The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, was once known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’. Today, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, it is a major tourist destination with visitors pouring in from within the country and abroad and staying in the authentic Phnom Penh hotels. Of the 13 million people in Cambodia, one million have made Phnom Penh their home, making it the most populous city of Cambodia, as well as its wealthiest.
Come and see what Phnom Penh has to offer. Soak up the atmosphere, do some people watching, see the sights, shop at the eclectic markets, and sample the delicious food!
Phnom Penh lies to the south of Cambodia, at the meeting point of the Tonle Sap, Bassac and Mekong rivers. Established as a settlement in the 14th century, it became the capital of the Khmer Empire in about 1434, and the capital of Cambodia later in 1867. Due to its location within South East Asia, Phnom Penh receives many travellers on their way from Thailand to Vietnam or vice versa.
Phnom Penh gets its name from Wat Phnom – an important religious site in the heart of the city. It gained importance when in 1373 Daun Penh (Grandma Penh), a wealthy widow living on the banks of Tonle Sap River, found five Buddha statues in the hole of a tree trunk floating in the water. These were then installed in a temple which is now known as Wat Phnom Daun Penh.
Phnom Penh is also known as ‘Krong Chaktomuk’ (‘City of four faces’), or ‘Quatre Bras’ (four arms) of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers. These rivers cross each other to form an ‘X’ at the place where the capital is situated. Phnom Penh City has several cultural and historical buildings and Phnom Penh hotels influenced by both traditional Khmer and French architecture.
There is a lot to see and do in Phnom Penh, and some Phnom Penh tours to enjoy. A stroll along the riverfront is highly recommended, especially at sunrise in front of the Palace. You can also go on an island tour or river cruise; or take in a performance of the slow, graceful, classical Khmer dancing known as Apsara. On a more somber note, visit Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school used by the Khmer Roug as a concentration camp and prison during its rise to power in 1975 to its fall in 1979, and the killing field of Choeung Ek to better appreciate the peace and stability that Cambodians are experiencing today.
Phnom Penh is also well known for its mix of traditional Khmer and French colonial architecture, and buildings such as the National Museum are a fine example of this. The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is another example of fine architecture and has been occupied by the KIngs of Cambodia since it was built in 1866. Be sure to take a tour in Phnom Penh to see the fine architecture.
There is a wide range of accommodation in Phnom Penh and our site features an interactive map, and pictures of each of the hotels and serviced apartments in Phnom Penh, meaning you will never need to wonder what kind of hotel and room you are booking, or exactly where it is. Moreover, being a locally owned and operated Phnom Penh hotel booking service, we can provide knowledgeable, on-the-ground, real-time information about hotels in Phnom Penh that no outside booking agent can offer.
Most importantly, by booking the best Phnom Penh hotel room or serviced apartment through our website, you contribute directly to the development of the tourism industry in Phnom Penh as well as the Cambodian economy in general. Help us help you make your trip to Phnom Penh a memorable experience - use us to book your accommodation in Phnom Penh today!
Whether you are a backpacker seeking a local experience in budget accommodation, an expatriate worker requiring long term housing and serviced apartments, a vacationer needing luxury services or a business person wanting convenience and business facilities, there are many lodging and accommodation options for you when you travel to Phnom Penh!
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