"Pardon Phnom Penh" Top 5 Page for this destination Phnom Penh by richiecdisc

Phnom Penh Travel Guide: 1,425 reviews and 3,746 photos

Buddha image at the Silver Pagoda - Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh offers a chaotic sensory assault with its odd mix of gentle Asian beauty and raucous Wild West sensibilities. From the clandestine tourist areas to the squalor of its backstreets, one is constantly confronted with obscene displays of wealth and those of abject poverty. It’s an unlikely place to see so many SUVs but that is just what you find along with a ragtag conglomerate of amputees, beggars, and street urchins that you soon come to appreciate as more a true indictor of the condition of the economy than the shiny luxury vehicles cruising by. Just when you are ready to write off the Cambodian capital as corrupt beyond pardoning, you cannot help but notice the helpful and friendly everyday citizen. It’s the person frying up that plate of noodles or blending up your fruit shake with a beaming smile that shines from within and in no way is a mere enticement for your business. Phnom Penh is full of the requisite tourist sights and amenities that travelers crave when out on the road. But when it’s all said and done, and you are back home looking at your much sought after photos, it’s the smiles you never captured that you now look back on as your fondest memory of a city trying desperately to become an integral part of Southeast Asian tourism.

Last visit to Phnom Penh: Feb 2004
Intro Written Mar 29, 2005
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Reviews (26)

alternate view of the National Museum - Phnom Penh

masked men make to be avoided Warnings and Dangers (1)

One thing we did not like in Phnom Penh was how we felt walking around at night. It was fine hanging out at the market... more travel advice

photography checklist What to Pack (1)

Backpack is the easiest way to lug your stuff around Southeast Asia. You can avoid the touts when you show you are quite... more travel advice

another shot of the Silver Pagoda grounds - Phnom Penh

The Pink Elephant versus local beer... Nightlife (1)

We only ventured out one night while in Phnom Penh, to meet a fellow traveler we had met on the Mekong Delta trip that... more travel advice

Wat Ounalom Things to Do (6)

Though decimated by Pol Pot’s regime, Wat Ounalom is coming back to life as befits the home of the country’s Buddhist... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 29, 2005

6 photos

The Royal Palace

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Comments (17)

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Gili_S Feb 27, 2011 at 2:36 AM

Huh, it seems I missed those pages and I was curious to check them out as two of my colleagues are touring this country at the moment. The boat trip is an excellent idea.
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easterntrekker Jan 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM

The ice sounds tempting but my stomach is not reliable LOL
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volopolo Nov 11, 2008 at 4:45 AM

Phnom Penh is in my travel plans! A lot of information in your website! Graet job!
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fivesilver Aug 2, 2008 at 6:28 AM

Looks really interesting - who's the tour operator or how can I find them?
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ellielou Dec 30, 2006 at 5:48 PM

well, well, as always, great, helpful, informative tips....I once had an 'episode' with fermented fish sauce as well (in Luang Prabang) but luckily was close to my guesthouse. have a great traveling 2007!
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matcrazy1 Jan 7, 2006 at 10:36 AM

Next fantastic page. I would love to arrive in town via the Mekong Delta boat tour. Excellent and abd very informative restaurant tips as usual!
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thedouglas Jan 1, 2006 at 9:10 PM

Thank you for your practical and articulate advice. I enjoy all of your tips - and feel that I have learned a lot in preparation for a trip. Prefer not to learn the hard way :(
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Jasen71 Sep 25, 2005 at 12:58 PM

Great Pages! I wish I was a member of VT years ago when I was in Cambodia
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kiwi Aug 8, 2005 at 5:25 AM

Great Page Richie, it was honourably and deservedly recommended! I concur with that opinion. hugs, Pam :-))
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Tina-Perth Aug 7, 2005 at 8:08 PM

Very well written pages. I know exactly how you felt at Tuol Sleng and I agree that it is a must-do. I'm not much of a fan of Cambodia, but I'm glad I went.