Cambodia’s bustling capital is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap rivers. Legend has it that Phnom Penh was founded when a woman by the name of Penh found Buddha images washed up on the bank of the Mekong River. In 1373, a temple, Wat Phnom, was built on a hill to house them. With Phnom in Khmer meaning hill, Phnom Penh literally translates as Hill of Penh. Officially the city was founded in 1434 by King Ponhea Yat, following the fall of Angkor.
Today, Phnom Penh is a city of more than 1.5 million people. With continuing urban development it is fast developing into an economic hub of the region, at the same time retaining its distinct atmosphere with its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial buildings and an abundance of chic bistros dotted along the riverfront, bustling markets, intriguing boutiques and stylish hotels.
Places of interest include the royal palace including the Silver Pagoda with its spectacular floor made up of 5,000 silver tiles, the National Museum housing treasures from the world’s finest collection of sculptures from the Angkor period, Wat Phnom, the city’s landmark and the notorious Toul Sleng Genocide Museum.
Phnom Penh is also ideal gateway for daytrips to the surrounding countryside. Particularly attractive are boat trips on the Mekong and Tonle Sap combined with a visit to the picturesque Silk Island or a visit of Udong, once the Capital of Cambodia, and the floating villages of Kampong Chhnang.
Volunteering
Mekong Adventures can organise your participation in selected local projects for you, in many different areas.
Bird Watching Cambodia
With its wetlands and nature reserves, Cambodia provides a natural habitat for a wide variety of endangered bird species.
Honeymoon in Cambodia
Siem Reap is a perfect starting point or final destination for a romantic honeymoon in South East Asia.
Angkor Discovery
On this tour you will visit the most important temples of the Angkor era surrounding Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat.
Introducing Cambodia
Visit the major attractions of Phnom Penh and explore the fabled temples of Angkor at a leisurely pace.
Cambodia's South
Highlights include a boat tour through the mangrove forest of Ream National Park and the white beaches of Sihanoukville.