I've read in some travel forums/blogs that It's not worth it to go to said city. Sure does that place doesn't have that much to offer to tourist but it is THE PERFECT PLACE to understand the history and struggle of Cambodia.
**Mode of transportation going to Phnom Penh
a) Airplane - Since there's no direct flight from Manila to Phnom Penh, you have to purchase another ticket for Angkor International Airport - Phnom Penh International Airport route. Does the country have their own carrier? Yes! Cambodia Angkor Air is a government owned airline company. Flight time is around 45mins to 1 hr.
b) Bus - There are alot of bus companies with SR-PP route. I'll mention the popular ones.
Giant Ibis - 13USD one way. Ticket is kinda expensive but the buses are new and spacious. They have a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel going to the bus station. They also give out free food (bread) and free bottled water. Free WiFi
Mekong Express - a very trusted bus company for this route. Ticket is cheaper than Giant Ibis. Their buses are kinda old. They give out food and water too. Free WiFi
Rithy Mony - I just saw this bus while I'm killing time at the station. Don't have much idea.
c) Tuktuk - costs 2,000USD. KIDDING. haha! It's very impossible.
d) Boat - costs 35USD and may take 6hours or more travel. Not recommended to do this.
So there, you only have two better options: either bus or airplane. If you're rich enough and want convenience then head for the flight. If it's totally fine for you to sit for 6 to 7 straight hours, then go for bus.
How to purchase bus tickets to Phnom Penh?
Tell your guesthouse/hotel beforehand that you need tickets, they will gladly help you with it. Before when I stayed at Bou Savy, I just told the owner that I am leaving on this particular date and I prefer this certain bus company (Giant Ibis) It's easy. If ever you don't wanna reserve, you can try your luck by going to the bus station and directly purchase there (some instances that trips are fully booked so don't risk it). Take note of the departure times ok?
**For more info on schedules and ticket prices
www.catmekongexpress.com
www.giantibis.com
If the bus company doesn't have free pick up from my hotel going to the bus station, how to go there?
Just hail a tuktuk and say bus station. They already know it. If your hotel/guesthouse is near crossing of Sivutha Blvd and Road no. 6 (like Ta Som, Bou Savy and Sokha Angkor Hotel) you only need to pay 2.50USD. That's the cheapest you can get. Some may ask for 3USD, totaly fine.
What to expect with the 6 to 7 hrs ride to the main city?
Well, your butt will hurt? Lol. kidding aside, there's nothing to see outside so you better sleep and have a good rest. There are 3 major provinces that you'll pass by en route: Kompong Thom, Kompong Cham and Kandal. When the guide says that you're already at Kandal, rejoice! You're already near Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh: A small but beautiful city
Where to stay?
I'm so sorry for this part. I don't have any to suggest especially for budget travelers. Might as well check on Tripadvisor for guesthouses (usually should be near the RIVERSIDE). I stayed in a semi-expensive hotel in Phnom Penh last January (hotel 240) 50USD/night. I love their rooms so much. If you have budget, opt to stay here. www.240.asia
The most important question of all: Where to go, what to do?
I'll jot down here everything that I can remember, scroll down.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
There's an entrance fee for tourist. As far as I remember, around 2 to 5USD. Seriously, I won't go back
here. After touring inside, I felt so sad and heavy. Tuol Sleng is actually a school-turned-hell. A lot of
people were persecuted there during Khmer Rouge. I don't wanna go into details as to not spoil what
are needed to be seen.
Killing Fields
A bit far but a suggested place to go to when in Phnom Penh. It's basically a big field where alot of
people were killed during, again, Khmer Rouge
Royal Palace
This one is fronting the Riverside. Very beautiful at night. You can go here too in the morning and buy
some corns and seed to be fed to doves and whatever birds they are. One of my favorite spots.
Central Market: Phsar Thmei
The biggest indoor market in Phnom Penh. You can find alot of things inside from clothes, electronic etc.
You can find there also my most favorite streetfood SOURT. Just ask the people where it is. It's really
yummy and good. If you want some exotic food, you can find there also cricket and spider. I've tried
spider legs! I wanna vomit so bad (arachnophobic here, not exaggerating)
Russian Market
Buy here if you want souvenir clothes. Nothing special here.
Dreamland
Phnom Penh's amusement park fronting Naga World. The place is really not that crowded.
Not much rides and shows inside. If you have free time, enjoy your time here.
Sorya Mall
Largest mall in Cambodia. There you can find Lucky Supermarket (same with the one in Lucky Mall
in Siem Reap, my previous post) This mall is really crowded. When you enter, lots of stalls selling
jewelries. On the succeeding floors, lots of clothes shop and fast food outlets. This mall is very near
Central Market
Sovanna Mall
The exterior of this mall is similar to Sorya mall. When we arrived there I was like "Are we in Sorya??"
This mall is very packed during weekends. I like this mall better than Sorya. Oh, there's a KTV here too
at the uppermost floor, check it out :)
at the uppermost floor, check it out :)
Independence Monument
This monument looks beautiful at night. It's pillar, I have noticed, the same with Angkor Wat.
Wat Phnom
The biggest pagoda in Phnom Penh. Alot of people visit this place. 1USD entrance fee for tourists
Riverside
One of the best spots in the city. Feels good to walk here at night (plus the view of Royal Palace) perfect!
Where to eat?
Lucky Burger- same with the one in Siem Reap. If you want good burgers, go here.
Brown Coffee- Their very own Starbucks like cafe shop. Perfect place to chill out. I've tasted their cakes
it's good!
BBQ Chicken- They have a branch in Sorya Mall, Koh Pich and Phnom Penh Int' Airport. The best chicken that I ever tasted. You won't regret eating here. A bit pricey.
Master Sukisoup- Sukisoup (hotpot) is very popular in Cambodia. The nearest one you could go to is around Royal palace. Just say to the tuktuk and they know it for sure.
Pizza Company- Same with the one in Siem Reap. This one is located in front of Riverside (just beside the Royal palace) so if you are in for a stroll at night, might as well have your dinner here.
DQ- Yes, they have DQ too, and it's just right beside the Pizz Company. Perfect way to have your ice cream fix
Riverhouse- This one is actually a bar (small bar) located along Riverside (I tell you, most establishments are in there) food is good, music aint that bad.
Blue Pumpkin- Again, same with the one at Siem Reap. Located along Riverside too.
**I dont have that much places to eat suggestions for I just stayed there like 5 to 6 days (and usually I just stay at home at my partner's house Lol.) This February 2014 I will go back there again and maybe post alot more.
I will just update this post if I suddenly remember things. Feel free to comment for questions. Id be glad to help.
Master Sukisoup- Sukisoup (hotpot) is very popular in Cambodia. The nearest one you could go to is around Royal palace. Just say to the tuktuk and they know it for sure.
Pizza Company- Same with the one in Siem Reap. This one is located in front of Riverside (just beside the Royal palace) so if you are in for a stroll at night, might as well have your dinner here.
DQ- Yes, they have DQ too, and it's just right beside the Pizz Company. Perfect way to have your ice cream fix
Riverhouse- This one is actually a bar (small bar) located along Riverside (I tell you, most establishments are in there) food is good, music aint that bad.
Blue Pumpkin- Again, same with the one at Siem Reap. Located along Riverside too.
**I dont have that much places to eat suggestions for I just stayed there like 5 to 6 days (and usually I just stay at home at my partner's house Lol.) This February 2014 I will go back there again and maybe post alot more.
I will just update this post if I suddenly remember things. Feel free to comment for questions. Id be glad to help.
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