🇰🇭 Phnom Penh One-Day City Walk Guide

🚶 Route: Phnom Penh Airport → Independence Monument → Wat Botum Park → Royal Palace → National Museum → Wat Ounalom Monastery → Wat Phnom → Night Market → Mekong River Cruise → Riverside Stalls Attractions & Recommendations: 1️⃣ Independence Monument (3🌟) – Free entry. Built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French rule in 1953. A proud national landmark with Khmer architectural style, surrounded by Independence Square. 2️⃣ Wat Botum Park (3🌟) – Free entry. A historic Theravada Buddhist temple park with a peaceful atmosphere. 3️⃣ Royal Palace (5🌟) – $10 entry. Built in the late 19th century (designed by French engineers) and expanded in the early 20th century. The king's residence and official venue for state events. Features golden roofs, Khmer-style architecture, and over 20 palaces, including the Silver Pagoda (floor covered with 4,700 silver tiles) and an emerald Buddha statue. 4️⃣ National Museum (5🌟) – $10 entry. A traditional Khmer-style building housing ancient artifacts, including bronze statues and relics from pre-Angkor, Angkor, and post-Angkor eras. 5️⃣ Wat Ounalom Monastery (4🌟) – Free entry. Phnom Penh’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple, home to important palm-leaf manuscripts and a strong religious ambiance. 6️⃣ Wat Phnom (4🌟) – Free entry. A landmark temple offering panoramic city views, blending history and modernity. 7️⃣ Mekong River Cruise (5🌟) – $5 (includes a drink). Best taken at 6 PM for sunset, blue hour, and night views (duration: ~1 hour). ⚠️ Important Tips: Stay alert when crossing streets—watch for motorbike snatchers, especially at intersections. Tipping is not mandatory (Cambodia isn’t a tipping culture). Beware of tuk-tuk scams—some drivers may falsely claim attractions are closed to push their own tours. Always check Google Maps for real-time info! (Personal experience: A driver told me the Royal Palace was closed—it wasn’t!). Negotiate tuk-tuk fares—compare with Grab prices and firmly decline if not interested. #Cambodia #SoutheastAsiaTravel #PhnomPenh #MekongRiver #TravelTheWorld