Phnom Penh is the bustling capital city of Cambodia, located at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” it is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center, blending rich history with modern energy.
Population: Over 2 million people
Province: Phnom Penh Capital Administration
Language: Khmer (English is widely used in business and tourism)
Main Industries: Government, finance, real estate, education, retail, tourism, and logistics
Phnom Penh became the capital in 1434 after the fall of Angkor. The city’s name means “Hill of Penh,” referring to Wat Phnom, a pagoda on a small hill built by a woman named Daun Penh.
Though it endured hardship during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), the city has since rebuilt rapidly, now full of vitality and development.
🏯 Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda – Home of the King and an iconic symbol of Khmer architecture
📜 National Museum of Cambodia – Houses one of the world’s finest collections of Angkorian artifacts
🙏 Wat Phnom – The spiritual heart of the city and its founding legend
🕊 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) & Choeung Ek Killing Fields – Important historical sites that honor the memory of victims of the Khmer Rouge
🌆 Riverside (Sisowath Quay) – A vibrant area filled with cafes, nightlife, and views over the Tonle Sap River
