Phnom
Penh Travel Information
The Royal Palace
Unfortunately
the royal residence, set back from the riverfront, is closed to
visitors but is still visible from the outside and well worth seeing,
located as it is between the Silver Pagoda and National Museum.
Toul Tom Pong Market
Toul Tom Pong Market (or Russian Market) is probably the city's
best source of objects d'art. Items that are for sale include wooden
and stone carvings, various ritual objects, silverware, and old
Indochinese notes and coins. There is a large range of antiquities
and curios for those prepared to ferret around the various stalls
and there are also gold and silversmiths inside the market who can
be seen custom making jewellery. This market is a good source of
both Cambodian and Chinese Silk and Clothes. This is one of the
most popular markets in Phnompenh.
Silver
Pagoda
Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha) was rebuilt
in 1962 in concrete and marble. The pagoda is floored with over
5000 silver tiles each weighing 1 kilo. It is famous for its 90
kg solid gold Buddha and an emerald Buddha said to be made of baccarant
crystal. Sharing the pagoda are many other interesting artifacts
and jewels and was one of the few temples to remain intact during
the Khmer Rouge regime. When visiting, please remember that exposed
knees and shoulders are considered disrespectful.
Mekong Island
A full day trip to Mekong Island is an excellent way to sample the
daily lives and traditions of rural life in Cambodia. This ten hectare
island has been planned as an authentic showcase of the cultural,
zoological, and agricultural diversity and richness of Cambodia.
The tour price includes transport, excellent lunch and a captivating
show of traditional Cambodian dance. There are also elephant rides
available on very friendly Asian elephants.
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