Things to do in Phnom Penh

This was my first time to Cambodia. We planned this trip last year when hubby was setting up his schedule for 2009, after having realized we could leave the kids with my parents-in-law. I was glad that during the first few years of their lives, we were able to build enough trust and confidence in them that now we could leave them behind.

We actually didn’t just leave them like that. We had a practice. First, we left them for an hour, then 3 hours (for a movie), then overnight, then 3 days… and then we left them for 8 days. We did it gradually so as not to shock them. In this way, they were able to bond with my parents-in-law gradually. And so now, I am glad that I could finally leave them behind and join hubby with his trips and meetings.

However, I was a bit hesitant to come with hubby to Cambodia because of my 2-week trip in the Philippines. But I couldn’t back out because we have already bought my tickets, paid for the conference fee, etc. But during those 5 days that I was at home, I tried spending most of my time with the kids. Thus, leaving this trip unplanned… or so I thought.

Hubby on the other hand, had some plans made out. And I am glad. So we did a bit of sightseeing and holidaying before the conference started.

So… what are the things to do in Phnom Penh?

1. Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.


2. Visit The Royal Palace


3. Hang out at the Riverfront
4. Go for a spa. We went to Amret Spa and it was super awesome.


5. Shop at Phsar Thmei or Central Market

6. See the Independent Monument

These were the things we did in 1.5 days in Phnom Penh.

However, you can do these things as well if you have more time to spend here:

1. Visit the Killing Fields (Khmer Rouge)
2. Shop at the Russian Market or Phsar Toul Tom Poung
3. Scuba Dive at Sihanoukville
4. Visit Wat Phnom
5. Visit National Museum (Sarak Muntee)
6. River Cruise
7. Dine at Mekong River Restaurant
8. Horseback Riding

Note: Visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Prison is life changing. You tend to appreciate life more. There’s just so much I wanna say about what I saw. It was sad. It was depressing. But at the end of the day, I am glad. Not because it happened… but because it didn’t last long. Pol Pot’s regime ended after 3 years, 8 months and 21 days. This period must feel like forever especially to those poor Khmer… but good thing it didn’t last more than that. God indeed doesn’t want evil things to rule.

I met a few old Cambodians and heard their life experiences. It was life mind boggling… indeed. Photos are to follow. I forgot to bring with me my card reader… again. Sorry.