Phnom Penh Holidays

Legend has it that the city of Phnom Penh, the exotic 'Pearl of the Orient', was founded in 1372 by a local widow named Penh. It is said that she discovered four Buddha statues that had been washed up by the waters from the Mekong River and erected a temple on the hill to house them, believing that their arrival was a sign of great luck and prosperity to come. And so the city grew around this structure, becoming known as the Hill of Penh (Phnom Penh).

Phnom Penh boasts a number of Wats (temple-monasteries), museums and other places of interest for tourists, as well as sunset cruises on the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Rivers, and a bustling marketplace. The city is known for having a fun nightlife, with a proliferation of cheap and cheerful bars. The cafe culture and tasty Cambodian cuisine also ensure that foodies are well-catered for. There has been a recent boom in development, with new hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs springing up to cater for Cambodia's growing popularity with travellers, and the city is increasingly seen as a worthy travel destination in itself rather than just the most convenient entry point for a Cambodian holiday.

A day or two of traditional sightseeing is very worthwhile in this old and exotic city, but travel itineraries should also include some of the popular activities on offer: river cruises are a must; some people come from very far away to test out heavy weaponry at the famous shooting ranges, and cooking classes are a fond favourite with foodies wanting to learn a new skill. Phnom Penh also lends itself to leisurely hours spent soaking up the cafe culture on the banks of the river, watching the world go by.