns, palm trees and open pathways, all recently re-done as part of a Japanese funded project to upgrade the flood infrastructure along the river. The built-up side of the street is home to cafés and shops and the better class of bar, and is popular with tourists.
Sisowath Quay, which runs along the west bank of the Tonle Sap River. This is a 3km strip filled with vendors, locals, tourists and expats, and lined with hotels, restaurants, bars cafes and shops.
Sisowath Quay, which runs along the west bank of the Tonle Sap River. This is a 3km strip filled with vendors, locals, tourists and expats, and lined with hotels, restaurants, bars cafes and shops.
011- PHNOM PENH RIVER CRUISE- Upon boarding you will receive a free Sunset Cocktail, a Cambo Cruise original. Departing at approximately 5:00pm, you will be cruising along the Phnom Penh riverfront while enjoying the sounds of live traditional Khmer music on the upper-deck. You can also view the scenery from the main deck for a more cosy experience near the bar. After passing the Royal Palace ,journey to the junction of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers. Up the Mekong River you will see floating villages and fishing families living on their house boats. Along the shores of Silk Island is where you will see the sunset over Phnom Penh in the distance. The sunset is the highlight of the journey. If you choose the "cruise only" option, the buffet and an a la carte menu is available for purchase.
Sunset Cruise- Afternoon: 4:30pm to 6:30pm from 15USD.
Dinner Cruise- (6:30-8:30 pm) from 15 to 45USD.
http://crocodilecruise.com/index.php?Id=00019
http://www.cambocruise.com/en
http://memorablecambodia.com/
http://www.memorablecambodia.com
PHNOM PENH DAY TOURS-
1-Best Price Travel-Phnom Penh Full Day City Tour (Phnom Penh Full Day City Tour)-Explore the highlights of Cambodia's capital city including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum. Have a glimpse into the dark period of Cambodian's history at Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Explore Wat Phnom, the only one hill in town with sacred sites.
Price-USD$74.00pp
Includes-Entrance fee-English speaking guide-Private transportation.
https://www.bestpricevn.com/Tour_Phnom-Penh-Full-Day-City-Tour.html
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/phnom-penh
http://www.asiavipa.com/phnom-penh-day-tours
2- Bravo Indochina Tours – Private Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Genocide Museum & Royal Palace Tour- Deeper look at Phnom Penh's significant history & culture-Visit to the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once S-21-Memorial to the victims of the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek-Intricate architecture, murals & statues at Wat Phnom temple-Spectacular Throne Hall & Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace.
Price-USD$79.00
Includes- Guided tour of Phnom Penh-Entrance fees-Lunch.
https://travel.hotels.com
Presented by - V P Gupta
Sunset Cruise- Afternoon: 4:30pm to 6:30pm from 15USD.
Dinner Cruise- (6:30-8:30 pm) from 15 to 45USD.
http://crocodilecruise.com/index.php?Id=00019
http://www.cambocruise.com/en
http://memorablecambodia.com/
http://www.memorablecambodia.com
PHNOM PENH DAY TOURS-
1-Best Price Travel-Phnom Penh Full Day City Tour (Phnom Penh Full Day City Tour)-Explore the highlights of Cambodia's capital city including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum. Have a glimpse into the dark period of Cambodian's history at Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Explore Wat Phnom, the only one hill in town with sacred sites.
Price-USD$74.00pp
Includes-Entrance fee-English speaking guide-Private transportation.
https://www.bestpricevn.com/Tour_Phnom-Penh-Full-Day-City-Tour.html
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/phnom-penh
http://www.asiavipa.com/phnom-penh-day-tours
2- Bravo Indochina Tours – Private Choeung Ek Killing Fields, Genocide Museum & Royal Palace Tour- Deeper look at Phnom Penh's significant history & culture-Visit to the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once S-21-Memorial to the victims of the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek-Intricate architecture, murals & statues at Wat Phnom temple-Spectacular Throne Hall & Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace.
Price-USD$79.00
Includes- Guided tour of Phnom Penh-Entrance fees-Lunch.
https://travel.hotels.com
Presented by - V P Gupta