Phnom Penh's era of modern development and planning took place after independence in 1953, with the addition of three lined avenues, gardens with fountains and several distinctive monuments reflecting the city's new found sense of freedom. Modern day Phnom Penh is a bustling city and one can see scaffolding rising all over as demand for new housing and office space keeps growing. It therefore comes as no surprise to discover that Phnom Penh is a charming mix of ancient monuments and modern landmarks. It is interesting to note that only about 10 percent (1 million) of Cambodian live in this city.

There are many attraction places in this City:

Royal Palace:
Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to His Majesty preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk is the King of Cambodia. And Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk is the Queen. The Palace is actually a number of structure within a pagoda-style compound. An awe-inspiring sight, the throne room, or the main building has a tiered roof topped by a 59m tower.

Silver Pagoda:
Located within the Roval Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.

National Museum:
It houses of Khmer art, especially sculptures, from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins. On display inside are more than 5,000 works of art.

Wat Phnom:
Wat Phnom Temple is a symbol of the Phnom Penh Capital which was built in 1434 to house the sacredrelics. Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and center of many forms of leisure activities.

Independence Monument:
It commemorates the end of Cambodia's rule by France in 1953. The Naga (total 100) or snake motif is one which can be seen in historic, cultural and modern day business contexts, as a symbol of the country. It's also used to commemorate to the soul of fallen combatants who laid down their lives for freedom of the country.

Market:
A shopping spree starts at the markets. Phnom Penh has many of them. The huge yellow domed Central Market (Phsar Thmey) is the place to pick up gold and silver jewellery.
Phsar Tuol Tom Pong, Olympic Market offer antique collectors of genuine articles. Shopping bargains can be found in intricate stone and woodcarvings, Cambodia hand woven silk, and their silversmith expertise dates from the 11th century Visitors should remember to be relaxed when bargaining, and to enjoy themselves. If they are not frustrated when they are not understood very well they will come away with a cheap and interesting souvenir.

SURROUNDING PHNOM PENH

Ta Prohm Tonle Bati
13th century temple dedicated to Brahmanism and Buddhism, built by King Jayavarman Vll. Located in Bati district, Takeo Province, 35 km south of Phnom Pinh. One can reach it by road No. 2.

Neang Khmau
Built of bricks and sand-stones in the 6th century located in Takeo province 58 km south of Phnom Penh. It can reach by road No.2.

Phnom Chiso or Surya Parvata
11th century mountain temple, built of laterite, brick and sandstone. The mountain is about 100 meters high with two-stoned stairs. One can reach the top by the western stair of 206 steps and it lasts only 30 minutes. Whereas the northern one of 434 steps lasts about an hour. It can be reached by road no.2.

Phnom Oudong
Situated in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, 45 km north of Phnom Penh. One can reach it by road No. 5 Phnom Oudong which is also called Phnom Preah Reach Trap, Phnom Atharreus and Phnom Preah Chetareus. It is a mountain which is rich in cultural patrimonies. It used to be a former capital city in 1618 - 1866.