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Phnom Penh: The City of Four Faces

Discover Phnom Penh, the 'City of Four Faces': Where Khmer history, colonial charm, and modern vibrancy converge at four mighty rivers.

Phnom Penh, originally named "The City of Four Faces," stands at the confluence of the Tonle Sap, Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Bati rivers. This historical landmark encapsulates Cambodia's rich heritage and resilience, blending ancient Khmer history with French colonial charm and modern vibrancy.

A brief summary to ក្រុងចតុមុខមង្គល សកលកម្ពុជាធិបតី សិរីធរ បវរឥន្ទបត្តបុរីរដ្ឋរាជសីមា មហានគរ

  • HW4H+G7W, Phnom Penh, Khan Chamkar Mon, KH

Local tips

  • Bargain with tuk-tuk drivers before starting your journey to ensure a fair price.
  • Consider using ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp for transparent pricing and convenient booking.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated, as Phnom Penh can be very hot and humid.
  • Be aware of your belongings and surroundings to avoid petty theft.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a popular and readily available mode of transport in Phnom Penh. They can be found near major tourist areas, hotels, and along the riverfront. For short trips within the city, expect to pay around $1-$5 (4,000-20,000 Riel). Agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp to book a tuk-tuk and see the fare upfront.

  • Moto (Motorcycle Taxi)

    Motos are a fast and common way to get around Phnom Penh. You can find them throughout the city. A typical moto ride within the city costs $1-$3 (4,000-12,000 Riel). Prices may increase at night or for multiple passengers. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Phnom Penh, especially near major hotels and along Sisowath Quay. You can also book them through ride-hailing apps or by phone. Short trips around town typically start at $4-$5. Some taxis use meters, while others require you to agree on the fare in advance. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.

  • Bus

    The city bus system offers an affordable way to get around Phnom Penh. The flat fare is 1,500 Riel (approximately $0.40 USD) per adult. Buses operate from 5:30 to 20:30 and cover major city areas. The 'Stops Near Me' app can help you navigate routes and find bus stops.

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Discover more about ក្រុងចតុមុខមង្គល សកលកម្ពុជាធិបតី សិរីធរ បវរឥន្ទបត្តបុរីរដ្ឋរាជសីមា មហានគរ

Phnom Penh, known in its full, original form as "ក្រុងចតុមុខមង្គល សកលកម្ពុជាធិបតី សិរីធរ បវរឥន្ទបត្តបុរីរដ្ឋរាជសីមា មហានគរ" (Krong Chaktomuk Mongkol Sakal Kampucheathiptei Serei Thor Bavor Indapatta Boreyrath Reacheaseima Mohanakor), translates to 'The City of Four Faces, the prosperous and glorious land of Cambodia, the supreme abode of Indra, the royal city, the great metropolis'. This elaborate name reflects the city's unique geographical location and historical significance. According to legend, Phnom Penh's story began in the late 14th century when a woman named Penh discovered Buddha statues in a tree on a small hill, now known as Wat Phnom. King Ponhea Yat officially established Phnom Penh as the capital in 1431, moving it from Angkor. The city served as the capital until 1497 and was later reinstated in 1866. Under French colonial rule, Phnom Penh underwent significant modernization, with boulevards, public buildings, and infrastructure that still define the city today. The city became a hub of commerce and culture, attracting people from around the world. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) brought a dark chapter, forcibly evacuating the city and subjecting its inhabitants to atrocities. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek serve as grim reminders of this period. Despite its tragic past, Phnom Penh has shown remarkable resilience and continues to develop. Today, it offers a mix of ancient temples, colonial architecture, and modern developments, providing something for every traveler.

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