Phnom Penh Information and Possibility of Visit

Sometimes referred to as the 'pearl of Asia', Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh, is an incredibly important place for several political, economic, and cultural reasons. While retaining the hustle and bustle of many of the bigger cities in Asia (think lots of mopeds!), Phnom Penh still retains its charm through an abundance of must-see historical buildings, museums and memorials combined with a fascinating café scene, top-notch foodie culture and buzzing bars, making it very popular with tourists and locals alike.

Population: 1.7 million (approx.)

Vibe: Phnom Penh has an edgy and unpredictable atmosphere unlike any other city within Southeast Asia. This may in part be due to the recent harrowing history brought to life in two of their most infamous attractions (the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison) coupled with the desire for progress and development within the city. Phnom Penh isn’t the easiest city to adjust to, but once you’re there, the energy is addictive.

Known For: Phnom Penh is known for being Cambodia's vibrant capital city, and with that accolade comes quite a bit of excitement. Whether you are exploring the many markets Phnom Penh has to offer or simply trying to cross the road, exploring Phnom Penh is a great adventure!

Must Do: You cannot come to Cambodia and get a real sense of the country without visiting two of its most disturbing attractions – the Killing Fields (just outside of the city) and S-21 Prison. It’s hard to imagine that it was only within the last 40 years that the horrific vision of the Khmer Rouge dominated the beautiful Cambodian landscape, and both of these attractions really give you a sense of the impact this had on the country as a whole.