Phnom Penh Travel Information (Phnom Penh 2012)

Phnom Penh 2012 with the travel experience of mr.hotsia

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. I had the chance to experience life in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, in 2012. This trip was full of impressive moments and many stories I want to share openly because Phnom Penh is not just an ordinary capital city. It is a city that hides intense history in every corner and still holds the charm of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap River flowing peacefully through the city center.

Phnom Penh, a Riverside City Full of Life

If you ask me what makes Phnom Penh stand out, I can say it’s the two rivers: the Mekong River, commonly called “Makong” by Cambodians, and the Tonle Sap River, which acts like a major artery connecting Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River. This confluence makes Phnom Penh look beautiful and charming in a way different from other cities I have visited.

Walking along these two rivers is my favorite activity because besides feeling the cool breeze and wide river views, I also see locals living their daily lives — fishing boats, cargo boats, and small floating markets that still firmly preserve traditional ways.

Must-Visit Places in Phnom Penh

For tourists wanting to explore Phnom Penh, I, mr.hotsia, recommend starting at the Royal Palace, the residence of King Norodom Sihanouk, which is very beautiful and majestic. Every time I enter, I feel the peace and the beauty of authentic Khmer architecture that is different from anywhere else in the region.

Another place that if you don’t visit, you haven’t truly been to Phnom Penh is the Killing Fields, a historical site reflecting the brutality of the Khmer Rouge era. This place made me feel the pain of Cambodia’s past and understand the strength of its people who rebuilt the country.

Wat Phnom is another spot I like to visit because it is located on a small hill in the city. It is a temple with a long history and offers a great city view of Phnom Penh. There is also a public park in front of the palace connected to the Independence Monument, a place where Cambodians relax and meet.

Accommodation and Transportation Zones in the City

Regarding accommodation, I recommend the northern area of the Royal Palace near Wat Ounalom because it is very easy and convenient to walk around. You can walk to the morning market, evening market, Wat Phnom, and the Royal Palace without much effort. Most rooms I choose have air conditioning, hot water, and cleanliness, priced around 10-20 USD per night, which is very worthwhile considering the comfort and location.

If you’re not sure about room availability, I recommend booking accommodation in advance. Don’t forget to ask for a walking map from the hotel, as it will help you enjoy your sightseeing without getting lost.

What to Eat in Phnom Penh? Answers from mr.hotsia

Food in Phnom Penh impressed me a lot because Khmer and Thai cuisines are quite similar, making it easy for Thai people like me to eat without feeling out of place. Along the streets in Phnom Penh, there are clean curry rice shops with affordable prices around 20-30 baht. I ate every day; my favorite dish was ginger chicken stir-fry, which is sold almost everywhere.

If you want to try something new, I recommend eating “Phnom Penh Roast Beef,” a famous restaurant near Wat Ounalom with several shops side by side. It’s a dish you must try. Also, there is shaved ice with raw egg at the fresh market, a unique and very delicious dessert that I always eat every time I visit.

For those who like Western food, Phnom Penh has many options because it’s a tourist city. However, I prefer local food because it offers the true atmosphere and flavor of this city.

What’s the Best Currency to Use in Cambodia?

Currency in Cambodia can confuse tourists a bit. The riel is the official currency; 1,000 riel is about 8 Thai baht. But in daily life, US dollars are used more because they are more convenient and cost-effective.

I, mr.hotsia, recommend exchanging US dollars to use. For example, if accommodation costs 10 USD, paying in riel might require up to 40,000 riel or nearly 400 Thai baht. So carrying dollars helps you manage your budget better. Change is usually given in riel, which can be used for small expenses.

In Phnom Penh, there are ATMs that accept Thai VISA cards. You can withdraw US dollars directly. Although there is a fee of about 90 baht per 200-dollar withdrawal, if you stay several days or don’t want to exchange a lot of cash beforehand, withdrawing here is a good option.

Recommended Fresh Markets and Souvenirs from Phnom Penh

I like to wake up early to walk the fresh market near Wat Ounalom. There are both morning and evening markets. I enjoy watching fresh fish sold by locals, including small and large fish and various seafood. This market also has a noodle shop called “126” that is always crowded. I often stop by after walking the market.

I recommend buying black pepper from Kampot Province, famous for its fragrant and mildly spicy flavor. It’s great as a souvenir. This pepper can be eaten whole with the shell and has a very fresh aroma. I asked shops in the market, and they sell it at a reasonable price. It’s a memorable souvenir I always bring home.

Traveling To and From Phnom Penh

If you plan to continue traveling from Phnom Penh, for example to Takeo Province, I have taken Soraya company’s air-conditioned bus, which offers good service. The trip takes about 2.5 hours with 4 trips daily. I usually book tickets through hotel agents for convenience. For more details aboutBuses from Phnom Penh to Takeo ProvinceI have written a detailed article on that topic.

For traveling within Phnom Penh, the main bus station has buses to various provinces and neighboring countries. However, ticket booking is mostly through agents or hotels as well. I recommend readingPhnom Penh Bus Station Articleto prepare better.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Phnom Penh is not a large modern city like some ASEAN cities but has a unique charm that I find hard to forget — the history to learn, riverside lifestyle, and food flavors that I can’t resist every time I visit.

For those who want to continue traveling from Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, getting to Phnom Penh is easy and convenient. Read more details atTraveling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penhwhich I have already written.

If you like in-depth travel, enjoy eating, walking markets, and want to learn unfiltered history, Phnom Penh is the answer that mr.hotsia wants you to experience yourself.

Recommended Video Clips

For those who want to see the atmosphere of food and fresh markets in Phnom Penh, I have recommended videos for you to watch, such asEating Khmer Roast Duck in Phnom Penh, Duck at Phnom Penh Morning Fresh MarketandCambodia Wholesale Fish Market Phnom PenhI guarantee you will get a fresh atmosphere as if you are walking with mr.hotsia himself.