Discover Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh can be explored through places with very different historical and cultural themes. The National Museum of Cambodia focuses on archaeology, the Royal Palace on its riverside history and ceremonial architecture, Tuol Sleng on a profound historical rupture, and Wat Phnom on its distinctive position in the city. If you are looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh, this selection can help you first organise your interests for your stay. The sites range from collections and architectural history to historical upheavals and practical landmarks.

National Museum: art, history and guided tours

The National Museum of Cambodia is a historical and archaeological museum opened by King Sisowath in 1920. Its collection includes Khmer sculptures, ceramics and ethnographic objects from prehistoric times, as well as the pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and post-Angkorian periods. This chronological range offers a view of several successive historical eras: those interested in material culture will find different types of objects and a broad historical context here.

Guided tours can be arranged at the museum entrance for individuals or groups; they are offered in Khmer, English, French and Japanese. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the arrangements and available languages with the museum before your visit, as both may change. The museum is located north of the Royal Palace on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, in a traditionally designed terracotta building dating from 1917 to 1920.

Royal Palace: location, ceremonies and architecture

The Royal Palace’s location is linked to the transfer of the capital: in 1866, King Norodom moved the capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh; shortly afterwards, the palace was established at its present riverside site. Two distinct aspects coexist within the palace grounds: the Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay (Throne Hall) is used for coronations, royal weddings and receiving ambassadors; in the gardens stands the Napoleon III Pavilion, an iron-cast building that France gave to King Norodom in the 1870s.

Tuol Sleng: a historical rupture

Before 1975, Tuol Sleng was a secondary school. After the Khmer Rouge took power, the site was converted into the S-21 prison and interrogation centre. Its former use as a school and its later conversion mark two distinctly different phases in its history. This gives Tuol Sleng a different focus from the National Museum’s collection or the ceremonial function of the Throne Hall.

Wat Phnom and finding your way around the riverside

Wat Phnom is located at the northern end of the old French Quarter. From the riverside, it is easy to reach on foot or with a short tuk-tuk ride; traffic conditions may vary. In Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom sits on a 27-metre-high, tree-covered hill. The main entrance leads up a large eastern staircase lined with lions and naga balustrades. The hill and staircase give Wat Phnom a different spatial character from the museum and palace.

More historical and cultural highlights in Phnom Penh

The Central Market in Phnom Penh is also known as Phsa Thmei or New Market. The dark yellow Art Deco building dates from 1935 to 1937. Its four wings house numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, watches, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage. Here, architectural history meets a wide range of goods.

The Independence Monument offers another historical landmark: erected in 1958, it commemorates Cambodia’s independence from France, achieved in 1953. Together with the museum, Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng and Wat Phnom, it offers a range of thematic perspectives on Phnom Penh.

For the broader travel overview: Phnom Penh.