48 Hours in Phnom Penh: An Adventure

Flying into Phnom Penh from Manila via Kuala Lumpur was already an adventure in itself. By the time I landed, the city greeted me with warm sunlight, buzzing tuk-tuks, and a sense of quiet anticipation. ☕️ Morning fuel at Temple of Cacao My first stop was the Temple of Cacao—a charming café where the air smelled of roasted beans and the breakfast felt like a gentle welcome to Cambodia. With a hot cacao drink in hand, I felt ready to explore the city. ⏳ Confronting Cambodia’s past The day took a solemn turn at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Walking through these memorials was heavy, but important. The silence of the fields and the preserved classrooms-turned-prison cells stood as stark reminders of resilience and remembrance. 🌆 Golden hour at Eclipse Sky Bar As the sun set, Phnom Penh revealed its modern face. From the rooftop of Eclipse Sky Bar, I watched the skyline shimmer while sipping a cocktail—history behind me, and the city’s vibrant present before me. 🏛️ City tour strolls The following day, I explored Phnom Penh’s heart—starting with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, where golden spires pierced the sky and mirrored the city’s royal past. From there, I wandered down Walking Street, a lively stretch filled with shops, street food, and bursts of local energy, making it the perfect way to experience the rhythm of Phnom Penh at ground level. 🏞️ Closing with the Mekong My journey ended with a Mekong River dinner cruise, where the city lights danced on the water. As I savored Khmer dishes under the night sky, Phnom Penh felt like a city of contrasts—painful history, living culture, and a spirit that keeps flowing forward, just like the river itself. #cambodiatrip #travel #phnompenh #cambodia