Volunteer in Phnom Penh- Cambodia

A mixture of Cambodian hospitality, Asian exotica and Indochinese charm await the visitor to Phnom Penh. Situated at the confluence of three great rivers – known as the Chakmotuk or Quatre Bras of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Basaac Rivers. Phnom Penh is a city of more than 2 million people , the capital of Cambodia and the country’s commercial , political and economic hub. 
 

Cambodia has also emerged as a comparatively new travel destination for people from around the world. An adventure destination just a decade ago, the city is now a center of diverse economic and urban development and is quickly morphing an air of edgy chic with bistros, smart little silk boutiques and galleries dotting the side streets. 

The capital city is the main gateway to Cambodia.. the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap city in the west , the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns on along the southern coast , the minority people , the jungles and wildlife of the northeast provinces and a wide open , unspoiled countryside of rice paddies , little villages and lost temples across the country. 

 

The volunteers can go to visit the major points of interest in Phnom Penh or the nearby surrounding areas of the town. 

 

Wat Phnom: A small hill crowned by an active wat (pagoda), which marks the legendry founding place of Phnom Penh. The hill is the site of constant activity, with a steady stream of the faithful trekking to the vihear, shrines and fortune tellers on top and a constellation of vendors, visitors and motodops at the bottom. Elephant rides are available.

Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Blvd. – Entrance fee US$1 per person.

 

Independence Monument:  The Independence Monument (Vimean Ekareach) was inaugurated in November 9, 1962 to celebrate Cambodian’s independence from the foreign rule. It is the site of colourful celebrations and services on public holidays such as Independence Day and Constitutional Day. 

Norodom Blvd. and Sihanouk Blvd. 

 

National Museum: The distinctive rust-red National Museum next to the Royal Palace. Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues, lingas and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King.’ Though the emphasis is on Angkorian artifacts, there is also a good collection of pieces from later periods, including a special exhibition of post-Angkorian Buddha figures. 

 

River Cruise: Short river cruises and dinner cruises along the Phnom Penh riverfront are  popular and a nice trip. A short cruise typically takes about 1-2 hours and runs up the Tonle Sap River along the central riverfront area, providing a picturesque view of the Royal Palace, National Museum, parks and Phnom Penh skyline, and then across the Tonle Sap and up the Mekong River to view floating fishing villages. 

 

Royal Palace and the ‘Silver Pagoda’: The Palace buildings and Silver Pagoda are located within the same walled grounds on Sothearos Boulevard just off the riverfront. Making the approach, the high yellow wall and spired Chanchhaya Pavilion are the most prominent features from the street. Guided tours are recommended. 

 

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum : in 1975 Toul Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as S-21. This soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. Between the years 1975 and 1978 more than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camps. S-21 has been turned into Toul Sleng Museum which serves as a testament to the crimes of the Khmer Rouge.

 

Pagodas: In Phnom Penh, you are never outside walking distance of a pagoda (wat). Visitors are always welcome. 

 

Traditional Markets (Phsar): If you visit only one or two markets, begin with the Russian Market and the Central Market. Both offer curios, souvenirs and a cultural

 

Phnom Penh is a fairly easy city to get around. Though traffic is getting more congested by the day, you can still travel the length of the city in less than 30 minutes and travel between most popular tourist destinations in less than 10 minutes. 

 

Motorcycle Taxi (motodob): Motodobs can be found virtually everywhere in town, just step to the curb and they will find you. 

 

Tuk-Tuks: Motorcycle trailers have become quite popular. They are more comfortable than motodobs and are covered, offering some protection from the sun and the rain. 

 

Public Taxis and Car Rental: Phnom Penh does not have regular metered taxis.

 

Cyclos: The humble bicycle rickshaw known locally as the “cyclo” can be a romantic and even practical form of transportation, especially if time is not a factor. Cyclos are easier on the nerves than motodobs. A cyclo ride costs about the same as a motor (1500 Riels – 4000 Riels for a trip in town). 

 

Motorcycle Rental: Motorcycle (100cc-250cc) can be rented for US$5-US$9 per day. For in-city driving, 100cc is recommended. Chaotic traffic makes driving in the city challenging in the extreme. Roads outside the city vary in condition. If you decide to ride, drive slowly, stay right and wear a helmet.