Phnom Penh City Guide - attractions

The Royal Palace
This is the principal attraction of the city and contains the best examples of 20th-century Khmer architecture. The Royal Palace is the official residence of King Norodom Sihanouk. Set among the perfectly maintained gardens is the exquisite Throne Hall, the Elephant Pavilion where the king's elephants were kept, the Royal Treasury and the Chan Chaya Pavilion, made especially for performances of classical Cambodian dance. Although mostly off-limits to the public, the Silver Pagoda can be visited. The highlight of the compound, the Silver Pagoda, takes its name from the floor of the temple, which is completely covered in silver tiles. The internal walls are decorated with frescoes depicting episodes of the Ramayana myth, painted in 1903 by 40 Khmer artists. Also called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, the magnificent baccarat crystal image of the Emerald Buddha sits in the centre on a gilt pedestal. There are other intricately carved Buddha images on display, notably the life-size solid gold statue that stands in front of the pedestal, decorated with 9,584 diamonds.
Telephone: (0)2 321 1593
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Opening times: Daily 7.30am to 11am and 2.30pm to 5pm

National Museum
The museum houses the country's most important collection of ancient Cambodian culture and Khmer art. It is made up of four galleries containing relics, sculpture, art and crafts covering history from the pre-Angkor period (4th century) until the present. The pieces are arranged in chronological order and the collection continues to grow as new treasures previously hidden from the Khmer Rouge are discovered. There are also original relics and sculptures from the temples of Angkor.
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Website: www.cambodiamuseum.info
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Opening times: Daily 8am to 5pm

Tuol Sleng Museum
When the Khmer Rouge came into power in 1975 they commandeered and converted a secondary school into a primitive prison where they detained and tortured anyone suspected of anti-revolutionary behaviour. Between 1975 and 1979 an estimated 20,000 victims were imprisoned in Security Prison 21, or S21, as it was known. The museum was established after the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia and today it appears exactly as the fleeing Khmer Rouge left it, and serves as a testimony to the crimes and atrocities of the organisation. It is a tremendously depressing experience, and the pictures, instruments of torture and bloodstained walls give a thorough idea of the extent of the pain and horror borne by the Cambodian people. Thousands of victims were transported from here to the extermination camp outside the city, Choeung Ek.
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Opening times: Daily 8am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 5pm

Blind Massage
Cambodian travel can often be jarring; hard beds, bumpy roads and death defying taxi drivers can leave a body in ill shape. Seeing Hands is a business employing blind masseuses to work out those tourist kinks. Cambodia gives few opportunities to disabled workers and supporting Seeing Hands has its own karmic rewards but visitors will be even more satisfied by the quality of the massage. The city offers a host of dodgy 'massage' houses and knowing a place is reputable is relaxing in itself. There are three Seeing Hands centres in town all offering massages for about six US dollars, but don't forget to tip.
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. Central Market (Psah Thmay)
Phnom Phen's most obvious landmark looks more in style with a Star Wars trading post then most earthly structures. Inside the tall dome is a host of goods from watches, jewellery, clothing and food. Much of the market's merchandise is the same so comparing prices to find the real value is advised. One should bargain hard but good naturedly. Surrounding the structure is a ring of tightly packed vendors selling similar wears. Its central location is walkable from about anywhere but all taxis know 'central market'.
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Foreign Correspondents Club
A pleasant way to spend the evening is on the balcony of the FCC. The well located bar and restaurant sits on the banks of riverside overlooking the converging Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Prices are more expensive then its neighbours but the colonial-chic style gives an invaluable French flair to the night.
Telephone: (0)2 321 0142
Website: www.fcccambodia.com
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Shooting Range
Amuse your inner warrior with Phnom Phen's best carnal pleasure: shooting big guns. Whatever one's taste, be it automatic rifles and rocket launchers or grenades, they are all a possibility. It is said that for extra money targets can become live farm animals, although this controversial practice may have stopped in recent times. At about a dollar a bullet, make sure Rambo instincts are kept in check. All guesthouses and taxis can provide a trip to the shooting range, which is located close to the airport.
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Memphis Pub
Memphis Pub is a cool venue to hear great cover bands put their spin on old classic rock. It is a thumping place usually packed with expats and tourists until late. There isn't much Khmer about the style but a taste of home is fun for a night. Memphis is on riverside making it a central and safe area to stumble home from.
Telephone: (0)12 871263
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Opening times: Monday to Saturday evenings

Lakeside
Lakeside is the backpacker hub of Phnom Phen. It is located on the shore of Boeng Kak Lake, a short taxi ride from downtown. The cheapest rooms are available for a couple of dollars but upgrading is a good idea. The guesthouses with the best laid-back atmosphere are spread far into the water with nice decks to lounge away the heat or soak up the night air. Check out the guesthouses creatively named #9 and #10. All the similarities of 'backpakerville' are here: cheap eats, travel agencies and alternative bars with cheap beer and unique cocktail names.
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