Phnom Penh

Whilst Angkor Wat is not technically a part of Phnom Penh itself, its status as the seventh wonder of the world necessitates a visit. The stately 12th century temple is the most prevalent and flawless of the Anghor temples, and has a history that has made it a heritage spot for both Buddhists and Hindus. Its vast stone structures create a series of columned galleries and towers that are covered with elaborate sandstone carvings. The monument itself was built as a symbol of the universe, representing the cosmic world through earthly tiers that span 500 acres of land. The Hall of Echoes contains a gallery of 1000 Buddhas, which are eerily backed by the room's bizarre acoustics.

The ominous Killing Fields are one of the most evocative sites in the capital. Pits and memorials tell tales of the Khmer Rouge regime's execution of more than a million people. The stupa itself is sided by glass, revealing the 5000 human skulls within it. The field is strewn with human bones, left to remind the world of the horrors of genocide. A single tree marks the spot where children were executed, and audio guides narrate the atrocities. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum once acted as a centre for the torture and detention of political prisoners. It has been turned into a museum to honour those who died there. Historical group tours take you to sites that are challenging to endure but which also speak of hope for the future. The Independence monument and National museum take travellers back to earlier days when royalty and legend ruled Cambodia.

No holiday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is complete without visiting the Royal Palace, which is open to public visits when the Cambodian King isn't in residence. An open air threatre is often brought to life by the Royal Dance Troup, and the private art collection can be viewed from within the Silver Pagoda. Contemporary painters from far afield can be viewed besides ancient frescoes that tell the tale of an epic Cambodian poem that incorporates Buddhist and Hindu themes. Centrally located hotels in Phnom Penh, Cambodia offer a premium position from which to explore the inner city's architectural marvels. Naturalists are attracted to Phnom Tamao, Cambodia's premier reserve for wildlife viewing. It houses an 11th century temple as well as tigers, elephants, sun bears and a range of exotic birds.

Any time of year is an excellent one for a holiday Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since its tropical climate brings sunny days and clear skies throughout the year.

Monsoons and Droughts

Any time of year is an excellent one for a holiday Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since its tropical climate brings sunny days and clear skies throughout the year. Monsoons come in from the south west between May and November, weighing the air down with humidity. The northeast winds that accompany the dry months between December and April keep the weather warm and arid. Spring and autumn barely create a blip on the radar, limiting the capital to two major climates. Hammering winds accompany the showers, whipping umbrellas and raincoats inside out. Rains are, however, short lived, seldom stealing more than half an hour a day.

Winter Wheeling

If you prefer to take in exotic landscapes from the driver's seat, Phnom Penh has all the winding networks necessary to inject plenty of fun into quad biking or 4x4 adventuring. Automatic quad bikes are an exhilarating way to take in the rice paddies, metropolitan hubs and forests of Cambodia while the skies are clear. Novices are welcomed, and tours are arranged to include all of Cambodia's disparate facets: historical sites, farmlands and villages offer opportunities to grab a bite to eat and absorb the city buzz. The thrill may well be in the journey, but Phnom Penh has myriad breathtaking destinations to add to the trip. Yeah Pean and Ta Phrom temples are ancient sites that were constructed on the outskirts of the capital. Ta Promh seems to come directly out of a fairy tale, with its 12th century Bayon architecture and gnarled tree root surroundings. Jeep tours are highly ranked among past visitors to Phnom Penh, Cambodia hotels. Passengers reach the Phnom Pamao Wildlife Sanctuary from a dirt road. The zoological gardens extend for over 2000 hectares across mountains, plateaus and past widely spaced enclosures. The distances between habitats make the reserve an excellent contender for motorized trips, whether by guided jeep or motorbike. Most animals in the zoo have their own unique and tragic pasts, having been rescued from poachers and traffickers. The surrounding forests are protected, offering a lush backdrop for picnics and ambles. There is more than one Phnom Penh, Cambodia hotel on the centre's outskirts, which allows guests to stretch their nature visits over a period of days. Those who prefer their adrenaline to spike to higher levels take on the Kambol Kart raceway, where the best amateur speedsters can test their mettle.

Quiet Summers

When choosing summer to book into a hotel Phnom Penh, Cambodia is prone to torrential downpours, which limit activities during the wettest month of October. Between May and July, the cloudy skies allow for a cool, comfortable holiday that is not commanded by downpours. Summer is not a favourite season for tourists, so those venturing into the capital are treated to quiet sites and fewer crowds. Tuk tuks offer the greatest freedom during monsoons, allowing you to travel about town without getting wet. When storms strike, restaurants offer the most luxurious havens. Street stands open early in the morning, and many foreigners are particularly fond of the breakfasts made according to Khmer tradition. Simple foods are roasted to perfection and treated to the delicate flavours of coconut and garlic. Pickled vegetables are served with broth, which is traditionally eaten with rice. Phnom Penh has also become dotted with more contemporary restaurants and spas serving cuisine inspired by Mediterranean and North American dishes. The cooler weather tends to improve haggling skills, so a trip to the local markets is in order. A short boat trip out of the capital takes you to Bamboo island, a coastal region with rugged natural surroundings.