As the sun sets over the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, the scenic riverside area of Phnom Penh comes alive. You find yourself surrounded by people from all walks of life mingling along the promenade – friends chatting over a drink, families enjoying a stroll, and couples gazing out at the water. There is a vibrant yet relaxed energy in the air. This is the heart of Cambodia’s capital city, where old and new seamlessly blend.
In this local’s guide, you will discover the secrets to exploring the riverside area like an insider. Prepare to be dazzled by the colorful sunset each evening, then embark on a journey into the night to sample delicious Khmer cuisine, sip cocktails with a view, barter at the night market, or watch the world go by.
Walking Along the Phnom Penh Riverside
To fully experience the heart of Cambodia’s capital city, take a stroll along the Phnom Penh riverside. This scenic walkway stretches for over a mile along the banks of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers.
Start at the Royal Palace and head south. You’ll pass picturesque gardens, shady trees, and bronze statues. Stop by Wat Botum Park, a colorful Buddhist temple complex open to visitors. Further along, you’ll find several cultural landmarks like the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses artifacts spanning centuries of Cambodian history.
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For dining with a view, try one of the many riverside restaurants featuring local Cambodian cuisine and international fare. Sit back, relax, and watch the sunset over the rivers.
As darkness falls, the riverside comes alive. Street vendors set up stalls selling souvenirs, silks, and handicrafts. You may stumble upon groups of locals exercising, dancing, or simply socializing. Take a spin on the colorful Ferris wheel, which offers panoramic city views at night.
A walk along Phnom Penh’s riverside offers a glimpse into the daily life of Cambodians and the country’s rich culture and history. Whether exploring by day or night, it’s a stroll that should not be missed. Discover the heart of Cambodia’s charming capital on the scenic riverfront promenade.
Exploring the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex should be at the top of your list of places to explore in Phnom Penh. As the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the palace is a symbolic seat of Cambodia’s monarchy.
To enter the palace grounds, you must dress appropriately by covering your knees and shoulders. The palace opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and admission fees are $6.25 to 10$ for foreigners.
Once inside, you’ll find well-preserved Khmer architecture, including the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. The Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures, like the Emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal. Under the pagoda’s tiled floor are over 5,000 silver tiles weighing over 1,000 kilograms.
After exploring the palace, walk around the manicured gardens or rest under towering palm trees. For panoramic views of the Mekong River or Tonle Sap Lake, climb to Wat Preah Keo Morokot Hall.
To avoid big crowds, go early on a weekday. The palace complex is best explored over half a day, so make sure to schedule enough time to appreciate all it has to offer. A trip to Phnom Penh is only complete with visiting this historical and cultural landmark.
Visiting the National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum of Cambodia houses one of the world’s greatest collections of Khmer cultural artifacts. As the country’s largest museum, it should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Phnom Penh.
The Museum Complex
The museum comprises four buildings in a lush, gated complex off the riverfront. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the museum’s varied exhibits. Admission fees are very affordable, around $10 for non-Cambodians.
The museum’s East Wing contains stone carvings and sculptures from the Angkor era, including a giant reclining Vishnu. The West Wing holds ceramics, fabrics, tools, and other artifacts, providing insight into daily life in Cambodia’s many historical periods. Upstairs are exhibits on post-Angkorian Buddhist art.
The newer Pavillon des Vestiges holds ornate pre-Angkorian sandstone lintels and sculptures. The intimate Museum Conservation Center performs restoration work on artifacts and offers a glimpse into this delicate process.
A trip to the National Museum provides an ideal overview of Cambodia’s artistic and cultural heritage. No visit to Phnom Penh is complete without immersing yourself in the country’s rich history here. Plan to return more than once – with its vast collection, this museum rewards repeat visits.
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Shopping at the Phnom Penh Night Market
The Phnom Penh Night Market is a popular spot for shopping in the evenings along the riverfront. Here are some tips to get the most out of your visit:
Shop for locally made goods. The night market features stalls selling handmade crafts, art, clothes, and other goods made in Cambodia. You can find paintings, wood carvings, silk scarves, bracelets, and musical instruments. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the best price.
Try street food. Stop for a snack in between shopping at one of the many food stalls. You’ll find options like fresh coconuts, fried bananas, grilled meat skewers, noodles, and more. For a refreshing drink in the hot weather, get a glass of sugar cane juice with lime.
Head to the riverside afterward. Once the night market closes, walk along the riverfront promenade to enjoy the breeze coming off the Tonle Sap River. Grab a drink at one of the bars or sit and people-watch. The riverside area stays lively into the late evening hours.
The Phnom Penh Night Market is open daily from around 5 pm to 11 pm. Admission to the market is free. While the selection of goods focuses more on the tourist market, the overall atmosphere with the food, live music, and riverside setting makes for an enjoyable evening exploring the local culture. Bargain hunting at the night market is a quintessential Phnom Penh experience that provides an opportunity to find unique souvenirs and support local craftspeople.
Dining With a View: Riverside Restaurants
The riverside area offers some of the finest dining in Phnom Penh, with restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe and stunning views of the Mekong River.
Topaz Restaurant
For a memorable meal in an upscale setting, visit Topaz Restaurant on the NagaWorld Hotel’s top floor. They serve high-quality fusion cuisine and premium imported seafood, steak, and wine. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of Phnom Penh. I would recommend that reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.
Blue Pumpkin
A popular local bakery cafe chain offers salads, sandwiches, pastries, and their signature ice cream. The branch at the Royal Palace offers unparalleled views of the palace complex. It’s an ideal spot for a casual breakfast, brunch, or coffee break in an air-conditioned space or on their outdoor patio.
Riverhouse Asian Bistro
Perched on a barge permanently docked in the Tonle Sap River, Riverhouse Asian Bistro is a unique floating restaurant. They specialize in Asian fusion fare prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. The open-air top deck is perfect for a romantic dinner while watching the sunset over the river.
Phnom Penh’s riverside area is home to diverse, world-class dining options at various prices. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, western fare, or drinks with a view, the riverside has something for everyone. So grab a table at one of these restaurants, sit back, and enjoy a memorable meal along the picturesque riverfront.
Conclusion
As you wander along the riverside walkway in Phnom Penh, consider the contrasts of old and new, chaos and calm. While the city hustles around you, the river provides an escape into a slower pace of life. Experience the culture, food, and history this area has to offer. Chat with locals and fellow travelers, get lost in the markets, or find a quiet spot to sit and watch the world go by. Phnom Penh’s riverside may constantly change, but its ability to inspire wonder in visitors remains timeless. Head out to explore, get lost, and discover your hidden gems in this city that captivates all who visit.
You might also want to read: Phnom Penh: A Complete Guide for Visitors, Expats, and Investors, Life in Phnom Penh: How It Feels to Live in Cambodia’s Capital, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum -Once was a jail and is now a museum, Top 10 restaurants in Phnom Penh
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