Independence Monument

This tall building is a symbol of Cambodia's freedom from France, gained in 1953. This Angkorian-style tower is mostly used as a landmark now, but the parks surrounding it are popular for picnics.

• Address:

  Intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard, Phnom Penh

National Museum of Cambodia

This red-stoned traditional royal Khmer building from the 1920s offers a glimpse of the Khmer Empire’s rich heritage. With artefacts dating back to pre-Angkorian times, the museum’s pieces are some of the only remaining historical items that survived the Khmer Rouge.

• Address:

  Preah Ang Eng Street 13, Phnom Penh

• Phone:

  +855 23 217 643

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–5pm

• More info:

  Entrance at the corner of Street 13 and Street 178

Phnom Chisor Temple

About one hour's drive from the city, you can visit the ruins of the Phnom Chisor Temple, a temple from the Angkorian era. From the hill where it is located, you will have great views over the countryside, but keep in mind that it can be very hot to climb all the way up during midday.

• Address:

  Phnom Chisor, Stairway of Chiso Mountain from the East, Takeo Province, Cambodia

• Phone:

  +855 69 568 375

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7:30am–5pm

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

This is the biggest zoo in Cambodia, and here you can see many different animals from the local fauna. The Wildlife Rescue Center saves animals that have been trapped or injured, to set them free again after rehabilitation. If you book a tour, you will get the chance to see the staff's heroic work and to meet some of the animals.

• Web:

  www.wildlifealliance.org

• E-mail:

  wildlifetourspt@wildlifealliance.org

• Address:

  National Road No. 2, Takeo, Takev, Cambodia

• Phone:

  +855 95 970 175

• More info:

  About 45 kilometres southwest of the city

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Immerse yourself in beautifully manicured gardens, delightful royal abodes, and the serene calm of this classic Khmer palace. The throne, used for coronation and important ceremonies, sits in a finely decorated room. At its side stands a small delightful ornate maisonette offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom. Walk across to the Silver Pagoda and observe the golden Buddha, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest one weighing 25 carats. Please remember to dress a bit formally when visiting the Silver Pagoda—wear long trousers or a long skirt.

• Address:

  Samdach Sotheros Boulevard 3, Phnom Penh

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–10am / 2:30pm–4:30pm

• More info:

  Entrance at the gate on Sothearos Boulevard, about 100 metres north of Street 240

The Killing Fields & Choeung Ek Memorial

This field reminds its visitors of a time of brutal executions and torture. More than 17,000 people were killed here during the Khmer Rouge regime, and today, there are mass graves and a memorial stupa (a Buddhist reliquary) with thousands of human bones. An audio tour tells the heart-braking history.

• Web:

  www.cambodianmuseum.org

• Address:

  Roluos Village, Sangkat Cheung Aek, Phnom Penh

• Phone:

  +855 93 388 988

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7:30am–5:30pm

• More info:

  15km southwest of the city