Phnom Penh
Here are some of the major landmarks in Phnom Penh city, where one of our CELTA training centres is located. For information about the course arrangement and fees, please click here. For information about accomodation, please click here.
Phnom Penh is divided up into districts, each having their own unique personality and offerings. The Boeung Keng Kang (BKK) area is divided up into 1, 2 and 3 and houses the BKK market. BKK 1 is known to be an area where many expats live and many private schools are located. BKK 2 and 3 also have activity but tend to be more local neighbourhoods. The Tuol Tom Poung (TTP) or Russian Market area is the up and coming, lively part of town having both expat and local residents and is filled with unique restaurants, bars and other hang out spots. Russian market sits in the middle of the district where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables and shop for clothes and souvenirs. The Central Market or Phsar Thmei is home to another large market specializing in clothing, fabrics and other material goods. Additional areas worth mentioning are Tuol Kork which is developing but more the suburbs of the city, riverfront which is the bustle waterfront area, Orressey, Tonle Bassac, Olympic stadium and Koh Pich areas.
History and Temples: When spending time in Phnom Penh there are some main tourist attractions highlighting the culture and history of the country. Those include the Royal Palace, National Museum of Cambodia, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields. There are also plenty of temples to walk through and meditate at including Wat Phnom, Wat Langka and Wat Ounalom.
Short trips: Phnom Penh is placed in a prime location making it assessable for short day or weekend trips. There are a range of day and overnight trips you can take during your stay in Phnom Penh. Silk Island is a great day trip to get out of the bustling city and into nature and have an opportunity to learn about silk weaving and other trades. Oudong is another beautiful day trip and nice hike and see some nature while working up a sweat. Another more relaxing option is to take a river cruise, spend a couple hours in the day time or during the sunset to enjoy the serenity of the river. You can either go on a commercial boat or get a group together and rent a boat all for yourself (depending on the size of the group it can be just $4-$5 per person). Some short overnight trips include Kirirom National Park where you can spend the night camping at a resort on the top of the mountains. Another option is an overnight trip to Kep and Kampot which is on the southern coast of Cambodia giving one the Cambodian beach experience and plenty of fresh seafood to eat.
Things to do in Phnom Penh
Great Restaurants and Rooftop Bars: Phnom Penh is filled with great restaurant options. From authentic Khmer food and other Asian food to western food, you can find what you are craving easily in the city whether you want to sit down or have it delivered to your doorstep. The city also has a fun nightlife scene with something for everyone, from chill lounges to crowded clubs. In recently years, there have been more rooftop bars opening providing some glitz and glam to the city. No matter what district you are in you can find a unique rooftop view to experience, many of which are connected to hotels. Some popular spots include, Eclipse Sky Bar, Le Moon Rooftop Lounge, DEVA, VEHAA, Sundown Social Club and Lumiere.
Events: The city has plenty of events that can be found online or through Facebook. They include traditional Khmer dance shows and music performances at Cambodia Living Arts and Chaktomuk theatre as well as more modern shows and art exhibits at Institute de Francis du Cambodge, The Plantation Urban Resort and Java Café and Gallery.
Shopping: Phnom Penh can pride itself on its diverse range of shopping outlets. From traditional street markets to large and western-style malls like AEON, the city offers a lot. Modern but more a more local options are TK Avenue and a more high-end experience can be found at Exchange square or Vattanac Tower where many foreign brands are making their entrance into the Cambodian market.
Learn more about CELTA course's fees and dates, please click here.