Independence Monument

The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh was built in the year 1958 in order to commemorate the country's independence from the French regime. It is shaped in the form of a lotus shaped stupa that can be seen at the Angkor Vat and also the great Khmer historical sites.

Location: at the intersection of Sihanouk and Norodom Boulevards that is in the centre of the city.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free

Royal Palace

Within the Palace Grounds, the Silver Pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha areamong the few public buildings in Phnom Penh really worth seeing. They were built in the 19th century with French technology and Cambodian designs.

Location: Sothearos, between St. 240 & 184
Opening hours: 7.30AM-11AM & 2.30PM-5PM
Admission: US$6 or 25,000 Riel

The National Museum of Cambodia

Contains an excellent collection of art from Cambodia's "golden age" of Angkor, and a lovely courtyard at the center. A main attraction is the statue of King Jayavarman VII (1181-1219) in mediation pose; other exhibits worth seeing include graceful statues of Hindu gods, and artefacts from a prehistoric burial site.

Location: St. 13, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Khan Daun Penh (opposite the Royal Palace)
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM)
Admission: US$3

Tuol Sleng Museum (S21)

A school converted into Cambodia's most important prison in 1975 during the Khmer Rouge regime. More than 14,000 people were tortured here before being killed at the Killing Fields; only 8 prisoners made it out alive. The museum is easily accessible and a must-see for everyone interested in Cambodia's horrific recent past.

Location: St. 113, Boeng Keng Kang 3, Chamkar Morn
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM
Admission: US$2

The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek

A former Chinese cemetery, this is where the Khmer Rouge killed many thousands of their victims during their four-year reign of terror. Today the site is marked by a Buddhist stupa packed full of human skulls - the sides are made of glass so the visitors can see them up close. There are also pits in the area where mass graves were unearthed, with ominous scraps of clothing still to be found here and there.

Location: Sangkat Choeung Ek, Khan Dangkor (about 17km from central Phnom Penh)
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM
Admissions: US$3

Wat Phnom

Literally translated as ‘temple hill’. Wat Phnom is notable more for its historic importance than physical structure, but the park is a pleasant green space and a popular gathering place for locals.

Location: On a hill at the center of a small park near Sisowath Quay, on St. 94
Opening hours: 7.30AM-5PM

Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung)

Psar Toul Tom Poung offers the opportunity to buy real designer clothes at a huge discount price. A lot of the factories for Levi's, CK, Ralph Lauren and many other brands are in Phnom Pehn, however a lot of the clothes sold here are deemed unfit to be shipped abroad and therefore are sold at the Russian market. You can also purchase fake Swiss watches and pirated software at low prices.

Location: Corner of St. 163 and St. 444
Opening hours: 7AM-5PM

Sisowath Quay (Riverside)

An attractive boulevard running along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap. It's fronted by a large, long open space with manicured lawns, palm trees and open pathways. The built-up side of the street is home to cafés and shops and the better class of bar, and is popular with tourists and expat Westerners.

Sorya Mall

Sorya Mall is Phnom Penh's main Western-style mall. It is air-conditioned and contains a range of fast-food outlets as well as a well-stocked supermarket.