Tired of brushing shoulders in the busy streets of Phnom Penh? A few days in Cambodia’s most populous city can certainly make you feel that way. Fortunately, it’s easy to take quick excursions away from Phnom Penh. These 4 places are perfect for a one-day getaway without being too far off from the city.
Silk Island/Koh Dach
A short 1-hour boat ride from Phnom Penh will bring you to Silk island on the Mekong River. The island is named after its traditional silk weaving industry. A now declining trade, Silk Island is rural Cambodian culture preserved in amber. Every step in the process is shown from start to finish, from the silkworm spinning its cocoon to the weaving of the fabric. Of course, the final products are sold around the island. You can haggle but keep in mind that it forms the bulk of their income.
It isn’t all about silk though, the island is perfect for exploring the pastoral Cambodian countryside. Alternatively, grab a coconut and chill at a cafe by the riverside.
Phnom Oudong/Mount Oudong (also spelt as Udong)
Once the royal capital of Cambodia from 1618-1866, anyone looking to immerse themselves in ancient Cambodian history should look no further than Oudong. Located 40 kilometres from Phnom Penh, Oudong makes for an accessible day-trip to fill out your itinerary. The mountain itself isn’t too difficult of a climb. There are about 500 steps to the main site and it’s mostly shaded by large trees. Once you get to the top, you’ll find a mix between the old and the new. The site is adorned by stupas housing the remains of Khmer kings. At the end of the mountain ridge stands an elaborate white stupa built in 2002 which houses relics of the Buddha.
The view at the top itself is quite breathtaking; being the only hill in the area, Mount Oudong gives you an unobstructed view of the countryside plains.
Tonle Bati
How about a day-trip that the locals actually do? Tonle Bati is a lake that’s not too far from the city. For the most part, the lake itself is quiet and you can rent bamboo stilt houses for a lazy afternoon picnic. Over the weekend, though, the place is crowded by locals out for a day-trips themselves. Each hut comes with 2 hammocks, the perfect way to soak in the tranquil sounds of the lake. Pay a visit on a weekday so you don’t have to fight for a place with the local crowd!
You’ll also find 2 Angkor-era temples, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peov. This isn’t the Ta Prohm from Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider, though. Ta Prohm was a smaller Angkorian temple that included its Hindu community as a place of worship, evidenced by the syncretic Hindu illustrations.
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
This wildlife sanctuary is very near the Tonle Bati lake, making it a great way to efficiently plan your day-trip from Phnom Penh. The sanctuary rehabilitates animals from poachers or abusive owners. You’ll find a wide range of animals from majestic tigers to gentle elephants.
What makes this sanctuary unique? At $213 SGD, you can experience the life of an elephant keeper. All earnings go to the sanctuary funds so you can get up and close with the elephants in this cruelty-free program!
