Phnom Penh may not be the ‘glimmering’ city that you may associate with when compared to many of Southeast Asia’s capitals. Bangkok, Jakarta and Hanoi may spring to mind instead, but don’t be fooled, Phnom Penh has its fair share of surprises.

You have to keep in mind that Phnom Penh went through a lot of hardships just as recently as the early 1990’s. That being said, the city is slowly but surely picking up, with high rise buildings and traffic lights popping up along the city’s newly paved roads and streets. In addition, a growing selection of posh restaurants and bars as well as an interesting art scene is springing up. This development is unheard of as recently as 20 years ago.

Phnom Penh today will look nothing like Phnom Penh 20 years from now, that’s for sure. Big Southeast Asian capital cities, look out, cuz Phnom Penh is coming, developing and ready for the big time!

What better way to see Phnom Penh’s past glory and present development than in the evening and with Exotissimo’s Phnom Penh by Night tour? Your evening starts in the afternoon with a visit to the National Museum where Cambodia’s proud and colorful history is revealed to you.

Next stop, the beautiful Royal Palace. If you are looking for an overall definition of intricate and graceful Cambodian architecture, then you’ve come to the right place. First visit the Throne Hall. Make a note of its elaborate thrones and the beautiful ceiling frescoes of the Reamker, a Cambodian epic poem based on India’s Ramayana epic. Just nearby is the Silver Pagoda. It features the Royal Temple (called What Phrea Keo) which houses several impressive and certainly very valuable gold and jeweled Buddha statues.

Travel to the north side of the city to the small hilltop temple of Wat Phnom for a wonderful view of the city in the beautiful afternoon light. The name sounds familiar? Well, Phnom Penh is named after this important hilltop pagoda (phnom actually means hill). The view up here is terrific! Make sure to have your camera ready.

After your afternoon sightseeing experience, embark on an evening dinner cruise on the Tonle Sap. Watch as the city prepares itself for the night as the sun settles down the horizon and the city’s lights illuminate the night. Oh, and you will be treated to a delicious authentic Khmer meal as well. After dinner, head back to land and to the Chinese House Lounge Bar for a nice cold refreshing drink. This is one of Cambodia’s ‘to be’ places. It’s riverside location and that cocktail in your hand are the best ways to reflect on the day and end your tour of Southeast Asia’s emerging capital.

There’s so much to see and experience in Cambodia! Whether it is temple touring, beach relaxation or exploring authentic Cambodian life in the countryside, we got you covered with our Cambodia tours. You can also include this Phnom Penh city tour with any of our Cambodia programs. Just contact us and let us know.

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