Location

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Tuol Sleng Museum (Genocide Museum)

In 1975, the Tuol Sleng high school was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and turned into Security Prison 21 (S-21). This became the largest prison and torture facility in Cambodia. Inmates were tortured over long periods (even months) until they confessed, at which point they were taken to the killing field of Choeung Ek and executed. Over 17,000 people passed through S-21 in this way between 1975 and 1979.

Tuol Sleng has been turned into a museum and a testament to the depravity of the Khmer Rouge. It has been kept in a similar state to when the Khmer Rouge abandoned it in 1979. The Khmer Rouge was very thorough in their record keeping, so each prisoner was photographed, sometimes before and after their torture. Many of these haunting pictures are displayed, knowing that nearly all of the people in the pictures were later executed. There are also paintings of torture at the prison on display, done by one of the few survivors. Tuol Sleng is a very disturbing place, but it is an important reminder about how far humanity can sink.

The Olympic Market

Is just one of the multi-story market complexes which, in time, will sweep the more traditional, ramshackle street markets from the face of Phnom Penh. As well as the usual market items, this place seems to specialize in wholesale fabrics, all too vivid glow-in-the-dark Buddha statues and other religious paraphernalia. Those with a sense of adventure in street food might try a traditional Khmer afternoon snack - pancakes filled with minced pork and bean sprouts made on-the-spot, by a row of vendors stooped over their charcoal fireplaces on the northern side of the market.

Wat Moha Montrei

Is a modern temple that is known for its interesting wall murals. These murals were painted in the 1960s and tell the Buddha’s life story in modern terms. For example, the officials in the murals wear white military outfits from the 1960s, and the angels are dressed as Khmer dancers. There is also a wooden lion throne from which Buddhist sermons are delivered.

National Museum

Located near the Royal Palace, Cambodia's National Museum offers a charming setting for a stunning collection of ancient Khmer art. Predominantly constructed of sandstone, the sculptures date from both the Angkorean and pre-Angkorean eras. These exhibits are complemented by more recent examples of Cambodian art. The museum is housed in a terra-cotta-roofed structure of traditional Cambodian design, which was built between 1917 and 1920. Apart from artistic treasures, the building is also home to a large colony of Cambodian free tail bats. The colony has lived in the building's rafters for years and is believed to be the largest group of bats living in a man-made structure anywhere in the world. But visitors need not worry about becoming a guano target, as the Australian government reinforced the ceiling of the museum in 1997. The only time you are likely to see the bats is when they fly from the roof en masse at dusk each evening.

(Street 178 & Street 13, next to the Royal Palace - $2.00 - 8:00-11:30 and 2:00-5:00, open every day)

Royal Palace

Situated on the site of the former Citadel, it was built by King Norodom in 1866 on the banks of the Mekong River. Inside its gleaming yellow walls are the Throne Hall; the Chan Chaya Pavilion, specially made for performances of classical Cambodian dance; the Napoleon III Pavilion, offered to King Norodom by Queen Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and the King's and Queen's residential quarters. Nowadays, only the Silver Pagoda can be visited.

(Sothearos between Street 240 & 184 - $6.25/person, Open from 7:30-11:00 / 2:00-5:00 except Monday)

Wat Phnom

The history of Wat Phnom is that in 1372 Lady Penh discovered four Buddha statues. She decided to create the hill (phnom) that is today the site of Wat Phnom and atop the hill she created a small temple (wat) to house the statues. The story continues that eventually the area became known as Phnom Penh in recognition of Lady Penh and the hill. The current temple contains the remains of King Ponhea Vat (1405-1467) and it was this King that relocated the capital of Cambodia from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422.

The hill today is a busy site as the temple is active and draws lots of local people. You can take an elephant ride and there are many stalls selling food and drinks. Entrance to Wat Phnom is US$1.

(Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Blvd. - $1/person)

Independence Monument

Inaugurated in 1958 to celebrate Cambodia's independence from foreign rule. It now also serves as monument to Cambodia's war dead. At night the monument is very tastefully illuminated by red, blue and white floodlights - the colors of the Cambodian flag. It is the site of celebrations and services on holidays such as Independence Day and Constitution Day. Trespassing onto the monument is illegal (sometimes). The best view is from across the street anyway.

(At the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk)

Central Market

The distinctive art-deco styling of the Central Market makes it a standout in the architecture of Phnom Penh. Phsar Thmei translates to New Market although Central Market is becoming more common; be assured that whichever name you use the motor drivers will know where you want to go. You will find a myriad of stalls offering t-shirts, jewelers, postcards, flowers, house ware, and electronic goods – in fact just about anything you could wish for!