1.27.2026 – 1.30.2026 || Phnom Penh|| Cambodia
Phnom Penh is part two of a two city tour in Cambodia designed by Adventurously Yours.
After a short flight from Siem Reap, we arrived in Phnom Penh, the largest city in Cambodia, bustling with life and rich in culture. We checked into the Palace Gate Hotel and promptly set out for a food tasting experience around the city.
As someone who usually avoids food tours when traveling due to my vegetarian diet that includes some fish, I was initially hesitant; however, this experience truly exceeded my expectations! The guides were incredibly accommodating, taking care to ensure our dietary preferences were met while providing insightful commentary about the local cuisine and culture. They also made sure we had cold beer throughout each stop, enhancing our enjoyment of the experience. We enjoyed a fish soup that was rich in flavor, a fragrant dosa served with a variety of chutneys, and some fried noodles that had the perfect balance of spices, followed by a selection of local desserts that left us craving more. Phnom Penh was off to a delicious start, full of culinary adventures that would only deepen our appreciation for this vibrant city.
The next day we headed to explore historical temples about an hour away in Udong. We started at Phnom Udong walking around the many stupas. There was a lot to take in sight and people watching wise.
I carried our group’s flowers to leave as an offering at the shrine. We started the climb up the steps to Ta San Mosque. The views were stunning but the carvings and intricate designs were even more impressive. You had to keep your wits about you as there were a few overly friendly monkeys roaming about.
I was not expecting the shrine to have flashing strobe lights, which created a surprisingly vibrant atmosphere that contrasted with my expectations of a serene space for reflection. I made a donation and, in return, received a red string bracelet and a blessing from a monk, making me feel embraced by the energy that surrounded the shrine.
Afterwards, we made our way back down very quickly as we were being chased by monkeys.
Next up we visited a monastery in the village of Kampong Tralach. We explored ancient pagodas and wall paintings with scenes of rural life.
That evening we set out for a dinner cruise along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. My photos did not turn out well but it was scenic and a memorable evening with my fellow travelers.
We stayed near the Royal Palace and a Buddhist University, a prime location for watching daily life as people came and went.
The Royal Palace of Cambodia is a massive complex with public access to the grounds, allowing visitors to explore its stunning architecture and lush gardens, which are rich in history and culture. While the official royal residence was not part of the entrance ticket, guests can still admire the beautiful courtyards and impressive structures surrounding the palace.
After walking around the Royal Palace grounds we headed to the SOSORO Museum to learn more about Cambodian history. I highly recommend visiting if you want to learn more about Cambodia in a modern, interactive fashion. I did not take any photos at the museum but it was a notable experience. Here are some highlights from our walk to and from the museum.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel pool.
We headed to the hotel’s rooftop to catch the sun setting over the palace and city skyline.
My time in Cambodia was ending, but I still had time for one last trip to the market for souvenirs.
And that’s the end of our time in Cambodia as we head to the airport for our journey back to Washington, D.C.
Question: Do you prefer city or countryside? I prefer cities and wish I had a little longer in Phnom Penh.
champagneonplanes 