• Home
  • Vietnam
    • All Our Vietnam Trips
      • Vietnam Tour Packages
      • Vietnam & Cambodia Tours
      • Vietnam & Cambodia & Thailand
      • Hanoi Tours
      • Ho Chi Minh Tours
      • Halong Bay Cruises
      • Mekong Delta River Cruises
      • Sapa Tours
      • Vietnam Bird Watching
      • Vietnam Fishing Tours
      • Vietnam Gofl Holidays
      • Vietnam Photo Tours
      • Vietnam Trekking Tours
      • Volunteer in Vietnam
      • MICE
      • Hanoi Day Tours
      • Hoi An Tours
      • Hue Tours
    • Vietnam Hotels & Resorts
      • Hanoi Hotels
      • Ho Chi Minh Hotels
      • Sapa Hotels
      • Halong Bay Hotels
      • Hue Hotels
      • Hoi An Hotels
      • Nha Trang Hotels
      • Mui Ne Hotels
      • Da Lat Hotels
      • Mekong Delta Hotels
      • Phu Quoc Hotels
    • Vietnam Destinations
      • Hanoi
      • Ho Chi Minh
      • Sapa
      • Halong Bay
      • Hue
      • Hoi An
      • Nha Trang
      • Mui Ne
      • Da Lat
      • Mekong Delta
      • Phu Quoc Island
    • Vietnam Travel Guide
      • Vietnam Practical Information
      • Vietnam Maps
      • Vietnam Flights
      • Vietnam Visa
      • Vietnam Photos
    • World Heritage in Vietnam
      • World Natural Heritage
      • World Cultural Heritage
      • World Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Cambodia
    • Cambodia Tours
      • Cambodia Tour Packages
      • Cambodia & Vietnam Tours
      • Angkor Wat Tours
    • Cambodia Hotels
      • Phnom Penh Hotels
      • Siem Reap Hotels
      • Kampong Thom Hotels
      • Takeo Hotels
      • Svay Rieng Hotels
      • Stung Treng Hotels
      • Sihanoukville Hotels
      • Ratanakiri Hotels
      • Pursat Hotels
      • Prey Veng Hotels
      • Preah Vihear Hotels
      • Pailin Hotels
      • Oddar Meanchey Hotels
      • Mondulkiri Hotels
      • Kratie Hotels
      • Koh Kong Hotels
      • Kep Hotels
      • Kandal Hotels
      • Kampot Hotels
      • Kampong Speu Hotels
      • Kampong Chhnang Hotels
      • Kampong Cham Hotels
      • Battambang Hotels
    • Cambodia Destinations
      • Battambang
      • Kampong Cham
      • Kampong Chhnang
      • Kampong Speu
      • Kampot
      • Kandal
      • Kep
      • Koh Kong
      • Kratie
      • Mondulkiri
      • Oddar Meanchey
      • Pailin
      • Preah Vihear
      • Prey Veng
      • Pursat
      • Ratanakiri
      • Sihanoukville
      • Stung Treng
      • Svay Rieng
      • Takeo
      • Kampong Thom
      • Siem Reap
      • Phnom Penh
    • Cambodia Travel Guide
      • Cambodia Practical Information
      • Cambodia Maps
      • Cambodia Flights
      • Cambodia Visa
      • Cambodia Photos
  • Laos
    • Laos Tours
      • Laos Tour Packages
      • Laos & Vietnam Tours
    • Laos Hotels
      • Champasack Hotels
      • Savannakhet Hotels
      • Luang Prabang Hotels
      • Vientiane Hotels
    • Laos Destinations
      • Champasack
      • Savannakhet
      • Luang Prabang
      • Vientiane
    • Laos Travel Guide
      • Laos Practical Information
      • Laos Maps
      • Laos Photos
      • Laos Flights
      • Laos Visa
  • China
    • China Tours
      • China Tour Packages
      • China & Vietnam Tours
      • Hong Kong & Vietnam Tours
      • Yangtze River Cruises
    • China Hotels
      • Chongqing Hotels
      • Macau Hotels
      • Hong Kong Hotels
      • Shanghai Hotels
      • Beijing Hotels
    • China Destinations
      • Shanghai
      • Beijing
      • Hong Kong
      • Macau
      • Chongqing
    • China Travel Guide
      • China Practical Information
      • China Maps
      • China Photos
      • China Flights
      • China Visa
  • Indonesia
    • Indonesia Tours
      • Indonesia Tour Packages
      • Indonesia & Vietnam Tours
      • Bali Tour Packages
    • Indonesia Hotels
      • Bali Hotels
      • Java Hotels
      • Kalimantan Hotels
      • Maluku Hotels
      • Nusa Tenggara Hotels
      • Papua Hotels
      • Sulawesi Hotels
      • Sumatra Hotels
    • Indonesia Destinations
      • Java
      • Bali
      • Sumatra
      • Nusa Tenggara
      • Kalimantan
      • Sulawesi
      • Maluku
      • Papua
    • Indonesia Travel Guide
      • Indonesia Practical Information
      • Indonesia Maps
      • Indonesia Photos
      • Indonesia Flights
      • Indonesia Visa
  • Malaysia
    • Malaysia Tours
      • Malaysia Tour Packages
      • Malaysia & Vietnam Tours
    • Malaysia Hotels
      • Kuala Lumpur Hotels
      • Melaka Hotels
      • Sabah Hotels
      • Sarawak Hotels
    • Malaysia Destinations
      • Kuala Lumpur
      • Melaka
      • Sabah
      • Sarawak
    • Malaysia Travel Guide
      • Malaysia Practical Information
      • Malaysia Maps
      • Malaysia Photos
      • Malaysia Flights
      • Malaysia Visa
  • Myanmar
    • Myanmar Tours
      • Myanmar Tour Packages
      • Myanmar & Vietnam Tours
    • Myanmar Hotels
      • Bagan Hotels
      • Mandalay Hotels
      • Western Myanmar Hotels
      • Yangon Hotels
    • Myanmar Destinations
      • Bagan
      • Mandalay
      • Western Myanma
      • Yangon
    • Myanmar Travel Guide
      • Myanamar Practical Information
      • Myanmar Map
      • Myanmar Flights
      • Myanmar Photos
      • Myanmar Visa
  • Singapore
    • Singapore Tours
      • Singapore Tour Packages
      • Singapore & Vietnam Tours
    • Singapore Hotels
    • Singapore Destinations
      • Singapore City
    • Singapore Travel Guide
      • Singapore Practical Information
      • Singapore Photos
      • Singapore Flights
      • Singapore Visa
      • Singapore Maps
  • Thailand
    • Thailand Tours
      • Thailand Tour Packages
      • Thailand & Vietnam Tours
      • Thailand & Cambodia & Vietnam Tours
      • Thailand & Lao & Vietnam & Cambodia Tours
    • Thailand Hotels
      • Bangkok Hotels
      • Chiang Mai Hotels
      • Andaman Coast Hotels
    • Thailand Destinations
      • Bangkok
      • Chiang Mai Province
      • Andaman Coast
    • Thailand Travel Guide
      • Thailand Practical Information
      • Thailand Photos
      • Thailand Visa
      • Thailand Maps
      • Thailand Flights
  • Brunei
    • Brunei Tours
    • Brunei Hotels
    • Brunei Destinations
      • Brunei Darussalam
    • Brunei Travel Guide
      • Brunei Practical Infomation
      • Brunei Map
      • Brunei Photos
      • Brunei Flights
  • Vietnam Tour Packages
  • Vietnam Cambodia Tours
  • Cambodia Tours
  • Special Offers

Company

  • Booking Conditions
  • Guarantee Refundment
  • Contact Us
  • Private Customised Trip
  • Home

  • Cambodia

  • Cambodia Destinations

  • Phnom Penh

What to Do

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
The dark-yellow Art Deco Phsa Thmei (New Market) is also referred to as the Central Market, a reference to its location and size. It was constructed in 1935 37. The Art deco building is shaped in the form of a cross with a nice central dome. And has four wings filled with shops selling gold and silver jewelry, antique coins, fake name-brand watches and other such items.
 
Around the main buildings are stalls offering Krama (checked scarves), stationery, household items, cloth for sarongs, flowers and second hand clothes, usually from Europe and the US. For photographers, the fresh food section affords a lot of opportunities. There are a host of good value food stalls on the structure's western side, which faces Monivong Blvd. Central Market is undoubtedly the best of Phnom Penh's markets for browsing. It is the cleanest and has the widest range of products for sale. Opening hours are from early morning until early evening.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall
The Chaktomuk Conference Hall is located at Preah Sisowath Quay, Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh. It designed by renowned architect Vann Molyvann, this venue was originally opened in 1961 as La Salle de Conférence Chaktomuk. Earmarked for redevelopment as a restaurant in 1991, it was brought back into use as a theatre in 1994 following the devastating fire at the National Theatre. The Chaktomuk Conference Hall was completely refurbished in 2000, primarily to provide international-standard facilities for conferences. Subject to programming it is still utilised from time to time as a theatre venue, but only for special programmes organised directly by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
 
Type of venue: conference hall/theatre; main use: conferences, lectures and occasional performing arts activites; seating: 592 seats total with retractable writing pallets; proscenium opening: semi-elliptical opening 14m W x 5m H; performing area: irregular-shaped stage 14m W at widest point x 8m D at centre x 5m H to grid; wing spaces: none; suspension equipment: overhead pipe grid for suspension of masking and lighting; soft hangings: black legs and borders; lighting: RDS Dimass 30-channel control, very basic lighting rig; sound: Presis Studio 32 10-channel mixer, DAS E8 and E12 power amplifiers, DAS speakers, pa system; backstage: 25m² quick-change area to rear of stage accommodating 20 persons total, VIP lounge; climate control: air-conditioned; availability: currently used only for official programmes organised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, not available for straight hire
 

Cheung Ek Killing Field
Between 1975 and 1978,aabout 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets.
The remains of 8985 people, many of whom were bound and blindfolded, were exhumed in 1980 from mass graves in this one-time long an orchard; 43 of the 129 communal graves here have been left untouched. Fragment of Human bone and bits of cloth are scattered around the disinterred pits. Over 8000 skulls, arranged by sex, are visible behind the clear glass panels of the Memoral Stupa, which was erected in 1988.
The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are 15 km from Central Phnom Penh. To get there, take Monireth Blvd south-westward out of the city from the Dang Kor Market bus depot. The site is 8.5 km from the bridge near 271 St. A memorial ceremony is held annually at Choeung Ek on 9 May.
 

Independence Monument
An Angkorian style tower, the inimitable place in the whole city, located in the heart of the capital. It was built in 1958 to Sybilles Cambodian Independence Day after winning back their independence from the French protectorate on the 9th of November 1953.
 
The monument attracts many tourists for its peculiar looking but unique style distinguishes it from all the buildings in the city. It is also used as a memorial place dedicated to the Cambodian's patriot who died for the country.
 

National Museum
The NATIONAL MUSEUM has a good collection of Khmer sculptures dating from the pre-Angkor period (4th century) to post-Ankgor period (14th century). The museum, built of red bricks by the French in 1917 in a pseudo-Khmer style, is built around a courtyard.
A stone's throw away from the Tonle Sap is the royal Palace built on the site of the Banteay Kev, a citadel built in 1813. The Palace grounds contain several buildings: the Throne Room of Prasat Tevea Vinichhay which is used for the coronation of kings, official receptions and traditional ceremonies; the Chan Chhaya Pavilion which is a venue for dance performances; the king's official residence called the Khemarin; the Napoleon Pavilion and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. This pagoda is worth exploring. It owes its name to the 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire floor. The emerald Buddha sits on a pedestal high atop the dias. In front of the dias stands a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and weighs 75kg. It is decked with precious gems including diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats. Also on display at the sides are the coronation apparel and numerous miniature Buddha in gold and silver.
The walls surrounding the compound which is the oldest part of the palace, are covered with frescos depicting scenes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana. A visit to the markets and market halls is a must as they give an opportunity to be acquainted with the country's local produce and also to buy textiles, antiques, gold and silver jewellery. The four wings of the yellow coloured Central Market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage. For some good paintings or if you prefer antiques, head fro the Tuol Tom Poong Market also known as the Russian Market. A word of caution though: you need to sharpen your bargaining skills as the prices here can be outrageously high.
 
The museum is open daily from 8am to 11:30am and from 2:30pm to 5pm. French and English spoken guides are available, or visitor can purchase one of the books or pamphlets available and wander the four courtyards, each facing out into a garden, and try to piece together the complex history through these magnificent work of ancient art themselves.
 

Ounalom Pagoda
Wat Ounalom is another of Phnom Penh’s five original monasteries (1422). Until 1999, it housed the Institute Bouddhique and library. On the riverfront about 250 meters north of the National Museum, facing the Tonle Sap River near the Royal Palace, this pagoda serves as the headquarters for one of Cambodia’s most revered Buddhist patriarchs.
 

Royal Palace
Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace is one of Phnom Penh’s most splendid architectural achievements. It is home to His Majesty Preah Bat smdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath. The palace was built in 1866 by His Majeaty Preah Bat Norodom, great grandfather to our current King. The Royal Palace is built on the site of the old town. This site was especially chosen by a Commission of Royal Ministers and Astrologers because it had great geographical significance in relation to the King, who was regarded as a direct descendant of the gods, whose role it was to live and govern on earth under the influence of heaven.
The Royal Palace contains some spectacular buildings. Not least of which is the Throne Hall, situated to the left of the main entrance. It boasts a 59-meter tower. The tower roof is beautiful, having been decoratively tiered with golden coloured tiles. This building is used for high official celebrations, coronations and audiences with foreign dignitaries and government officials.
The Roy al Treasury and the Napoleon II villa lie south to the Royal Throne Hall. North to this stands the Silver pagoda enclosure, otherwise known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha. The Pagoda’s steps are crafted from Italian marble, and within the throne room the regal floor consists of more than 500 solid silver blocks. If calculated together, they weigh nearly six tones. Displayed a round the room, surrounding the main area, stand plush presents from foreign dignitaries.
The magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue is made of Baccarat cuystal and solid gold. It weighs 90 kilograms and is adorned with 9,584 diamonds. Bronze statues stand to it’s left and right sides. Next to these, encased under a glass cover, reside a golden locus. Within this area other ancient treasures include a large Buddha’s footprint, representing the 108 past lives of the Buddha before he was re-incarnated as Prince Siddharta, who subsequently gained enlightenment. On the wall, surrounding the Pagoda compound, (the oldest par of the palace) are hundreds of meters of frescos depicting an episode of the Indian epic Ramayana. These are the biggest mural frescos in South East Asia.
The Royal Palace sits between streets 184 and 240. The main entrance is situated on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard via the Pavilion of Dancers. Opposite the entrance sits another almost equally stunning Royal spectacle. The Royal Residence, along with their Royal Highnesses, houses the sacred white elephant, the most auspicious and reverd symbol of royal beneficence within Cambodia.
 

Silver Pagoda
Wat Preah Keo Morakot (Silver Pagoda) is located in the southern portion of the Royal Palace complex. The pagoda was formerly known as Wat Uborsoth Rotannaram because it is where the King worshiped, prayed and practiced every Buddhist Silas Day. In the additional, the royal family and officials also held Buddhist ceremonies there.
This pagoda has no monks. However, this Majestic King Norodom Sihanouk lived there for one year when he entered the monkhood on July 31, 1947. Because the pagoda has no monks, visitors usually refer to it as Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot. When the King celebrates Buddhist ceremonies, monks from other pagoda such as Wat Unaloam and Wat Botumvattey are invited to attend the ceremonies.
Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot was built between 1892 and 1902, during the region of King Norodom, but at that time it was constructed of wood and brick. Its design is base on Cambodian architectural style. Then Banhchos Khan Seima ceremony was held on Feb 5, 1903.
The temple was later damaged, and Queen Kosamak Neary Rath asked that it be repaired. Under the direction of her son Samdach Preah Norodom Sihanouk, who at that time was the head of state, the old temple was dismantled and reconstructed in 1962 on the same site with reinforced concrete. The floor was laid with silver tiles, and the columns were covered with glass stone imported from Italy. The architecture, however, remained the same.
This temple is called Pheah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot because the main Buddha statue is made of priceless emerald, which Cambodians call Keo Morakot. Westerners, however, prefer to call the temple the Silver Pagoda because of the 5,329 genuine silver tiles that cover the floor.
There are 1,650 art objects housed in this temple. Most of them are Buddha figures. They are made of gold, silver, bronze and other valuable materials. Some are decorated with diamonds. They are gifts from the King, the royal family, dignitaries and other people who worship at Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, where they pray for peace and prosperity, for happiness and for the preservation of Cambodian cultural heritage for the next generation.
In front of the throne, site a Buddha statue made of gold, weighing 90 kilograms (about 200 pounds) and decorated with 2,086 diamonds. The biggest diamond is on the crown. It is 25 millimeters. This statue was commissioned in 1904 by King Sisowath, following the suggestion of King Norodom. King Norodom said, after his body was cremated the gold casket should be melted to make Buddha statue representing Preah Srei Araymetrey. This Buddha statue is named Preah Chin Raingsei Rachik Norodom.
Objects of particular interest in the Preah Vihear Keo Morakot include:
The Preah Keo Morakot, the Emerald Buddha, which sits atop throne in the center of the temple.
There is a small glass cabinet that contains what Buddhists believe are ashes of the Buddha. The ashes were brought from Sri Lanka in 1956 by Samdech Head Monk Lvea Em, who stayed in Wat Langka in Phnom Penh. In a nearby cabinet sits a gold Buddha figure offered by Queen Kosamak Nearyrath, mother of King Norodom Shihanouk, in 1969. This Buddha figure is protected by naga. It represents when Buddha stayed at the Muchalonti Pond. Objects in other cabinets are the keepsakes and decorated objects for royal and Buddhist ceremonies.
The temple is surrounded by lofty gallery. On the wall of the gallery, there are traditional paintings of the entire Ream Ke epic. These paintings were done by 40 Cambodian artists between 1903 and 104 under the direction of Oknha Tep Nimit. The Ream Ke painting is 642 meters long and 3meters high. It starts from the south of the eastern gallery and winds its way around the gallery. This means that visitors must walk in a circle to see the entire story.
The ancient epic Ream Ke along the gallery shows a unique scene not copied completely from Indian Ramayana. Because some plots of Cambodian Ream Ke are so mysterious, visitors mush look at the painting carefully. Visitors who are familiar with Indian Ramayana will understand the Cambodian Reap Ke easily, even thought the two versions are different. Some themes are also depicted by La Khon Khaol or depicted in Sbek Thom and other sculpted figures. Astrologers also use the story to tell fortunes.
Weather, structural damage and destruction by visitors over the years have caused the paintings to deteriorate. In 1985, the Cambodian government was cooperating with the government of Poland to restore, protect and maintain the paintings. The venture lasted only five years, however, because the budget was terminated. Today the Cambodian government is looking for way to conserve, restore and maintain this cultural heritage.
Monks from Phnom Penh and other provinces once studied the Pali language in classes that were held along the gallery before the Pali School was opened in Phnom Penh on Dec 16, 1930.
In front of Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot, are two stupas and a statue under the roof. The south stupas hold the cremains of King Ang Doung, the great-great grandfather of King Sihanouk. The north stupas hold cremains of King Norodom, the great grandfather of King Shihanouk. Both stupas were dedicated on March 13, 1980.
The statue of King Norodom riding a horse was erected in 1875. It was the keepsake of the French King Napoleon III. It was kept in front of Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot in 1892, but at that time there was no roof. During King Sihanouk’s crusade to win independence fron France, he prayed in front of the statue. After Cambodia won its dependence on Nov 11, 1953, King Sihanouk had the roof built in honor of King Norodom.
South of Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot beside Thamma Hall, a place for praying, and the stupa of King Sihanouk’s father, King Norodom Soramrith, which was built in 1960, visitor find:
Keung Prah Bat
Keung Preah Bat houses the footprints of the four Buddhas who have already reached enlightenment. Those Buddhas are Kok Santhor, Neak Komonor, Kasabor and Damonakodom. In additional to the four Buddha, Preah Srei Araynetrey, whom Buddhist believe has not yet been born. They believe that he will come 5,000 years after the fourth Buddha reaches Nirvana. Buddhists believe that Preah Srei Araymetrey will come and help the people.
Phnom Khan Malineati Borapat Kailasha
Phnom Khan Malineati Borapat Kailasha or Phnom Mondul is the manmade hill that represents Phnom Kailasha, where the Buddha left his footprints on the stone. On the Phnom Mondul, there is a statue of the Buddha and 108 blessings of life before the Buddha reaches enlightenment.
Kunthabopha Stupa
Kunthabopha Stupa was built in 1960 as the resting place for the ashes of Princess Norodom Kunthaboph, the daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk. She was 4years old when she died of dengue fever. The stupa’s design is base on the ancient Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap.
West of Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot is a bell hall. The bell is used in the various ceremonies and to mark the opening and closing of the Silver Pagoda. In the past, the bell was also used to call the monks who studied Pali in the palace.
To the north, is a building that houses. Tipitaka, the fundamental scriptural canon of Buddhism. They include:
Sutta Pitaka
The Sutta Pitaka, a collection of discourses, is primarily composed of dialogues between the Buddha and other people. It consists of five groups of texts: Digha Nikaya(Collection of long discourses), Mijjhima Nikaya (collection of medium discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (collection of grouped discourses), Anguttara Nikaya (collection of discourses on numbered topics), and Khuddaka Nikaya(collection of miscellaneous texts). In the fifth group, the Jatakas, comprising stories of former lives of the Buddha, and the Dhammapada (religious sentences), a summary of the Buddha’s teachings on mental discipline and morality, are especially popular.
Vinaya Pitaka
The Vinaya Pitaka, the code of monastic discipline, consists of more than 225 rules governing the conducts of Buddhist monks and nuns. Each is accompanied by a story explaining the original reason for the rule. The rule are arranged according to the seriousness of the offense resulting from their violation.
Abhidharma Patika
The Abhidharma Patika contains philosophical, psychological, and doctrinal discussions and classifications. It consists of seven separate works. They include detailed classifications of psychological phenomena, metaphysical analysis, and a thesaurus of technical vocabulary.
The Building also houses a Shiva’s mount Nandi. This figure was found buried in Koh Thom district in Kandal province in 1983. It is estimated to be 80percent silver and 20percent bronze, copper, lead, Iron and zinc.
 

Toul Sleng Genocidal Museum (S-21)
In 1975, Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security force and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest such center of detention and torture in the country. Over 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees who died during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison grounds. S-21 has been turned into the Tuol Sleng Museum, which serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rough.
 
The museum's entrance is on the western side of 113 St just north of 350 St, and it is open daily from 7 to 11.30 am and from 2 to 5.30 pm; entry is US$2.Like the Nazis, the Khmer Rough was meticulous in keeping records of their barbarism. Each prisoner who passed through S.21 was photographed, sometimes before and after being tortured. The museum displays include room after room in which such photographs of men, women and children cover the walls from floor to ceiling; virtually all the people pictured were later killed.
 
You can tell in what year a picture was taken by the style of number board that appears on the prisoner's chest. Several foreigners from Australia, France and the USA were held here before being murdered. Their documents are on display. As the Khmer 'revolution' reached ever-greater heights of insanity, it began devouring its own children. Generations of tortures and executioners and were in turn killed by those who took their places. During the first part of 1977, S-21 claimed an average of 100 victims a day. When the Vietnamese army liberated Phnom Penh in early 1979, they found only seven prisoners alive at S-21. Fourteen others had been tortured to death as Vietnamese forces were closing in on the city. Photographs of their decomposing corpses were found. Their graves are nearby in the courtyard.
 
Altogether, a visit to Tuol Sleng is a profoundly depressing experience. There is something about the sheer ordinariness of the place that make it even more horrific; the suburban setting, the plain school buildings, the grassy playing area where several children kick around a ball, ousted beds, instruments of torture and wall after wall of harrowing black-and-white portraits conjure up images of humanity at its worst. Tuol Sleng is not for the squeamish.
 

Wat Phnom Hill
Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high, Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name, Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades. Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs. When a petitioner's wish is granted, he or she returns to make the offering (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when the request was made. The vihara (temple sanctuary) was rebuilt in 1434, 1806, 1894, and, most recently, in 1926. West of the vihara is an enormous stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Vat (reigned 1405 to 1467). In a small pavilion on the south side of the passage between the vihara and the stupa is a statue of the smiling and rather plump Madame Penh.A bit to the north of the vihara and below it is an eclectic shrine dedicated to the genie Preah Chau, who is especially revered by the Vietnamese. On either side ofthe entrance to the chamber in which a statue of Preah Chau sits are guardian spirits bearing iron bats. On the tile table in front of the two guardian spirits are drawings of Confucius, and two Chinese-style figures of the sages Thang Cheng (on the right) and Thang Thay (on the left). To the left of the central altar is an eight-armed statue of Vishnu.
Down the hill from the shrine is a royal stupa sprouting full-size trees from its roof. For now, the roots are holding the bricks together in their net-like grip, but when the trees die the tower will slowly crumble. If you can't make it out to Angkor, this stupa gives a pretty good idea of what the jungle can do (and is doing) to Cambodia's monuments. Curiously, Wat Phnom is the only attraction in Phnom Penh that is in danger of turning into a circus. Beggars, street urchins, women selling drinks and children selling birds in cages (you pay to set the bird free locals claim the birds are trained to return to their cage afterwards) pester everyone who turns up to slog the 27m to the summit. Fortunately it's all high-spirited stuff, and it's difficult to be annoyed by the vendors, who after all, are only trying to eke out a living. trip on this road you will get the fresh air from the Mekong and Bassac rivers, especially around the garden in front of the Royal Palace. Furthermore, you will have the special chance to relax and chat with your lovely friends at the riverside. And just sit on the benches or walking through the riverbanks you can absorb the fresh air from the river and see the whole view of beautiful river, in order to reduce stress or complicate.


View other:
  • Siem Reap Map
  • Phnom Penh Map
  • Overview - Kampong Thom - Cambodia
  • Getting There - Away - Svay Rieng - Cambodia
  • Where to Stay - Sihanouville - Cambodia
  • Overview - Siem Reap - Cambodia
  • What to Do - Kampong Thom - Cambodia
  • Getting There - Away - Siem Reap - Cambodia
  • What to Do - Svay Rieng - Cambodia
  • Getting There - Away - Kampong Thom - Cambodia
  • Where to Stay - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • Safety & Security in Cambodia
  • Where to Eat - Drink - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • Khmer & English Language in Cambodia
  • Getting There - Away - Stung Treng - Cambodia
  • What to Do - Siem Reap - Cambodia

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
( 0 Votes )
Next >

Tripadvisor reviews

Tripadvisor reviews

View other:

  • Phnom Penh
  • Siem Reap
  • Kampong Thom
  • Takeo
  • Svay Rieng
  • Stung Treng
  • Sihanoukville
  • Ratanakiri
  • Pursat
  • Prey Veng
  • Preah Vihear
  • Pailin
  • Oddar Meanchey
  • Mondulkiri
  • Kratie
  • Koh Kong
  • Kep
  • Kandal
  • Kampot
  • Kampong Speu
  • Kampong Chhnang
  • Kampong Cham
  • Battambang

Download Cambodia Maps

Download Map Here

Phnom Penh

  • Where to Eat - Drink - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • What to Do - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • Where to Stay - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • Getting There - Away - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
  • Overview - Phnom Penh - Cambodia

Top 10 Most Interest

Angkor Wat 1 Day

Angkor Wat - 1DaysStarts : Siem Reap City, ends : Siem Reap CityHighlights: Siem Re...

Myanmar Highlights 6 Days

Myanmar Highlights - 6 DaysStarts : Yangon City, ends : Yangon CityHighlights: Yangon...

Yangon - Bago - Kyaikhtiyo 4 Days

  Yangon - Bago - Kyaikhtiyo - 4DaysStarts : Yangon City, ends : Yangon CityH...

Vientiane - Luang Prabang 4 Days

Vientiane - Luang Prabang - 4 daysStarts : Vientiane , ends : Luang PrabangHighligh...

Free Hanoi Cycle Trip through the Vietnam countryside

Free Hanoi Cycle Trip through the Vietnam countryside Tour type: FreeLocation: Hanoi - One Day Trip...

Nha Trang Island & Snorkeling – Diving Tour – 1 Day

Pick up from the hotel transfer to the Cau Da harbor get on the boat to sail out. First diving sites...

Hue Full sights 3 days

Hue Full sights 3 days Day 1: Hue arrive & Cooking class Pick up & transfer to hotel from airpor...

Da Nang & My Son 1 day

Da Nang & My Son 1 day Starting & ending at Da Nang/ Hoi An Depart Daily Pick up at your stay i...

3 days fishing & sightseeing in Ninh Binh

3 days fishing & sightseeing in Ninh Binh Starts : Hanoi City Ends : Hanoi City Trip code: 3DEFIVAC...

North of Vietnam Fishing & trekking 6 days

North of Vietnam Fishing & trekking 6 days    Starts : Hanoi City  Ends : Hanoi City  Trip code:...

Previous Next
  • Angkor Wat 1 Day

    Friday, 08 June 2018 07:52
  • Myanmar Highlights 6 Days

    Friday, 08 June 2018 07:24
  • Yangon - Bago - Kyaikhtiyo 4 Days

    Friday, 08 June 2018 07:11
  • Vientiane - Luang Prabang 4 Days

    Thursday, 07 June 2018 09:04
  • Free Hanoi Cycle Trip through the Vietnam countryside

    Sunday, 25 March 2018 19:34
  • Nha Trang Island & Snorkeling – Diving Tour – 1 Day

    Sunday, 15 October 2017 10:07
  • Hue Full sights 3 days

    Monday, 04 September 2017 02:40
  • Da Nang & My Son 1 day

    Monday, 04 September 2017 01:17
  • 3 days fishing & sightseeing in Ninh Binh

    Sunday, 03 September 2017 13:22
  • North of Vietnam Fishing & trekking 6 days

    Sunday, 03 September 2017 13:07

Vietnam and Cambodia Experience - 12Days

vietnam-and-cambodia-experience-12days Vietnam and Cambodia Experience - 12Days Starts : Hanoi City , ends : Siem Reap City Trip code: VACE-12D Ages: Minimum age for children on this trip...
Read More
83810

Vietnam and Cambodia Family Discovery - 15Days

vietnam-and-cambodia-family-discovery-15days Vietnam and Cambodia Family Discovery - 15Days Starts : Hanoi City , ends : Siem ReapCity Trip code: VACFD-15D Ages: Minimum age for children on this...
Read More
90482

Vietnam Beaches & Island with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat -...

vietnam-beaches-a-island-with-siem-reap-angkor-wat-15days Vietnam Beaches & Island with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 15days Starts : Hanoi City , ends : Ho Chi Minh City Trip code: vbiWSRAW-15d Ages: Minimum...
Read More
86140

Vietnam Beaches South Coast with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat -...

vietnam-beaches-south-coast-with-siem-reap-angkor-wat-17days Vietnam Beaches South Coast with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 17days Starts : Hanoi City , ends : Ho Chi Minh City Trip code: vBSCwsraw-17d Ages: Minimum...
Read More
89105

Treasures of Vietnam with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 18Days

treasures-of-vietnam-with-siem-reap-angkor-wat-18days Treasures of Vietnam with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 18Days Starts : Ho Chi Minh City , ends : Hanoi City Trip code: TOVwsraw-18D Ages: Minimum age for...
Read More
98800

Classic Vietnam with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 16Days

classic-vietnam-with-siem-reap-angkor-wat-16days Classic Vietnam with Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - 16Days Starts : Hanoi City , ends : Ho Chi Minh City Trip code: CVwsraw-16D Ages: Minimum age for...
Read More
103455



Vietnam Royal Tourism (VRT) - The Leading Tour Operator in Vietnam : Luxury Travel | Tailormade Tours
International Tour Operator License No: 01-213 / TCDL-GPLHQT - Issued by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Google+ - Youtube - Facebook - Twitter
  • Home
  • Vietnam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Brunei
< Home > | Phone: (+84)9360 88816 - (+84)24 3715 2808 | Fax : (+84)24 3715 2838 | Email: sales@vietnamroyaltourism.com
Reservation & Sales Department : Level 5, HH3 Tower - Me Tri Street - Tu Liem District - Hanoi City - Vietnam

Copyright @ 2013 Vietnam Travel Company All Rights Reserved

  • Travellers' Advisor
  • Activities in Hanoi & Around Maps
  • Wedding Customs in Vietnam
  • Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam
  • Learning Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travellers
  • About Us
  • Our Style
  • Testimonials
  • Clear A for common Q
  • Sitemap
  • Travel News
  • SiteMap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Terms & Conditions
  • Legal Notices