Temple & Monuments in Phnom Penh
Independence Monument
Where: Intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk
Inaugurated in 1962 and celebrates Cambodia’s independence from foreign rule. It was designed by a local renowned architect name Vann Molyvann. Come during Cambodia’s Independence Day and Constitution Day because that’s when they have all those colouful celebrations and programs.
Wat Phnom
Where: Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Blvd
This wat or pagoda marks the founding place of Phnom Penh. This is another must-see tourist spot. You’ll see Buddhists trekking to the vihear, shrines and fortune tellers at the top. And shops, motorcycle taxis and visitors at the base. This is also where you can get an elephant ride!
Choeung Ek Memorial (The Killing Fields)
Where: 15km southwest of Phnom Penh
This monument is to remember those who died during the Khmer regime under Pol Pot. Between 1 to 2.5 million people died; some killed, others from malnutrition, sickness, neglect or torture. Many of the victims were executed and left to die at ‘killing fields’ throughout the Cambodia.
The site of the memorial was an orchard and a Chinese cemetery before 1975 but became one of the many killing fields after 1975. Today, it is a group of mass graves and a memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls.
