How to Visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The capital city of Phnom Penh, in Cambodia has open up for tourism. With the architectural decidedly French, motorcycles careening through charming streets, the city remains a paradox of the past meeting the global world. With the country now stabilized, Phnom Penh is steadily being restored to former glories as the Cambodian economy recovers and while the prices remain competitive. Now is the time to venture to this undiscovered Asian diamond in the rough.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Visa
• Passport
• Tour Arrangements including air and accommodations
• Camera

First Things First

1. Visit the official Embassy of Cambodia´s website to obtain the latest information about travel to Phnom Penh. The informative site has useful information on planning your trip, including a vocabulary section, as Khmer can go a long way in making new friends in a foreign land. The wealth of information listed will guide you in planning your trip.

2. Apply for a Cambodian visa within 90 days of the dates of travel and pay the stated application fee. There are a few ways to do this. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing or you can apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 if you live nearby. The visa is valid for one month starting with the date of entry into Cambodia.

3. Choose the quickest method and apply for the tourist visa upon your arrival at Phnom Penh Airport. Obtain the Cambodian visa with a passport-sized photograph and a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the anticipated date of entry into Cambodia. Have you application filled out, passport photo in hand and the prevailing fee.

4. Make your booking to Phnom Penh as part of a package tour that includes hotel, food, tours and transfers. Some packages may include airfare from major US cities. A good excursion should include some free time to explore the sites and the city on your own. Fly to Phnom Penh but realize that it is not direct. You will have to fly to either Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia or Bangkok, Thailand and then change for another flight.

Importants Sites

5. Follow the restoration taking place of the many parks, buildings and graceful streets. The French colonial architect still line up along tree-lined boulevards that reflects a once elegant city. Things are changing fast, and Phnom Penh is becoming more of a developed capital like many other forgotten Asian war torn cities. Notice towering high-rises that are bringing the city into the 21st century.

6. Set you sights and feast your eyes upon the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda. These are two must sees in Phnom Penh. Built in 1866, the site contains various buildings of the once grandeur of the city. One in particular, the Villa of Napoleon III, It was actually built in Egypt as a gift during the opening of the Suez Canal, transported to Phnom Penh and presented to the Cambodian king as a gift. Constructed out of wood in 1866, the Silver Pagoda received its name in 1962, when the then king, had the floor inlaid with solid silver tiles.

7. Originally dating back to the 17th century, lies one of the most opulent pieces within the Silver Pagoda, the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is said to be constructed of Baccarat crystal, while other sources say it is encrusted with diamonds. When visiting, judge for your self which one it is.

8. Sit in a sidewalk cafe in this once known 'Paris of the East.' Watch the daily street life and imagine how it once was, is now and will become in the future. Remember, down the road the reflection of the city will be altered.

Tips & Warnings

• Visas will be provided free of charge for children aged under 14 years old if traveling with their parents.
• Stay at one of the many art deco style hotels that have gone thru restoration. The can range up to 5 stars, so check with the tour company for which hotels are being used.
• Americans traveling in Cambodia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site.
• Always obtain updated information on travel and security within Cambodia from the U.S. State Department’s web site.
• Travelers should note that Cambodia regularly imposes fines on charges of overstay on an expired visas.
• Although the infrastructure and economy are improving rapidly, there may be power outages and the beggars are everywhere in the city.
• Use a reputable tour company for travel arrangement. It is not suggested to travel on your own by the U.S. State Dept.

Resources

• Embassy of Cambodia
• On-Line Visa Processing
• Asian Historic Architecture