Attractions near Phnom Penh

Oudong - former Royal Capital

The abandoned royal city of Phnom Oudong makes for an interesting half day excursion from Phnom Penh, being about 40km north. Oudong was the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. However, Oudong still holds great significance as the 3 hills are home to various stupas containing the remains of several former Khmer kings. The main stairway (over 500 steps!) leads you to the newest of the temples which is home to a Buddha relic, and from here the views of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking. As you explore the various stupas you will eventually come to the ruins of the most impressive, the enigmatic temple of Arthaross. This massive temple was badly damaged during the many years of war that Cambodia has suffered and the large Buddha image was finally blown up by the Khmer Rouge in 1977. All that remained of the Buddha was his lap, right torso and shoulder, however the image is now being restored. Oudong makes for a great afternoon trip as watching the sun set from the mountain top is spectacular.

Tonle Bati & Ta Prohm Temple

Tonle Bati is a scenic lake 35km south of Phnom Penh and is a pleasant spot for a picnic, the breezy waterfront has a number of bamboo shacks clinging to it with hammocks strung up making for a great place to relax. However, the highlight of Tonle Bati is the small yet picturesque Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was built during the 12 century by the prolific temple builder Jayavarman VII, and is similar in design to Angkor Wat, only much smaller. It is thought that via a network of waterways Ta Prohm was an important trading port linking the Angkor temples of Siem Reap in the north to the southern Angkorian / Funan sea ports in what is now Vietnam. Once you enter the outer enclosure you are treated to shady colonnades and many large trees and colourful tropical shrubs, making for excellent photo opportunities. Fertility was, and still is, the temple’s main focus, and a statue of the Hindu fertility goddess Preah Noreay is still popular with childless women who come to offer gifts to her headless torso. Whether wanting children of not, exploring Ta Prohm and having a picnic at Tonle Bati is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and relax...

Koh Dach - Cruise to Silk Weaving Island

If you would like to get a taste of everyday Cambodian village life yet do not have the time to explore the provinces a half day cruise along the Mekong river to Koh Dach is the perfect introduction. Koh Dach is better known as ‘Silk Weaving Island’ and as you wander around you will notice many of the wooden stilted homes have at least one loom underneath with family members weaving away. It is said that you can calculate the number of daughters in a family by the number of looms underneath the house! The red dirt road that winds around the island passes through traditional Khmer villages, small farms, interesting pagodas, bucolic scenes of rural life, and offers delightful views of the river. Koh Dach truly is a charming ‘oasis’ away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh, and as much of the silk on sale in Phnom Penh comes from these weavers you may also be able to pick up a bargain! Not to be missed…

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is only a short drive from Phnom Penh and is home to many endangered species rescued from illegal animal traders and makes for a great day out for all the family. The centre has over 1,200 animals and exotic birds, and several of the species are on the critically endangered list, such as the Siamese crocodile, tiger, greater adjutant stork and eld’s deer, and many more which are endangered such as the sun bear, wild boar, and the world’s tallest flighted bird the Sarus Crane. The centre is set in a huge expanse of forest which allows the animals to be kept in well-designed, spacious and natural enclosures, made from natural materials, thus allowing the animals, such as the elephants, to go grazing in their natural environment. The centre also allows visitors to feed certain animals such as the macaques and gibbons, with natural foods like sugar cane, fruit and peanuts. A trip to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre can be easily combined with a visit to Phnom Chisor and Tonle Bati for a fascinating and varied days excursion from Phnom Penh.

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