AROUND IN PHNOM PENH by Taxi or Tuk Tuk

Duration	Where to Visit	Tuk Tuk	Taxi
An Half Day 8:00-12:00 or 13:00-17:00	- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) Killing Field	$15	$15
A Full Day  8:00 - 16:00	- Wat Phnom - National Museum - Royal Palace   Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) & Killing Field	$25	$45
An Half Day	- Udong Hill (Old Capital)	$29	$60
An Half Day	- Mekong Island (Silk Island)	$29	$49
An Half Day	- Tonle Bati resort & Ta Prohm temple	$29	$45
Round Trip	- Phnom Tamao Zoo	$35	$60
Round Trip	- Chisor Mountain temple	$41	$70
Round Trip	- Shooting Range	$15	$25

 
The Independence Monument

                              The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, was built in 1958. It stands on the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city. It is in the form of a lotus-shaped stupa, of the style seen at the great Khmer temple at Angkor Wat and other Khmer historical sites. The Independence Monument was designed by the influential Cambodian modern architect Vann Molyvann.

During national celebrations, The Independence Monument is the center of activity. A ceremonial flame on the interior pedestal is often lit by a royal or high official on these occasions, and floral tributes line the stairs. Every year, The Independence Monument is visited by foreigners and locals alike

Cambodia's Royal Palace

Cambodia's Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom (1834-1904) in 1886, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Most buildings were completed before World War I, with involvement by French administrators and Thai designers and architects. French influence can be seen in the formal gardens which enhance the palace, and there are some European-style buildings on the grounds.

The building shown in this photo is the Throne Hall, which was originally built in wood. The present structure dates from 1919. Imitating the face towers at Angkor, four faces overlook the complex from the main spire high above the roof (closeup), whose eaves are braced by flying celestials.

Silver Pagoda
Silver Pagoda (or the temple of the Emerald Buddha), formerly a wooden building, 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 made in 1907 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. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee US$ 3 per person. Camera fee US$2. Video fee US$ 5. Photography is allowed in the outside exhibition areas only. Please remember that exposed knees and shoulders are considered disrespectful.
                                                  
WAT PHNOM  

According to legend, grandma Penh or Daun Penh was wealthy widow, which settled on a high land at the west bank of Chrap Chheam River ( Tonle Sap river). At a vast flood season, there were many Koki trees floating to stuck at Daun Penh high land and in the hole of big Koki, there were four bronze and one stone Buddha statues. In 1372 Daun Penh ordered people to pile up earthe at the northeast her house and used Koki trunks to build up on that hill for keeping five Buddha statues, then maned the temple Wat Phnom Daun Penh (Wat Phnom).



Wat Phnom

TUOL SLENG MUSEUM 

In 1975 Toul Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security force and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). This soon became the largest center of detention and torture in the country. Between 1975-1978 more than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the killing field of Cheung Ek.





Tuol Slang Genocide Museum



THE KILLING FIELD
Between 1978-1979 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants who had been detained and tortured at S-21 were transported to the extermination camp of Cheung Ek. The Killing Field where large numbers of people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge Regime.





Killing Field

MEKONG ISLAND

Koh Dac is the famous island of Mekong River. On Koh Dach, visitor can visit silk weaving village and watch woven on old looms. This island is also famous for its handcraft production, pottery, craftwork, woodcarving, painting, and jewelry cutting.



Mekong Island (Koh Dach )





UDONG HILL
Udong is former capital of Cambodia under several sovereigns between 1618-1866 and a number of kings, including King Norodom, were crowned here. Oudong is not leading attraction, but for those with the time it's worth the visit.





Udong Hill (Old Capital)





KIEN SVAY RESORT

Kien Svay is a very popular picnic area on a small tributary of the Mekong. Hundred of bamboo huts have been built over the water and Khmers love to come here on the weekend and sit around gossiping and munching.



Kien Svay Resort



TA PROHM TEMPLE 

Tonle Batie is the collective name for a pair of old Angkorian era.

The laterite temple of Ta Prohm was built by king Jayavarman VII (1181-1219) on the site of an ancient 6th century Khmer shrine. Today the ruined temple is surrounded by colorful flowers and plant, affording some great photo opportunities.



Ta Prohm Temple

PHNOM TAMAO ZOO

The Phnom Tamao area is a popular destination for weekend holidayers from Phnom Penh, offering picnicking, a zoo and some minor Angkorian-era ruins. The Ta Khmau Zoological Gardens is Cambodia’s newest and best zoo displaying a variety of animals including lions, tigers, bears, birds and more. An 11th century, Suryavarman I temple ruin in very poor condition (Prasat Tamao) sits at the top of Phnom Tamao.

CHISOR MOUNTAIN TEMPLE 
The 11th century Brahma templ was built under the King Suryavarman I and  constructed of laterite and brick with carved lintels of  sandstone, the complex is surrounded by the partially ruined walls of a 2.5m-wide gallery with windows. Inscription found here date from the 11th century, when this site was known as Suryakiri. The is a spectacular view of the temples and plains from the roofless gallery opposite the main temple is a modern Buddhist Vihara that is used by resident monks. Chisor via National road Nº 2 and Samroung districk, Takeo.





Chisor Temple



PHNOM DA TEMPLE

Angkor Borei has been continuously inhabited for at least 2500 years and has yielded artifacts dating from the Neolithic period, the Funan period (4th/5th century AD) and Chenla (8th century AD) as well as the later Angkorian period (9th-15th century AD). There are no significant temple ruins at Angkor Borei but there is a very interesting little museum displaying artifacts from the area and providing information on recent archaeological digs.





About 20km from Angkor Borei is the hill of Phnom Da, crowned by an impressive 11th century Angkorian era brick and sandstone Prasat (tower) displaying some carvings in good condition. This structure was probably an upgrade of an previously existing 7th or 8th century structure. The temple was constructed under King Rudravarman and dedicated to Shiva



Phnom Da Temple





KIRIROM NATION PARK

The hill station of Kirirom, set amid lush forest and pine groves, has been established national park. There are several small waterfall in the park, which are popular picnic spot for Khmer and a number of basic walking trial.





Kirirom National Park

SHOPPING
 For Cambodian souvenirs, art, silks, handicrafts and curios, both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer an ever growing range and variety of shopping opportunities and products. Traditional Cambodian souvenirs include fine hand-loomed silks, Angkorian and Buddhist themed carvings and statuary, hand-pounded silverwork, colored gems, traditional handicrafts, Cambodian basketry and of course, the most traditional of all Cambodian souvenirs, the krama - a checkered scarf unique to the Khmer people and tourists in Cambodia. The traditional markets, especially Phsar Toul Thom Pong (Russian Market) and Phsar Thmey (Central Market) both offer excellent selections of traditional souvenirs as well as a unique local shopping experience. But there is much more to the Phnom Penh shopping scene these days. Fine boutiques and art galleries offer unique, sophisticated selections of high-quality contemporary Asian art, custom tailored EuroAsian fashions in Khmer silk, home decor and, of particular interest, the artistic works of a new generation of Cambodian artists, coming to the fore after decades of near silence. Several boutiques are Lucky, Pailin Souvenir Shop and others.

APSARA DANCING
This Apsara dance dates back to the 12th century. In the late 20th century Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge almost succeeded in wiping it out for ever. But it survives! Set up 10 years ago, the Apsara Arts Association is located in Thmey district -- west of Phnom Penh. The 130 students at the school range in age from four to 23. A significant number are orphans. The school provides accommodation for them. They practise dance in the morning and study in the afternoon. The photo reportage was carried out in November 2006.

 SHOOTING RANGE

Shooting Range is funny and popular place for tourist about 15Km from Phnom Penh.

There are all kind of guns as shot gun, AK47, M16, M30, M60, Revolvers, Grenade, Machine Gun and Rocket Launcher etc...

M30

Machine Gun

Rocket Launcher

Rocket Launcher

Shooting Club

Shooting Club



All kind of guns



AK47



Tommy Gun

M16

 

CRUISE BOAT

Tonle Sap is large body water or meaning"Large Fresh Water River". It's a part of your vacation to spend a while to take photograph at  floating house and see beautiful sunset beyond Tonle Sap Lake. Mekong is one of the world's major river and which confluence of four rivers in front of Phnom Penh royal palace. 

Sightseeing:

Sunset

Float and Fishing villages

Rice field

Koh Dach (Mekonhg Island)