Paragon Mall
Head to Paragon Mall when the heat is scorching and kids are tired and irritating you. The ‘kids play area’ inside the mall gives them a chance to play around with balls and take electronic rides. Meanwhile you can go shop!
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has turned into the central economic, industrial, commercial, and historic point in Cambodia. It is home to several Pagodas, religious joints, cultural settings, and historic markets like Russian Market and Central market. Its wide Boulevards give way to crazy SUV drivers to rush past bicycling children and youth.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Le Jardin
Located at 16 Street 360, this is the place your kids will love. Take them there for breakfast or lunch. While the delicious food arrives, kids can play in the fully toy-equipped play area and enjoy themselves.
Phnom Tamao Zoo
This is the best place to visit with kids. Though it’s located on a 30 kilometers distance from the main city, but your kids will have a great time there while observing the rehabilitation and conservation of animals. Feeding the dear, ducks and fishes would be delight for thrm. Whereas seeing monkeys jump and roll would surely give them a fir of laughter.
Mekong River
Most kids love water and the thrill that comes with a boat ride will surely beat the rollercoaster fun for them. Take a boat ride with them on the Mekong River, they will love to see the water life and wave at the kids in other boats. It gives you a quality time with kids.
Russian Market
This huge market was given the name ‘Russian’ after it turned into a major tourist stop. The market has shops for everything from electronics to fabrics and souvenirs. There are several vendors’ stalls and barrows selling inexpensive silk and other fabrics that can be given to the tailor with specifications suggested. The south of Russian Market is packed with stalls of traditional Khmer handicrafts, jewelry, silverworks, carvings, and other Khmer culture oriented craft pieces.
Naga World Casino
Ever since 1995, Naga world is attracting a wide range of clientele, from the casino lovers to the business elite and families! It is acknowledged as one of the best casino-hotels in Indo China and offers you their exquisite services from a relaxing spa, gaming halls, karaoke lounges, and spacious deluxe rooms and suites. At Naga world you will discover, love, and invigorate exotic beyond the trend.
Wat Ounalom
Built in 1443, it is the center of Cambodian Buddhism. It has around 44 structures some of which were destructed during Khmer Rouge’s regime. This Wat was built to keep an eyebrow hair of a Buddha relic.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
This site is located about 17 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. It is a former Chinese graveyard. Today, it is famous with the name ‘Killing Fields’ because during the Khmer Rouge’s regime (1975-1979) about 17000 people were executed there. After the regime collapsed, several dead bodies were found from that area. Tourists are encouraged to pay this site a visit to get a picture of Cambodia’s heart-breaking history.
Tuol Sleng- Museum of Genocide
Toul Sleng Genocide Museum reflects the dreadful history of Cambodia that every tourist needs to know. It was a school that got turned into a prison. 14000 people were the victims of sheer torture in that prison and the same people were ruthlessly killed in the Killing field later on. This museum features art collection, skull pieces and horrifying pictures and paintings from those times in 1975!
Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom is located on a hill in a small park! It is visited more f its religious and historic significance than for its architecture and building. The cleanliness situation isn’t very commendable and monkeys would be aiming for your drinks. So it is better to not place any of your belonging on the stands, walls, ledges, etc. Admission in the Wat requires you to pay $2 and one elephant ride requires you to pay $15.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Phnom Penh
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Phnom Penh
K West
Set in the lobby of Ajmayna Hotel, this French owned restaurant serves the finest food in town. The ambiance is chic and elegant, perfect for a romantic date or a business dinner. Delicious pastas are cooked at order and the pleasant salads are the biggest temptation! Palatable and fresh sea food is also available on order along with a wide range of Khmer dishes and side snacks. The desserts at K West are hard to resist. So, don’t forget to savor your taste buds with their mouth-watering sweets.
Riverhouse
This restaurant mainly caters the high-clientele with their mouthwatering Thai, French and American food delicacies. It is established in a reconstructed French colonial building and gives an overview of the Mekong River while you savor the delectable food. It gives you the option to either relish your meal while enjoying the scenic views of the Mekong River or settle yourself in an air-conditioned hall to ensure maximum privacy. The restaurant is packed at most nights hence making a reservation is a smart choice!
Topaz
Located on the Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, this restaurant serves the most succulent steaks in town! It is contemporary French styled building is soothing to eyes and the perfect ambiance makes eating out at Topaz absolutely great. The French and Thai cuisine is served with outstanding presentation. Besides food, Topaz has a name for its divine French wines. So for all food and exotic wine lovers, this is the place for you to crash in!
Bai Thong
The elegance of Bai Thong is perfect for a much awaited romantic dinner or even a long pending business meeting. The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxed and from the white table cloth to the food served, every feature is top-notch. Fully air-conditioned rooms and the extensive menu, now including Laos, Vietnamese and Khymer cuisines as well, is a rare combination especially if topped up with excellent timely and wifi services.
Chow Restaurant
It is an elite posh restaurant with a beautiful riverfront, featuring a chic setting, and detailed contemporary décor. The mouthwatering Asian food is served with intricate dressing details and an incredible selection of wine is offered to the customers. Special deals for the great happy hours are available. It is better to make the reservations in advance at Chow to save yourself the disappointment of house-full later on.
Amber Garden Terrace
Situated on the busy 57th Street, this airy hotel is not just affordable but serves the finest Khymer food. The breezy environment gives a casual and serene touch to your meals and sets a light mood. If your taste buds crave for something beyond Khymer delights then you’ve the choice to select from a wide range of International delicacies. While you wait for your order, you can always catch up on recent facebook updates or emails while utilixing their free wifi services.
Anise Terrace
This restaurant offers the delectable Southeast Asian cuisine at a very reasonable price. The seating arrangement could be made on the terrace or in the air-conditioned hall. The fish cakes at Anise Terrace are particularly delicious. You can catch up on your work, while waiting for the order, through the free wifi service.
Chiang Mai Riverside
The air-conditioned ‘Thailand Brand certified’ enjoys an excellent reputation among its customers for the delicious Thai cuisine and a variety of vegetarian dishes. It has been established since a long time and is popular in among the locales for its home-cooking. If you are slightly conscious about diet issues but still want to relish delectable food, Chiang Mai Riverside is the place for you to dine at.
Chicago Grill and Steak
This restaurant established in a wonderful setting has expertise in delicious American food. Starting with the scrumptious steaks to the wide variety of salads, potatoes, and corn-on-the-cob, everything is served in the quintessential American way. A fine selection of chicken is also available for Western food lovers!
112 Restaurant
Established near the colonial French mansions, this is the place to be if you are French food fanatic! This restaurant with a busy and slightly packed décor offers the best and finest French cuisine. Their selection ranges from delicious salads to steak tartare and several other contemporary and French cuisines. Different types of music keep your mood changing and set.
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Where to stay in Phnom Penh
InterContinental Phnom Penh
This hotel is located in the business center of the city’s downtown, only a few minutes from the popular Russian market. Though it’s located in the capital of the country, the hotel has a considerably peaceful ambiance in contrast with the hustle bustle of Phnom Penh. It has 346 rooms and suites along with ballrooms and halls for small events. The hotel is located about 8km from the airport and is only a 15-20 minutes taxi ride away. One way taxi fare to the airport is about US$10.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
The roots of this hotel date back to 80 years hence it’s a living legend of French colonial elegance and sophistication. It is situated at the heart of city, especially close to the elite shopping centers and beautiful tourist locations. The beautiful sunset over the Mekong River could be observed from Raffles Hotel. Its boutique has an extensive cultural heritage collection and the restaurants serve the Asian and global delicacies.
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
Sofitel Phnom Penh is positioned riverside surrounded by exotic gardens. The gorgeous 17 story building of the magnificient hotel stands in the old quarter of the city, and is close to several tourist attractions, embassies, and business capital. It has a total of 201 rooms and offers all the luxuries to its customers from spa to bars and sports club.
Naga World
Ever since 1995, Naga world is attracting a wide range of clientele, from the casino lovers to the business elite and families! It is acknowledged as one of the best casino-hotels in Indo China and offers you their exquisite services from a relaxing spa, gaming halls, karaoke lounges, and spacious deluxe rooms and suites. At Naga world you will discover, love, and invigorate exotic beyond the trend.
Himawari Hotel Apartments
Settled on the beautiful Tonle Sap River, this stunning hotel with gorgeous interior is provides you with their excellent services. Not just Himawari is close to business centers and embassies, but also it soothes your sight with the scenic views of Royal Palace and Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in the harmony of this haven. A few of their facilities include gym, swimming pool, 24 hours room service, programs of physical fitness like Yoga and Aerobics, tennis court, Jacuzzi, steam room, meeting halls and rooms, etc. The list of Himawari’s hospitality and services doesn’t end there; to satisfy your appetite, a restaurant and two bars are ready to serve you.
Hotel Cambodiana
It is located along the banks of Mekong River, only on a distance of 0 minutes drive from the Phnom Penh International Airport. Hotel Cambodiana has a five star rating and provides 24 hours room service along with a pool facility, two dining options, wi-fi availability ($4 per hour) and tennis courts. In addition, the hotel features a spa for massages, body treatments, etc and a gym. The hotel is located near the local tourist attractions. The restaurants serve delectable Asian and Western food.
Sokha on Nordom, Phnom Penh
Sokha is located in the center of the city with fine services. It comprises of 16 spacious room, a Jasmine spa, two restaurants and a bar, business center, Karaoke, and 34 hours broadband internet service in the room. If you want to have a comfortable stay without splurging a lot cash, Sokha is the place for you to be at.
Blue River Hotel
This small hotel is located a few miles from the famous Japanese bridge in Phnom Penh. With 88 rooms and facilities like gym, spa, and Jacuzzi, nobody returns home with a frown. Hotel’s chefs tantalize your taste buds with lovely Khymer and Chinese cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are served during fixed timings. Blue River follows a very strict no-pet policy.
Sunway Hotel
Sunway Hotel is only on a 15 minutes drive from the airport and its rooms provide you with beautiful views of the city. Not just the hotel is surrounded by prestigious locations, but also sits very near to the popular Wat Phnom Pagoda. It offers you a variety of rooms from Deluxe to Presidential Suite. Sunway Hotel’s business center has acquired it a special place among the people traveling for business purposes. Furthermore, it has a book corner and very beautiful gift-shop. Several small-scale events are also arranged in the premises. Taxi and Limousine services are provided, but charged separately on the bill. Sun Café and a deli shop are there to satisfy your appetite by their delectable food.
Phnom Penh Hotel
Phnom Penh Hotel stands 20 minutes from the airport at the busy Monivong Boulevard, only a few minutes away from the embassies and scenic Buddhist pagodas. Not just those, but it is also surrounded by shopping arenas, French colonial mansions, and a variety of venues to treat your taste buds with the delights and treats from over the globe.
History and today in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Today
Phnom Penh has turned into the central economic, industrial, commercial, and historic point in Cambodia. It is home to several Pagodas, religious joints, cultural settings, and historic markets like Russian Market and Central market. Its wide Boulevards give way to crazy SUV drivers to rush past bicycling children and youth.
Phnom Penh History
Phnom Penh became the permanent seat of the King in 1866. Royal Palace was built in the city for honor. Later French colonists established schools, hospitals, courts, heath centers, offices, prisons, etc to turn a partial village into a capital city. Soon in the 1870s the city’s picture changed into a modern metropolitan.
Visa Information
A visa is essential for entering Cambodia and it can be obtained from the Cambodian Embassy in your country. Exemption is given from providing proofs of return tickets. And it takes three days to obtain visa from the date of application if dropped off and picked in person. Whereas it takes seven to ten days if a courier service is used.
When to go
It’s ideal to tour the city in October to January, generally, because the intensity of humidity and temperatures are lower compared to all other months. Also, two of their major festivals, water festival and Pchum Ben also take place during these months so it’s a great chance for tourists to absorb the culture of the city in a pleasant weather.
Fast Facts
-Location: Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is situated in South-central region of the country. The metropolis is located on the intersection of the banks of Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. -Dialing code: +855(023) -Emergency numbers: 1. Police: 117 2. Fire: 118 3. Ambulance: 119 4. Airport Inquiry:
Exchange Rates
The Cambodian currency is called Riel.
Public Holidays
January 7th: Victory over Genocide Day. January 19th: Meak Bochea Day/Magha Puja Day. March 8th: International Women’s Day. April 14, 15th, and 16th: Khmer New Year’s holidays. May 1st: Labor Day April 17th: Visaka Bochea June 18th: Birthday of the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. September 24th: Cambodia’s Constitution Day September 26th, 27th, and 28th: Pchum Ben Day. November 9th: Independence Day November 10th, 11th and 12th: Water Festival
Annual Temperature
January Avg Low: 23° Avg High: 30° February Avg Low: 24° Avg High: 31° March Avg Low: 25° Avg High: 32° April Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 32° May Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 32° June Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 30° July Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 30° August Avg Low: 26° Avg High: 29° September Avg Low: 25° Avg High: 29° October Avg Low: NA Avg High: 30° November Avg Low: 24° Avg High: 30° December Avg Low: 23° Avg High: 30°
Residents
Phnom Penh’s people have their own Khmer’s dialect and are famous for narrating the sad history of their country. The food in Phnom is considerably cheaper and delicious and the city environment has a very laid-back attitude to it, dripping holes and quaint ambiance. People of Phnom Penh find delights in the little happenings of life and appreciate art. Most of the population is religious and Buddhists are in majority. They value their festivals and celebrate them with immense fervor.
Useful information
Shopping
Central Market
Distinguished with its historic yellow dome, central market is home to several shops. It is not just a traditional landmark, but also an epitome of Khmer architecture. The central point of the market sells a beautiful range of gems and jewelry. Whereas the central entrance walk is cramped with several vendors and stalls, selling souvenirs, handicrafts, silk fabrics, karmas, cravings, statuary, and tee shirts, etc.
Sayon Silkworks
As the name suggests, this shop excels in the flowing silk material and designs for women over the world. They possess a wide variety of silk cushions, clothing, handbags, patchwork quilts and other miscellaneous silk products. To get a customized article made, they have tailors and designers available for facilitation.
Assasax Gallery
This alluring art gallery is located opposite to the Royal Palace and features the art and paintings of Assasax, an artist. The artist’s style is contemporary and he has tried to pain landmarks of Cambodia with intricate details to please the viewers’ eyes. For jewelry lovers, the gallery features a limited collection of silver jewelry.
Silk & Pepper
This shop deals in stunning Cambodian handicraft products. From flower necklaces to silk scarves and name cardholders, every gift will surprise you out of your wits with it’s detailed beauty. Personalized gifts and packaging is also available in many different designs and styles.
Bliss
Bliss possess trained craftsmen who design latest fashion trends into women’s dreams. From stock furnishings to beaded and embroidered cushions and house wares, Bliss deals in everything that revolves around its fashion statement. Wearable fashions come in all varieties; from cotton to silk, nightwear to daywear, and formal to casual.
Le Lézard Bleu
It is a modern art gallery that features paintings and contemporary furniture. It has a perfect environment and even window shopping is soothing at this place.
Ambre
This considerably huge and spacious two storey boutique was started by Romyda, a graduate of Paris School of Fine Arts, in 1990. She offers stunning contemporary styled clothing for her local and International clientele with customized tailoring and designs. She launched her wedding-dress line a few years back and has been doing great! Her clothing is mainly organza, khaddi and cotton with no compromise on details, embroidery, and quality. The color combinations are an epitome of elegance and her outfits will stand out among a heap. Address: 37 Street 178 Telephone: 023 217935
Bazaar Art de Vivre
This shop keeps a wide collection of modern art pieces for sale. It has the best Khmer style furniture and other house ware pieces like decoration articles and famous Asian style lamps. Also, some really creative embroidered patterns and home textiles are available at this small outlet.
Boom Room
Tired of moving around? It is time to sit back and watch a good movie to keep your mind off the busy schedule. You need to pay a visit to Boom Room just across the Golden gate! Not just DVDs and CDs, but they also have some really trendy tee shirts. Address: No. 1C St. 278 Telephone: 012/709-096
Lucky Market
Lucky market is one of the oldest and most popular International markets in Phnom Penh. Not only it has an extensive variety of Western groceries and essentials but it also has imported electronics items at moderate prices for customers.
Signature sights in Phnom Penh
Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace features two splendid Pagodas, The Silver Pagoda and The Temple of Emerald Buddha. These are two of the very few buildings that are worth visiting in Phnom Penh. These places, build in early 19th century by French technology, are deemed of high respect by locales hence your clothing should be appropriate for entrance. No bare body parts allowed and photography is prohibited inside the Silver Pagoda.
National Museum
The National Museum of Cambodia is worth visiting! It features the statues of Hindu and Greek Gods, ancient tablets carved in Sanskrit and obsolete Khmer languages, and artifacts from primitive burial sites. National Museum’s most famous attraction is the statue of King Jayavarman VII in the courtyard. Photography isn’t allowed inside the museum however by paying a small amount you can capture several pictures only in the central courtyard.
Independence Monument
Built in 1958, the Independence Monument stands in the center of Phnom Penh at the confluence of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard. Its shape and style is similar to other Khmer historical Wats and architectural landmarks. During the prime festivals, it stays bustling with celebrations and people.
Hun Sen Park
While you take a stroll down the riverfront, stop by the Hun Sen Park and see your kids enjoy flying kites and play football. Also kids are entertained by a light and sound show after dusk at the fountain near the Friendship Monument.
Festivals and events in Phnom Penh
New Year
New Year isn’t an official festival in Phnom Penh, but in the past few years the celebrations for the New Year has been taken to a new level with lots of enthusiasm, fireworks, etc. And even though it’s not a public holiday, most offices and shops close down on the 1st of January in Phnom Penh.
Victory Day
This day is marked to celebrate the victory of the regime over the fall of Poll Pot’s on January 7th, 1979.
Bonn Chaul Chhnam – Khmer New Year
It is similar to songkran in Thailand and phimai in Laos, marking the climax of the harvesting season in Cambodia. Cambodians clean and decorate their houses, splash each other and streets with water to express joy, and attend offerings at temples. Exquisite lights are arranged on the streets, and various sport events and cultural programs are organized in the city as a part of the celebrations. It normally comprises if three days, 14th-16th April.
Bonn Visak Bochea
This is one of the very significant festivals of Cambodia, celebrated by every person in the country. Bonn Visak Bochea signifies the birth, enlightenment, and death of the God Buddha. It happens during the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar for one day only, usually in mid-May. A cortege of people with lit candles, sermons, and religious chanting is a part of its commemoration.
Bonn Chrat Preah Nongkol - Royal Ploughing Ceremony
This ceremony goes back to the times when the King inaugurated the harvesting season. In this century, the ritual is performed at the inception of rainy season in Cambodia. Representatives of the King take place of the King and the Queen. A procession revolves around the field thrice and then stops at the Shrine when Brahmins provoke God. Sacred cows are brought and several items are put in front of them for e.g rice, beans, alcohol, water, etc. It is assumed that it the cows eat rice or drink water then the rice will be good. However, cow’s inclination towards alcohol or beans is considered as an alarm.
Phnom Penh masjids and Muslim travel
International Dubai Phnom Penh Masjid
HP: 016 277 788 Call E-Mail: [email protected]
Masjid Jame' Saad Bin Abi Wakkas
Masjid Jame' Saad Bin Abi Wakkas Address: Chamkarmon, 173, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: +855 16 826 768 (Mobile)
Masjid Darussalam
Chroy Changvar, Cambodia
Mosque
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
KM6 Mosque
National Highway 5, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Musalla Ni'mah
National Highway 5, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Transportation
Buses
Phnom Penh Sorya transport, Capital tours, and GST express are the companies that run busses from the busy station of the south-west of the Central market in the city to various points located in and out of Phnom Penh. Direct buses go to many other cities like Bangkok, etc. A USD2-3 fee is charged by the travel agents for guidelines and advance bookings can be made. The city tour’s varies from $3-6 in different bus services. $10 is charged for the Mekong Island tour. More information about the bus routes, fares, etc can be obtained from the main bus service’s: www.ppsoryatransport.com
Train
The train services didn’t quite flourish in Phnom Penh hence there is only one train that goes to Battambang from Phnom Penh. The tickets can be bought on the same day of travel in person from the station.
Taxi
Global taxis and Taxi verana offer 24 hours services to their customers. They can be reached through a call and they also wait outside the airport and hotels. The average rate per day with the drives ranges between $35-45! Short distance traveling within the city costs arounf $4-30.
Car for Hire
Renting a car is the easiest, flexible, and affordable way for your travels anywhere. In Phnom Penh, you just have to have your current driver’s license. Also, if you’re traveling outside the city, you must let the Car hiring agency know about it.
From the airport
Phnom Penh International Airport is one of the two International airports in Cambodia and it six miles distant from the city. Taxis stand outside of the airport to pick up passengers; their rates to the city are fixed for a 20-40 minute ride and these taxis don’t have meters.
Driving Tips
Traffic drives on the right though there are both right and left handed drivers in Cambodia hence you should be prepared to deal with that. Stay extra careful and alert, you never know from which side a car is going to appear!
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety is a crucial issue while traveling anywhere in the world. Make sure that your medical insurance hasn’t expired and is up to date. Next don’t forget to keep a handy first aid kit in your bag along with essential medicines like painkillers and pain relaxing sprays so that they come off hand in case of a sprain or muscle-pull.
