Phnom Penh travel guide

After more than three decades recovering from Pol Pot’s murderous regime, Phnom Penh's makeover is on in earnest. Streets are buzzing, cranes are hard at work. A city almost entirely evacuated by Khmer Rouge decree in 1975 is a bulging centre of hope and opportunity again. Phnom Penh is emerging from the ashes. It couldn’t be expected to be an easy journey. And it isn’t.

Photo: Mark BowyerNational Museum, Phnom Penh

But this is one of Asia's most compelling cities with plenty of things to do, a wonderful mix of Khmer and French colonial architecture and a new atmosphere as bars and restaurants open up along the picturesque riverfront. And Phnom Penh still sports two other especially enticing ingredients - a profound story and a sense of exotica.

There are plenty of reality checks. This is after all the capital of one of Asia's poorest countries. Beggars, touts and seediness are all part of the city's fabric. But as more people choose to visit this city for the right reasons, they make their own contribution to its positive development.

The Royal Palace is a great place to start a journey into the life of one of the twentieth century's most intriguing characters - Norodom Sihanouk. 

Nearby, the National Museum houses the world's finest collection of Angkorian sculpture in what is, despite its modesty, one of Asia’s most delightful museum complexes.

The genocide museum at Tuol Sleng is a harrowing experience not least because in addition to showcasing the horrors that took place in this school turned concentration camp, it tries to humanise both the victims and the perpetrators of the Khmer Rouge's barbaric project.

Photo: Mark BowyerStreet food, Phnom Penh

But a visit to Phnom Penh is not all about solemnity. It's also about recovery and revival.

Take time to walk the streets, visit some of city's beautiful wats and get to know the locals.

Shopping eating and drinking are also part of the Phnom Penh experience in 2011.

And this city is home to some of Asia's most tasteful, well priced and well loved boutique hotels and guest houses.

Don't overlook Phnom Penh during your visit to Cambodia.