Once overshadowed by its tumultuous history, today’s Phnom Penh presents a dynamic blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage, resulting in an enchanting stay for travellers.
The Cambodian capital has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade, evolving from a city notably marked by the scars of civil war into a vibrant metropolis celebrated for its burgeoning arts, culture and culinary scenes.
EXO’s product offerings have also evolved, with a host of new experiences showcasing the city’s history from a different angle and spotlighting the modern culture.
Complemented by a selection of boutique and luxury hotels, guests’ stay in Phnom Penh can be curated to fit their personal travel styles and interests.
‘The very first time I came to Cambodia, I was a child and I had the memory of a village rather than a capital city. And when I moved here 7 months ago, I was incredibly surprised by the evolution and modernisation of the city’, shares EXO Cambodia Product Manager, Sophie Chan.
With a growing number of international flights and easy domestic connections to Siem Reap and the beaches, a visit to Phnom Penh is easy to incorporate into any Cambodia holiday.
‘Phnom Penh is a very accessible capital, making it easy to explore and appreciate the different sides of the city’
Vibrant, modern metropolis
Phnom Penh is a city where the past and present coalesce, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate the soul.
Visitors can delve into the city’s complex history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields, gaining insights into its resilient spirit. Beyond its historical narrative, the capital boasts stunning architecture from the majestic Royal Palace and retro Central Market to modern skyscrapers and hip cafes.
After the sun goes down, travellers can discover another side of Phnom Penh: its vibrant nightlife. Rooftop bars, neighbourhood music pubs and a rapidly evolving local and international dining scene provide options to suit every palate.
‘Phnom Penh is a very accessible capital, making it easy to explore and appreciate the different sides of the city’, Sophie explains. ‘There is always something new going on and am happy to be able to develop new experiences very soon’.
Sample Phnom Penh experiences
Take a closer look at Cambodia’s turbulent past with a poignant visit to the Khmer Rouge’s most notorious sites. Hear stories of prisoners held at S-21 Prison and learn of tragedies that occurred at the Killing Fields.
See Phnom Penh from a local’s point of view. Take a walk through a quiet corner of the capital, stopping to admire unique modern buildings, neighbourhood markets and picturesque pagodas.
Ride around the city in a Cambodian tuktuk and visit a variety of nighttime venues, from classic (and classy) bars to vibrant local restaurants, sampling exotic cocktails and even more exotic cuisine, all of which feature and abundance of fresh and local ingredients.
Get up close with Cambodia’s exotic wildlife at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. See Asiatic and Black Bears as well as gibbons and elephants rescued from poachers. Meet with the passionate staff and learn about efforts to end wildlife trafficking in Cambodia.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh:
The Cambodian capital has an impressive, and growing, range of accommodation options with something to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few of EXO’s favourites:
3* hotel: Baitong Hotel & Resort is a sleek, urban resort in one of Phnom Penh’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
4* boutique hotel: iRoha Garden Resort brings the comfort and amenities of a large, international property into a boutique, 27-room haven
5* hotel (international): The Hyatt Regency delivers modern luxury in the heart of the capital.
5* hotel: Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the ultimate Cambodian property, blending heritage and tradition with modern facilities and exceptional Khmer hospitality
Getting there and away:
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) has regular non-stop flights to regional hubs including Bangkok, Vientiane, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as more distant neighbours, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Seoul and Shanghai.
An increasing number of long-haul flights are connecting to Phnom Penh including daily flights from Doha (via Singapore) and Dubai (via Singapore- no disembarkation required)
Phnom Penh is also a great domestic gateway with multiple flights per day to Siem Reap and regularly scheduled flights to Sihanoukville, on the country’s southern coast.
Finally, there is a memorable slow travel option. Luxury boats run multi-day cruises from Vietnam into Cambodia, travelling through the Mekong Delta and arriving to Phnom Penh by water.
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