Outdoor Activities and Things to Do in Phnom Penh
There are many exciting activities and joyful things to do in Phnom Penh, both cultural and fun. The good thing is that these activities will not cost a lot and if you are here for 2 to 3 days, you can enjoy them all. There are great Cambodia souvenirs that are found near many of the local night markets and significant attractions. Most of these attractions are good to see in daylight but some are more suited at evening and night time, for example, the Sisowath Quay Boulevard.
Taking a Walk along the Sisowath Quay Boulevard
If you are here for a day trip, one of the things to do in Phnom Penh at night is to take a walk along the Sisowath Quay Boulevard. The name of this boardwalk is from the Royal House of Sisowath, which ruled Cambodia in the early 19th century. This boulevard is a mildly long stretch of road that has an excellent night market, people selling local merchandise and enjoying the view of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. To get to Sisowath Quay, you can start your journey either from the Central Market or the Cambodia Railway Station and head towards the Tonlé Sap River.
Koh Dach Island or The Silk Island
Other things to do in Phnom Penh during the day is to visit Koh Dach Island, which is also known as the Silk Island. The main attraction here is the women weaving silks and making silk fabrics and scarves in different colors. Tourists can also rent bikes and ride around the island. There are tours for both available in Phnom Penh. To get to Koh Dach Island, you need to take a ferry from the Sisowath Quay to here.
Participate in Tonle Sap River Boat Tours
Riding on a boat along the Tonle Sap River and seeing the floating villages is one of the relaxing things to do in Phnom Penh during weekends. These are the local residents who permanently live in floating houses and have their own fishing boats. If you are going on this tour, make sure to plan it in a way that you will see the sunset, as the sight is wonderful and relaxing.
Historical Phnom Penh Attractions
Cambodia is full of culture and heritage sites and some of these Phnom Penh attractions represent the ruthless Khmer Rouge regime and the impact it had on the local Cambodians. Other than that, there are other magnificent buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia, which have very intriguing architecture and are very picturesque.
Royal Palace in the City Centre
The Phnom Penh Royal Palace, with its exquisite elegance and traditional Khmer architectural roofing, is one of the most well-known Phnom Penh attractions. Some of the palace’s buildings are off-limits to the public because the Royal King still resides there. Royal Palace Phnom Penh entrance fee is around $10 and includes access to most building parts. The Silver Pagoda is also nearby and worth a visit. To get to the Royal Palace, you need to get to Samdach Sothearos Boulevard and enter the palace from there.
National Museum of Cambodia in Chey Chumneas
If you would like to observe the cultural past of Cambodia, then one of the things to do in Phnom Penh is to visit the National Museum, which is located in the city center with three entrances on Streets 178, 13 and 184. This museum’s construction began in 1917 and continued until 1924. The primary purpose of the National Museum is to illustrate the Cambodian heritage and its past as well as local artifacts, including those of the Khmer Rouge régime and other vital objects collected throughout history.
