Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a good example of a two-day city, where there is plenty of see and experience in a short time but little to keep one longer. The Royal Palace and National Museum are worth a morning, to get a sense of the country's rich heritage, then as a counterpoint, visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields to understand the terrible atrocities suffered by the Khmer people during Pol Pot's reign of terror. In a lighter vein, enjoy the lively shopping scene in Central and Russian Markets while taking time to watch the sunset on the river at the Foreign Press Club's balcony bar.
Getting around between sights can be a hassle. It's not a bad idea to engage a taxi driver for the day, or for the more adventurous, rely on the services of moto-taxi where you sit on the back of a moped. Walking is an interesting option, but best avoided during the heat of the day and at night. Grab a free copy of the quarterly A Phnom Penh Visitors' Guideas it contains a useful map and good summaries of major attractions.
Shopping in Phnom Penh
The most popular destination for visiting shoppers is undoubtedly Russian Market, a square block of covered stalls between Streets 440 and 450. There is an interesting mix of paraphernalia, pirated gear and religious icons on offer but you must be prepared to bargain hard. Central Market is an art deco city landmark and a good place to buy silk and fabrics, as well a range of souvenirs.
Another good location for traditional fabrics is Mekong Arts on Street 178. To find essentials and grocery items try Lucky Market which is where the city's expats do their weekly shopping. For a Cambodian version of the modern mall experience head to Sorya Shopping Center, just south of the Central Market. For art galleries and boutiques offering a more high-end selection of goods than the markets, head for Street 240.
When shopping in Phnom Penh remember that cash is king, and both dollars and riel are accepted. Don't try to use credit cards or travelers checks. And of course, bargaining is expected and essential.
Phnom Penh Nightlife
The nightlife is Phnom Penh has picked up in recent years, with several good quality clubs and bars emerging to join the list of enduring classics like The Heart of Darkness and The Foreign Correspondents Club. The upmarket Elephant Bar at the Hotel Royal and the Riverhouse Lounge are both stylish places to start an evening in the city. The area around the Lake has many bars although the majority are still of the go-go girl variety and are rather seedy, although an interesting experience and worth checking out at least once during a stay in the city. For live music try Memphis Pub which has nightly gigs and Miles Jazz Café with jazz every Friday. Equinox Bar has jam sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Most of Cambodia's artists and musicians were killed during Pol Pots' reign, part of a deliberate attempt to eradicate the country's culture and artistic traditions. That's why it is worth supporting institutions and events that help with the rebirth of these areas of Khmer life. The Royal university of Fine Arts hosts Khmer royal ballet although training and performance sessions are irregular. The Aspara Arts Association holds classical and fold dance sessions every Saturday at 7pm. The Souvanna Phum Theater has traditional puppetry shows on weekends, while Chatomuk Theater on Sisowath Quay hosts traditional music and dance on occasions.
Although Phnom Penh is getting safer it remains a fairly dangerous city, hence walking around at night is best avoided. Using motorcycle taxis is a cheap and fairly safe way to get between venues.
For details of what's hot and happening in the city get a copy of the Friday edition of the Cambodia Daily, the fortnightly The Phnom Penh Postand the free and always interesting Bayon Pearnik, which comes out monthly.
