Phnom Penh Travel Guide - Things To Do

Markets: Phnom Penh has a good selection of markets, the most significant of which is Psar Thmei, known as the Central Market. The art deco structure was built in the late 1930s and has four wings selling a range of goods, including jewellery, antique coins, clothes and plenty of fake branded goods. There is also a good fresh food section and plenty of good value tasty snacks to be had. Psar Tuol Tom Pong, the Russian Market, is to the south of the city and has a similar array of souvenirs. Other markets include Psar O Russei, which specialises in luxury food items and second hand clothes and Psar Olympic, Psar Dang Kor, and Psar Char, all of which are of less interest to tourists.

The Killing Fields, Chœeung Ek: this won't fall into anyone's category of fun things to do, but it is certainly of historical interest and a poignant reminder of the horrors of Cambodia's past. During the Khmer Rouge era, around 17,000 men, women and children who had previously been held at S-21 concentration camp were moved to Chœeung Ek and murdered. In many cases, people were savagely beaten to death to avoid wasting bullets. Mass graves containing 8,985 bodies were discovered at the site, but many of the communal graves have been left undisturbed. A memorial Stupa was constructed in the late 1980s and it contains more than 5,000 human skulls. Chœeung Ek is located less than 10 miles from central Phnom Penh.

Take a boat trip on the Mekong: a boat ride on the Mekong is a pleasant experience and a nice way to view the city and riverfront. It is popular for some tourists to take a boat trip to Mekong Island. There is a decent restaurant here where you can enjoy a nice lunch, as well as ride an elephant, see some traditional Khmer dancing and watch the weaving skills of the local crafts people.