Tour of Cambodia 2011
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia. I visited Cambodia in 2011. The city has a population of 2 million people within the city and surrounding country side. The population of Cambodia totals over 14 million. Phnom Penh is the political, economical, and cultural center of Cambodia.
From Australia our tour of Cambodia 2011 commenced in Phnom Penh. We arrived on October 3rd 2011 late in the afternoon. It was cloudy with a shower as our plane landed at the airport. This is no surprise as it is still the monsoon season. The forecast is for showers every afternoon, so we came prepared. The weather was very warm and humid, even at that hour of the day.
Royal Pavilion on waterfront. Gilded spires highlight the skyline and catch the eye.
The city sights of Phnom Penh portray the extremes, with poverty and affluence side by side. Golden spires of the Royal Palace and Buddhist temples catch the eye. Traffic whizzing by, a chaotic mix of motorcycles, tuk tuks and modern cars. New buildings and high rise contrast with colorful street markets.
Phnom Pehn Street Scene. Tuk Tuks are a popular form of transport around the city for locals and tourists and are inexpensive. Cambodia 2011
Soaring spires of ancient Stupas highlight the skyline. Cambodia 2011 shows an expanding and exciting city. The city sights of Phnom Penh are captivating with the old world charm of the French colonial days, new modern high rise architecture, blending with the cultural exoticism of Cambodia and its people.
At the airport we were met by our local guide, Viseth. He would be with us for the fourteen day in Cambodia on our small group tour with Wendy Wu Tours. This would prove to be one of the most enjoyable tours I have ever been on. Our guide Viseth, introduced us to Loeung who would be our coach driver for the next two weeks. We were driven by coach, a very large comfortable air conditioned coach, to our hotel. Our hotel was very comfortable with all modern amenities (ensuite,TV, tea, coffee etc. internet, wi fi). Before coming away I bought a Touch Pad, so took it with me hoping wi fi would be available. Yes! everywhere we stayed I was able to hook in to free wi fi, send emails home and keep up my blog, it was great!
Phnom Penh city, restaurants, boutiques and bars line the street along Sisowath Quay.
No sightseeing today, but an hour or so to spare and freshen up for dining out, and the opportunity to meet our fellow travelers on this tour. Our guide took us to a restaurant called the Buddha Tree. We had our first taste of Cambodian food at this restaurant providing an all vegetarian menu. Some very different tastes for the palate that many of us hadn’t experienced before. We look forward to more!!
Street-Market-in side street near-Royal-Palace. Phnom Penh. Cambodia 2011
Local Customs and Dress Code Cambodia 2011
In Cambodia as in most Asian countries it is expected that you dress conservatively in accordance with local customs. Custom dictates that women wear tops which cover shoulders, skirts or slacks that reach below the knee. For men full length cotton trousers are preferable, while shorts that cover the knees are acceptable.
It is always important not to give offense by the manner of your dress or actions, in countries you are traveling through which have different customs and culture.
You may also have to remove your shoes when entering special pavilions or temples, such as the Throne Hall and Silver Pavilion within the Royal Palace Complex in Phnom Penh.
No photos are allowed inside the Throne hall or the Silver Pavilion.
About Lyn
That’s probably one of the usual thing that I hear about countries from Asia, is that they can really get humid. Although I think that it is still worth, with all the views and wonders that they can offer. Thank you for sharing your pictures!
Hi Tim, The Asian countries have so much to offer in so many different ways,history,architecture,the people,music and dance.The weather is insignificant in the scheme of things.Thanks for your comments. Lyn
Hi .. This is great post.. you have shared nice information about Phnom-Penh City in Cambodia..Thanks for sharing great experience….!
So glad you enjoyed my post.
I love these Asian countries for their characteristic appearance. Stuffy road, street markets and a large number of two wheelers, these might not appear cool to some but if you have a traveler’s attitude sure they do. The people don’t have much resources and still they enjoy their indigent life.
Traveling through Asia has been a real eye opener for me and a wonderful experience.
Yes, I think that is the main attraction,that their way of life is still so different to our own, and usually so much simpler, and they are content.
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