Phnom Penh is not only a modern and dynamic city, but also a city with a rich and tragic history and a unique and diverse culture. If you want to explore the culture and history of Phnom Penh, here are some suggestions on what to see and do:
- Visit the Royal Palace and the National Museum: The Royal Palace is a stunning example of Khmer architecture, and the official residence of the King of Cambodia. You can admire the stately columns, golden roofs, and intricate carvings of the palace buildings, such as the Throne Hall, the Silver Pagoda, and the Khemarin Palace. You can also see various artifacts, such as royal costumes, weapons, statues, and paintings. The National Museum is located next to the Royal Palace, and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. You can see various exhibits, such as sculptures, statues, ceramics, jewelry, or textiles from different periods of Cambodian history, such as the pre-Angkorian, Angkorian, post-Angkorian, and modern eras.
- Learn about Cambodia’s tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center: These two places are where you can learn about Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was formerly a high school that was converted into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge. You can see the cells, instruments, photographs, and paintings that document the atrocities that took place there. The Choeung Ek Genocidal Center was one of the many killing fields where thousands of prisoners from Tuol Sleng were executed and buried in mass graves. You can see the skulls, bones, clothes, and tools that are displayed in a memorial stupa and around the site.
- Explore the temples and pagodas of Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh has many temples and pagodas that reflect the religious diversity and tolerance of Cambodia. You can visit different temples and pagodas that belong to different faiths, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity. Some of the most notable temples and pagodas are Wat Phnom, which is said to have been built in the late 14th century and is considered the founding place of Phnom Penh; Wat Ounalom, which is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Cambodia; Wat Langka, which is one of the original five pagodas that served as centers of Buddhism in Phnom Penh; and Wat Botum, which is one of the royal temples of Cambodia.
- Experience the local life at the markets: One of the best ways to experience the local life in Phnom Penh is to visit the markets that sell various goods, such as clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, and food. You can bargain with the vendors, taste some exotic snacks, or watch some cultural shows. Some of the most popular markets are Central Market, which is a large art deco building that sells everything from jewelry to electronics; Russian Market, which is a maze-like market that sells souvenirs, antiques, and clothing; and Phsa Reatrey Night Market, which is a lively and colorful market that sells clothes, souvenirs, handicrafts, and food.
- Enjoy the culture and arts of Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh is also a hub of culture and arts in Cambodia. You can enjoy various performances that showcase the traditional and contemporary arts of Cambodia, such as music, dance, theater, or circus arts. You can watch classical dance shows at the National Museum or at Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), which is an organization that promotes and preserves the traditional arts of Cambodia. You can also watch contemporary shows at Sovanna Phum Art Association & Art Gallery or at Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), which are associations that support and showcase the contemporary arts of Cambodia.
These are some suggestions on how to explore the culture and history of Phnom Penh. By following these suggestions, you can discover the rich and diverse culture and history of this city. You can also appreciate the resilience and creativity of the Cambodian people.
List of References:
: Explore the Rich History and Culture of Phnom Penh, Cambodia … – Pkayprek
: Phnom Penh Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary for History Lovers – The Bamboo Traveler
: THE TOP 20 Phnom Penh Cultural Tours (w/Prices) – Viator
: Phnom Penh: 6 Unique Things to See and Do – World Nomads
: [Phnom Penh Itinerary – 2 days | Cambodia itinerary of 2 and 3 weeks]
: [Nightlife in Phnom Penh: Diverse and Exciting | Asia Highlights]
: [How to Find an Expat Community While Teaching English in Cambodia]
