PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

South East Asian Tour (Part 2)

Day 3 (March 31, 2012-Saturday) PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Bus:

We took a bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at exactly 7:30 am for only $10 with a free bottled mineral water.  

If you cannot stand the local food here, there are a handful of edible snacks that I think can definitely suit your palate.

Snack (on the way to Pnom Penh)
1. Sweet Potato chips (1 small pack)- 2000 Riel
2. 3-pc boiled egg with spicy salt- 3000 Riel

 

After 6 and half hours of travelling and crossing the borders for immigration in both countries, we arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia at around 2pm.  

Right after we got off the bus, we instantly made a reservation for an 11-hour trip to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located. Buying tickets ahead of time in a country like this is very essential to avoid the hassle of finding available buses the next day since it’s weekend. Then, we headed for Marcau Pnom Penh Hotel via tuktuk for $3.

 

Accommodation:
We booked our accommodation via www.expedia.com 
Marcau Pnom Penh Hotel at 360 St.,- $27 a night for two with a buffet breakfast

Contact Information
Address: #78 ABCD, st 360, Sangkat Beong Keng Kang III, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone#: (+855) 23 210 627
Fax#: (+855) 23 210 628
E-mail: info@macauphnompenhhotel.com

Website: www.macauphnompenhhotel.com

Tourist Sites:
1. Tuol Sleng, Genocide Museum- $2 entrance fee

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"The grounds of this high-school-turned-prison-and-torture-chamber are like they were in 1979 at the end of Colombia’s bloody genocide.

- from 1975 until 1979, an estimated 17,000 political prisoners, most just ordinary citizens, were tortured at Tuol Sleng and died, or were executed in the nearby Killing Fields.

Note: Local guides are recommended

This site is a bit overwhelming for some, so be prepared.

Location: south of town at corner of sts 350 and 113.

Open: daily, 8am-noon & 1-5pm."

2. Independence Monument- free attraction

-took a tuktuk for $2

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Built in the late 1950s to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from the French on Nov. 9, 1935. This towering obelisk is crowned w/ Khmer  nagas and is reminiscent of Angkor architecture and Hindu influence

- The area is at its most majestic  when all lit up at night.

Location: South of town center at intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards."

3. Royal Paace (including Silver Pagoda)- $3 entrance fee

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Built in the late 1860s under the reign of Norodon Throne Hall

- at the center is the coronation site for Khmer kings and the largest gilded cathedral in the country. Entrance is included with the Silver Pagoda."

4. National Museum- $3 entrance fee, opens daily 8-11 and 2-5:30

(this how the ticket looks like)

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Opened in 1920 by King Sisowath, is to the statuary of Angkor Wat

- the central courtyard features a Shiva Lingan (icon of the god Shiva) and large temple fragments)

Location: Just north of Royal Palace at St. 178 and a short walk from the river."

5. Central Market- shops for souvenirs, shirts, jewelries, and other imitation clothes and bags

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"This Art Deco behemoth, built in 1937, is a city landmark

- Locals call i Psar Thmei, or New Market.

- the bldg has a towering rotunda with busy wings extending in four directions.

Eastern entrance: best spot for T-shirt, hats, trinkets, and souvenirs

Location: Btw sts 126 & 136 in town center

Open: daily, 5am-5pm."

Food:

1. Bottled Mineral H2O (1000ml)- 2000 Riel
2. Choco ball- 1000 Riel

3. 1 loaf of bread-3000 Riel

 

Souvenirs:
1. Magnetic (2 pcs)- $1.5

2. Shot glass (1 pc)-$ 1

Curreny:

Riel