A Day at Sisowath Quay
Also known as Riverside, this is a scenic boulevard of shops and restaurants. The esplanade along the river is also popular with local Khmers and expats enjoying a day out and soaking in the atmosphere.
You can easily enjoy this popular spot in a day.
Stop 1: Royal Palace
Begin your stroll from the Royal Palace on Sothearos Blvd. The is where the King of Cambodia lives! It’s fantastic because much of the palace grounds, including the Silver Pagoda and the throne room is open to public. No shorts or bare-shoulders allowed here. But you can rent T-shirts and sarongs for 1000 riel.
Stop 2: National Museum
Opposite is the National Museum showcasing Angkorian art. The statue of the Leper King is also here.
Stop 3: FCC and shops
If you need to freshen up, head down to the Foreign Correspondents Club at 363 Sisowath Quay for some local or Western food. Must try is the Tonle Sap Breezer ( the equivalent of a Singapore Sling?)
Around the FCC are shops and boutiques where you can grab handicrafts, Cambodian paintings and silk products. Ladies, this is where you get handbags at a fraction of a price of what you’ll pay in the hotel gift shop.
Stop 4: Wat Ounalom
Walk up the street to Wat Ounalom, one of the first few temples built.
Stop 5: Restaurants
Pass by the temple and you come to restaurants and bars flocked with tourists. And on the quayside, maybe you can join the many locals having a picnic. To get great views of the river, head to Chenla Floating Restaurant and go for the dinner cruise. Then pop by Camory Cookie Boutique, Camdodia’s premium cookie shop.
Stop 6: Ferry Terminal and Wat Phnom
Nearby is the ferry terminals which travel between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Another temple here is Wat Phnom, with a hilltop pagoda which marks the spot where the city was founded. You can also get elephant ride from Sam Bo the elephant here!
