PHNOMPENH

PHNOMPENH

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of three rivers - the mighty Mekong, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap - so too is it a vibrant confluence of three distinct cultures, Khmer, Chinese and French, expressions of which you’ll find in the food, the architecture, art and so much more.

The highlight of Phnom Penh is the beautiful Royal Palace; the seat and residence of Cambodia's royal family since the 1860s. Peel back layers of history with a trip to this beguiling capital of Cambodia. A visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields memorial and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum provides a glimpse not only of country's dark past but also of the resilience of a people renowned for their gentleness and hospitality. Travel back a few centuries earlier and you'll encounter the splendor of the great Angkor Empire, which flourished from the ninth to the thirteenth century: its relics, art and sculptures are now on show at the National Museum. Make sure you do not miss Psar Thmei, the distinctive domed building was built in 1937 in Art Deco style and dominates Phnom Penh's central city. There are excellent opportunities for soaking up a slice of local life here with the market's huge array of local produce on display and plenty of hustle and bustle.

Climate: Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate is hot year-round with only minor variations. Temperatures typically range from 22 to 35°C (72 to 95°F) and weather is subject to the tropical monsoons.

Best time to visit: The most popular time to visit Phnom Penh is in December and January, when temperatures are at their most pleasant and rainfall is at its lowest. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds, the rainy season is a good time to visit Phnom Penh because there will be far fewer tourists around and the rain showers are mostly confined to the afternoons, so you can plan around them.

Getting there: The fastest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is obviously by plane, it takes only 50 minutes to get there. You can also take 6-hour-bus-trip as it is much cheaper, however, you can feel tired and bored since the travel time is long.

BEFORE YOU GO

Cambodia has two seasons, both affected by the monsoon winds. The northeastern monsoon blowing toward the coast ushers in the cool, dry season in November, which lasts through February, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. December and January are the coolest months. It heats up to around 35°C and higher in March and April, when the southwestern monsoon blows inland from the Gulf of Thailand, bringing downpours that last an hour or most days. This rainy, humid season runs through October, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C. The climate in Phnom Penh is always very humid. Thanks to climate change, Cambodia now experiences rainstorms in the dry season, cool temperatures in the hot season, and a lot of unpredictability. Bring your umbrella, although higher-end resorts usually offer one along with your bathrobe and slippers.

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ON YOUR TOUR

Currently, Cambodia has three airports receiving international flights: Phnom Penh, Siem Riep and Sihanoukville. There are always taxis, tuk-tuks and motodups awaiting and available for arriving passengers. The cheapest option to travel around cities in Cambodia is to travel using the bus.

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KEY FACTS
Population

14,150,000

Capital City

Phnom Penh

Language

Khmer

Plug types

Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz

Religion

Buddhist

Currency

Riel (KHR) exchange rates

Timezone

UTC +7 hours

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We saw, learned, heard, tasted a lot and really got to know these 2 countries better. Thanks a lot for organizing our tour.

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