Phnom Penh

Luxury Phnom Penh Travel

Despite its sobering history, Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh is a buzzy, urban city that’s making a name for itself as a cultural epicenter. Classic riverside attractions like the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom share space with lively markets, low-rise towers, and colonial architecture from the country’s tenure as a French protectorate.   

However, acknowledging the city’s difficult past is still an important part of a visit here, and you’ll get the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the Khmer Rouge with a guided visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. In the afternoon, spend time at the National Museum, home to a vast collection of Khmer Empire artifacts, or visit the Silver Pagoda with its glittering silver-tiled floor, nestled within the Royal Palace complex. A guided walk through the city’s French Quarter gives a glimpse into another part of the city’s past, home to beautiful colonial-era architecture, including the grand post office and the abandoned French administration building. Retreat to a hotel just as beautiful at the end of the day at the sophisticated Raffles Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh.  

Food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning travel to Cambodia, but there’s a dynamic culinary scene here to rival anything in Thailand or Vietnam. Set out on foot or by tuk-tuk to Pshar Kandal, Phnom Penh’s oldest market, to try local specialities, including fried noodles, barbecue beef with papaya salad, and traditional snacks. End your foodie tour at Psah Thmey, the city’s iconic Art Deco market. The market’s warren of stalls sling everything from gold jewelry and clothing to local snacks such as ansom chek, a banana sticky rice cake, and refreshing sugar cane juice. Get a taste of contemporary Cambodian food at Nesat Seafood House or book an elegant courtyard table at Malis for an elevated take on local cuisine.  

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