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| Phnom Penh Travel Guide for backpackers |
| Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is situated at the confluence of the Mekong, The Bassac and the Tonle Rivers – so, if riverfront strolls with a take-away snack are for you, then so is this vibrant city. Ideal months to be in Cambodia are December and January, when humidity is bearable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. From February onwards it starts getting pretty hot, and April is unbearably so. The wet season (May to October), though very soggy, can be a good time to visit - but steer clear of the northeast regions during those months, as the going gets pretty tough when the tracks are waterlogged. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in PHNOM PENH - For the most part, Cambodia is a pretty cheap place for travel. You can probably get by in Phnom Penh on US$ 14 a day. Meals US$ 3-10. Lodging US$ 3-8. Transport – you can hire a scooter/bike for around US$7 per day otherwise tuk-tuks are a safe bet for short hops and can be hired for around US$2 a trip – not for the faint hearted if your tuk-tuk driver is having a bad day! |
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Choeung Ek Memorial (The Killing Fields) - 15 km southwest of Phnom Penh – This is a group of mass graves and a memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but still gives a wonderful insight into the history of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime. You could link it with a tour of Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (US$3) should you want to delve deeper into the very often disturbing past.
The River Front - A walk or bicycle ride along the riverfront is a must. Near the palace is a park, pubs, restaurants, shops and tourist boats. Get up early (or don’t go to bed the night before) to check out the sunrise over the river in front of the palace – aaah!
Pagodas - In Phnom Penh you are usually within walking distance of a pagoda. To get a real look at Cambodian culture (97% of whom are Buddhist) a visit to at least one wat is a must. Take your shoes off!
Care for children - You will meet many street children. Here a few tips on how to deal efficiently with them, and help them the way you can ! : http://www.childrights-cambodia.org
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Sisowath Quay Street - There are a surprising number and variety of good eateries, bars & clubs in town. The backpacker area on Boeung Kak Lake has several budget restaurants, bars & clubs.
Sharky Bar - 126 Street 130. Popular. Full bar. 3 pool tables, classic rock, lots and lots of friendly females.Good selection of western, Mex and Thai food. Hearty portions at reasonable prices.
The Cambodia Club & River Street - Street 178. A corner restaurant on the riverfront. Indoor and curbside seating. Big pizza selection and Thai and Khmer food. Indoor and balcony seating overlooking the riverfront.
Friends - Friend's restaurant, 2 minutes lefts from national museum, street 213, provides fusion food, unexpensive tapas. Recommended by child protection network !
Alley Cat Cafe - This place has excellent tex-mex and the biggest burgers in town all cooked up by American cook Dallas. The decor is stunning featuring a huge mural of cartoon cats and they have great value rooms on a monthly basis.
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Heart of Darkness - 26 Street 51. One of the most popular and well-known bars in Cambodia. Music. Club atmosphere. Way stylish and busiest after midnight.
Kiwi Bar - 180 Street 130. Bar and restaurant with indoor and curbside seating. Sports TV. Reasonable prices. Friendly locals.
Cantina - 347 Sisowath Quay. 7:00pm – late. Friendly riverfront bar set amongst several bars and restaurants whose curbside seating blur into one another. Cold Beer. Interesting company.
DV8 - Relaxed western bar playing older music (Bob Dylan, Led Zepplin, Joe Cocker etc). Nice rooms and food. Near the riverfront
teukei bar - very nice place with european & asian good food low prices,
everyday also the pure electro and reggae sound
but only if you like a french people
Butterfly Bar - Butterfly is at the moment the only club/disco in town. And it is a strange mix of backpackers, expats, guys on holiday and good looking girls. This is the only and the most popular place to be - busiest after midnght!
Equinox - Fun, stylish cocktail bar and restaurant serving healthy salads, tasty pizzas and some French today's specialities. The place features also fashions, paintings and photos.
www.equinox-cambodia.blogspot.com
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