Phnom Penh

As Cambodia's capital city and commercial and political center, Phnom Penh offers the most dramatic display of changes with its boom in restaurants, shops, pubs and nightlife spots as well as hotels and guesthouses to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and expats. Located at the confluence of three waterways, the Tonlé Sap, Tonlé Bassac and mighty Mekong River, Phnom Penh offers visitors a glimpse of a country seized by dramatic changes.

You can see the beauty of Khmer culture and tradition through the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda and its many wats (temples) as well as be reminded of its grim, not so distant past through the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and nearby killing fields of Choeung Ek. Now, as capital of the "Kingdom of Cambodia", it is fitting that the Royal Palace is once again occupied as a residence for the royal family.

In addition to the tourist sites, the city has some of the best shopping and eating establishments available in the country including some run by aid organizations to fund humanitarian projects. Phnom Penh is a great place to take in at leisure so soak in the atmosphere: take a boat tour on the river or stroll along the lovely riverbanks, sample the local cuisine at sidewalk restaurants, bargain for handicrafts at the open markets and observe and appreciate how the local Khmers go about their everyday lives in peace.