Phnom Penh Cambodia

Phnom Penh is definitely the city highest on the radar when it comes to holidays in Cambodia. Phnom Penh Cambodia is in the southern region of the country and is a hotspot with travelers heading over to visit the biggest of all Cambodian attractions, Angkor Wat. In fact, if it wasn't for the presence of the sprawling network of temples, Phnom Penh tourism wouldn't thrive as it has for so many years now. The city is designed around the two riverbanks and sitting on the rivers' confluence, one being the famous Mekong. Around the riverbanks are areas teeming with visitors and locals. It's a popular social hub for gatherings throughout the warm days when kids splash and swim and fishermen swing their nets for the best catch of the day. The sights and sounds are a great way to catch up with local culture.

Phnom Penh tourism hits a peak from December through January. At this time of year humidity subsides and walking about during the daytime hours is bearable. This time of year also sees much less rain than monsoon season, which, contrary to popular belief, isn't a season of 24-hour showers but there is significantly more rain that comes and goes through the days and nights. The monsoon season is between May and October and, if you don't mind some rain, can be a very pleasant time to travel. You'll enjoy nary a crowd and low prices on food and accommodation as well as tours. Keep in mind that much of the infrastructure in the north consists of loose dirt roads that can be hard to travel during a Phnom Penh holiday in the monsoon.

Even in high Phnom Penh tourism season it's fairly cheap to travel within the country. Accommodation, meals and transportation can add up to little more than US$20 per day. If you're lean with your money, you can get by on even less. The city is full of great attractions, many of the them costing very little or nothing. In Phnom Penh Cambodia tourists head for walks along the river. Renting a bicycle is always a great way to tour the city as well. There are bars, restaurants and wonderful shops showcasing local goods all around this area. This is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or evening, soak in the sights, try some delicious local eats and just relax and take it all in during your Phnom Penh holiday. Shopping here is a colorful affair and the large river front market is the best place to do it.

In Phnom Penh Cambodia you can almost literally throw a stone and hit a pagoda. South East Asia is well known for their beautifully designed temples and pagodas. They're a wonderful way to gain some more insight into the intriguing Cambodian culture. Almost all Cambodian's are Buddhist which is evidently reflected in the many pagodas, some extremely stunning with intricate carvings and adornments. Remember to be as respectful as possible when visiting any religious houses. It's customary to take your shoes off before entering every temple. Photos are most often okay to take but be sure to ask if there is an event or prayer meeting happening.

Another high priority attraction during a Phnom Penh holiday is a visit to the Killing Fields, or Choeung Ek Memorial. Though a visit will most definitely be a dark one, the group of mass graves, along with the stupa memorial is an important testament to history pertaining to the Khmer Rouge regime. To further your knowledge about this time in the country's past, be sure to take the time to visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum as well. Though not for everyone, these attractions together tell one of the most important facets of country's people and history.

On a lighter note, in Phnom Penh nightlife is definitely a highlight of any visit. This is a city full of life by day and certainly by night when bars lining the streets are full of tourists and locals, resonating with loud music and full of spirit. Clubs and bars like Heart of Darkness, Butterfly Bar and Equinox welcome travelers of every ilk for cheap drinks and many different atmospheres, from chilled to lively. Though there are some long-time bars and restaurants in Phnom Penh Cambodia, things can also change quickly. Rest assured that along the main strip of Phnom Penh, nightlife thrives, and venues are known to close down and reopen under new names. When visiting Phnom Penh Cambodia, you'll find a large array of every amenity, from inexpensive guesthouses to upper class hotels and restaurants. No matter what budget you're on, you'll be well accommodated during a visit to the city.