I’m no authority in what places are the must-dos. But I can tell you which are the ones I went to. I’ll sprinkle in some basic information along the way and tell you about my experience. Your trip will be different than mine. But I thought I’d share what I saw.

I was hesitant to do solo travel before. But once I realised the benefits of venturing onto places by myself, I never looked back. Phnom Penh was one of my firsts.

And Phnom Penh, while the capital of Cambodia, is never the first choice. Siem Reap, and it being home to the Angkor Wat, generates the most interest from foreign tourists. But Phnom Penh is as important a destination, with its rich yet tragic history, and the glimpse I got into the everyday Cambodian life.

Here are five places I visited in Phnom Penh:

Silk Island / Koh Dach

Silk Island is located in Phnom Penh, situated in the middle of the Mekong River. The art and livelihood of traditional silk weaving can be observed by walking around and visiting the different houses and stores. And if you fancy a souvenir or the fabric, silk products are sold everywhere

I never knew how silk was made. So to understand its origin from the cocoon of silkworms to the tedious craft of making clothing was eye-opening. Even though I have zero taste and interest in fashion, I now have more appreciation for silk as a luxurious item and what makes it special.

Mekong River

The Mekong River runs across six countries – Cambodia, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. And the river plays a vital role in the welfare of people living along its banks, as well as the bigger ecosystem reliant on the resources it provides. And, I was fortunate enough to take a boat ride while the sun was setting.

A cruise is intended to be touristy. This one is no different. But the views I saw were less artificial and not as sanitised. I saw villages and houses where people live, temples and pagoda where the religious practice their spirituality, and livelihoods that continue to be made. All these are visible to my wandering eyes.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

There is a lot to be sorry about. First, approximately 1.7 million Cambodians died under the murderous regime of the Khmer Rouge. Second, that I wasn’t as informed of the violent history and the atrocities committed in my neighboring country.

Having said that, I’m grateful for having the site open to the public. I get to learn and be aware. And the countless who couldn’t speak are given a voice.

There were mass killings performed in the area where the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center stands today. If my research is any good, an estimated 20,000 killings took place here. There are collections of skulls available (in case a visceral image is required).

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

I’ve seen schools converted into relief sites. But this was my first exposure to one made into a prison and execution camp.

There isn’t much to see besides the empty spaces that were used to torture thousands of Cambodians. Of course, there are beds, handcuffs and barbed wires. But what fills the air is a sense of horror and tragedy that our late brothers and sisters experienced.

Wat Phnom Daun Penh

Wat Phnom Daun Penh is a Buddhist temple, surrounded by beautiful gardens, with a gorgeous view at the top of the hill. And for a taste of the country’s history, this is one destination to visit. It’s also conveniently located in the city capital.

But I must say, I thought the sweat wasn’t worth what my eyes experienced and what my mind learned. The excessive heat and humidity are things I do not enjoy. And that influenced my experience on that day. I would not mind coming back.

All photos were taken on November 2019.