Home > Places Interesting > Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and stretches north to south along the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Bassac and Mekong rivers. Phnom Penh is a vibrant, bustling and ethnically-diverse city with a mixed population of Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. Compared to most Asian capitals it is a veritable oasis. Its 12km square are home to a population of about 2.5 million. The French left a legacy of crumbling colonial architecture, some of which has been tastefully renovated. Sidewalk restaurants have sprung up all over town, especially around the recently developed river-front area. There are bars to suit all tastes and nightlife can be pretty lively. The number of Wats means you can often see monks in saffron robes wandering the streets seeking alms.

Phnom Penh International Airport:
Pochen Tong International Airport is about 15km west of the city. It has banking, money changing, post and telephone facilities. Pochen Tong also offers restaurants and bars serving food and drinks at reasonable prices, compared to most international airports. Leaving the airpot: taxis and motor taxis can be hired from the airport to the city and cost $7 - 8 (taxi) and $ 2- 3 (motor taxi).

Cars and Taxis:
Unmetered and unmarked taxis are common and hiring them can be arranged through your hotel or travel agent.

On Monivong Blvd cars and taxis can be hired outside hotels. They cost $20 - $30 / day.

Sisowath Quay, opposite Street 104, forms the Port of Phnom Penh and taxis can also be hired at the quayside to take you to and from your hotel.

Bus:
The are numerous bus companies in Phnom Penh and the road from Phnom Penh to Kompong Thom and Siem Reap is now in good condition. Phnom Penh to Siem Reap takes about 5-6 hours by bus.

Hong Rong Khean Investment Development Co. runs buses to / from Siem Reap twice a day, leaving at 7.30am and 12.00 noon. Fares cost about $4.

Motor Taxi and Bicycle:
Motos are a good choice for quick public transportation. You can find them anywhere o¬n the main road or near markets and hotels. For the trip to town pay R1000, but expect to pay extra for longer distances. If you want to hire a driver for a full day trip around town, expect to pay $5 - 8 / day for a driver with good spoken English. Bicycles for rent can be hired from some Guesthouses for about $2 - $3 / day.

Cyclos:
Cyclos are a fun, easy way to get around town and offer a dry ride in wet weather. However, cyclos can sometimes cost 2-3 times the price of a moto. A trip into town should cost around R1000. Expect to pay more for a longer trip.