Exploring Phnom Penh - Part 1

Getting into Cambodia has never been easier. With all the major cities doing visa on arrival, you don't have the hassle of doing it online or trying to find an Embassy. It cost 30$ for a single entry and allows you to stay for 30 days. I flew into Phnom Penh and within 5 minutes of disembarking I had my 30 day visa. The hotel I booked with Number 9 Hotel organised a taxi to collect me and drop me at the hotel, all for 12$. This comfy small hotel is near the waterfront, has a small swimming pool and in walking distance to most things in this city. Phnom Penh is situated on the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, making it a vibrant waterfront city.

In Cambodia the cash points give out US dollars to tourists, unfortunately they give out 100$ bills, which becomes a problem as a lot of things on the street are sold for a dollar. Like this gentleman selling his fresh coconut drinks.

On my first morning I decided to explore the city on foot, like an Asian city the traffic was hectic and there were no shortage of tuk-tuks ready to take you wherever you wanted to go. Before hopping in a tuk -tuk make sure you negotiate the price, so there are no unwanted surprises at the end of the ride.

I walked down to the waterfront area, with the help of a map, to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The Royal Palace is a complex of buildings built in the 1860's and has been residence to Cambodia's kings until today, except for the time during the Khmer Rouge in the seventies. The Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo or the emerald temple are in this compound as well. But be sure to go early as they close for lunch at 11 am.

Next door is the National Museum, Cambodia's largest historical and archaeological museum. It might not be everyone's idea of fun but it does have a beautiful peaceful garden inside.

From here grab a tuk-tuk to the Russian market. It's a huge market that takes about 2 -3 hours to wonder around, and sell everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes, tools, house hold appliances and touristy stuff. There are lots of bars, restaurants and food stalls around here, so a good time to grab something to eat.

In the evening take a walk along the river front, also known as Sisowath quay. The quay comes alive as the people of Phnom Penh come down to the water front at sunset. There are people selling all sorts of food, fortune tellers and you can even get yourself weighed.

There are even guys selling caged birds for a $1 a bird. The idea is you release it and as the bird flies away so will all bad energy and luck disappear with it.