The Royal Palace, built in 1866 on the site of the former citadel, Bantey Kev, is a crowning example of Cambodian architecture. Because it is the official residence of King Sihanouk, some portions of the palace are closed to the public. Nearby is the brilliant Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, after the statue inside. With opulent, jeweled statues and ornamentation, this building showcases the richness of Khmer civilization.

Operating Hr: 08:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 17:00
Closed on public holidays and sometimes on closed on regular day due to royal ceremony.

National Museum:
Located just outside the north gate of the Royal Palace is a brick-red building in the traditional Khmer Style. First constructed in 1917, the National Museum was closed during Pol Pot regime, reopened in April 1979 and has recently been restored to its original beauty. The museum houses over 5,000 artifacts and ancient antiques, which date as to the Pre-Angkorian, Angkorian and Post-Angkorian periods. These include sandstone statues, bronze and silver sculptures, silks and numerous other precious objects.

Not close on public holidays.

Toul Sleng:

(S-21) Prior to 1975, Toul Sleng was a high school, named Toul Svay Prey, but under the Khmer Rouge it was converted into a prison and torture facility known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It processed over 17,000 people, only seven of whom walked out alive. The building now serves as a museum and a memorial. It has largely been left in the same state as when the Khmer Rouge abandoned it. The prison kept extensive records, leaving thousand of photos of their victims.

Paintings of torture by Vann Nath, one of the seven survivors, are also on display
Two program programs are provided here;

Pol Pot Documentary Film - On everyday at Toul Sleng: Toul Sleng Museum provides a documentary film of Pol Pot's regime everyday 10:00-11:00 am. and 03:00-04:00 pm.

Skulls Exhibition at Toul Sleng   - New permanent exhibition at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museam. The center will display 10 human skulls bearing marks of violent death, along with explanations of their executioners' methods. The skulls will be encased in glass, but resting on stands constructed of wooden slats. According to the center's director, the slats are spaced to allow the spirits of the victims 'in the exhibit come and go as they wish.

Operating Hr: 08:00 - 11:30 and 02:00 - 05:30
Not close on public holidays.

Killing Fields (Choeung Ek):

The Khmer Rouge turned this former orchard into the infamous "killing fields" of Choeung Ek. Over 17,000 individuals died here, most of whom first suffered in Toul Sleng prison. Choeung Ek is now a group of mass graves with a memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls. Situated 15 km southwest of Phnom Penh.

Operating Hr: 08:30 - 17:30 (no lunch break)
Not close on public holidays.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei):

This unique, art-deco building was built in 1937. A wide variety of goods are available here, including souvenirs, T-shirts, clothes silks, postcards, silver curios, jewels, gold, krama (traditional Cambodian headscarves) and electronic goods.

Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung):

Although less architecturally interesting than the Central Market, the Russian Market has an excellent selection of traditional crafts and souvenirs, especially silks and fabrics Shoppers can also find silver, gold and jewels as well as CDs, videos and electronic goods.

Markets open from 07 am till 5pm daily.

The Independence Monument:
commemorates the 1953 end of French rule over Cambodia. Designed by a Cambodian architect, the Naga (a mythical bird symbolizing strength and benevolence) motif of the monument is a symbol for the country’s aspirations. The distinctive modern Cambodia architectural style of the monument can also be seen at Olympic Stadium and Chatomuk Hall, located near the Royal Palace along the Tonle Sap River.

Wat Phnom:

According to legend, this temple was founded by the widow Penh after she found four ancient Buddhas hidden inside a tree trunk. At the temple pinnacle stands a large stupa containing the ashes of King Pongna Yat. Today, Cambodians still flock to the temple to pray for good luck in school or business affairs.

Operating Hr: 08:00 – 17:00
Not close on public holidays.