Fun things to do in Phnom Penh

You can spend a few hours wandering around the Russian Market buying souvenirs. I settled for 6 silk shirts and some well carved wooden items, but unfortunately the silk shirts were of inferior quality and came apart where they were stitched. But you can find a good selection of clothes, dvds, hammocks, carvings, sarongs, in fact almost anything you want.

Cambodia has a long and rich tradition of classical dance, shadow puppetry and circus, and it has also become tradition for visitors to attend at least one traditional performance during their stay, most often, the graceful and ornate ‘Apsara Dance.’

Sovanna Phum Art Association hosts traditional performances every Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30PM. The show changes weekly between classical dance performances, shadow puppetry, circuses, music and more. Shadow puppet workshop. Shadow puppets, traditional musical instruments, masks and paintings on sale. Open Mon-Sat. #111 Street 360 (corner of Street 105).
Tel: 023-221932, 023-987564
E-mail: sp.communication@online.com.kh
Website: http://shadow-puppets.org

Veiyo Tonle Restaurant hosts traditional dance and circus performances by the children of The New Cambodian Children’s Life Association on Saturday and Monday nights at 8:00PM. Seating is limited so get there early or call for reservations. #237, Sisowath Quay on the riverfront.
Tel: 012-847419.

I think it is best to take the city tour to get a general view of what's on offer. The tour normally covers The Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng, shooting range, Royal Palace, National Museum, Russian Market, which are all very enjoyable,but perhaps a lit to much in one day so in the following days i visited the Russian Market twice and hang around by the river and the park near the Royal Palace, and the museum which i revisited.

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Russian Market is in our itinerary, although it is very hot in the market, but it worth a visit when you are searhing and hunting for some souvenirs to bring home. Many things and any things, some are imported craft I think. The sellers are always friendly to sale what they have. Be ready to bargain for a good price if you really like the products or you may return a good smile if the price is far too high. In Cambodia, when business with tourists, traders are always smart to quote in USD instead of their currency.

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When walking around in the citycenter, just try to find street 154, not to far from Sisowath Quai, next to Psar Kandal, and you will find many hairdressers on the sidewalk of this street.

They are very busy with local clients and they invited me also to have a haircut. But I just had one in a nice barbershop, much more expensive, if not I would have done it. I think it will not cost more than1$, but I did not ask the price.

I tried Amret Spa as I desperately wanted to have a nice facial and relaxing body massage. It has a security guard, a proper reception desk and waiting sofas. The facilities and equipment have high standard. I was welcomed with a cup of tea which tasted like it could remove all the toxic in a minute (grin). Afterwards, the lady led me to a cozy room with a bathtub nicely decorated with Cambodian furniture, flowers, toiletries. There's a soothing music and whether it was the reason why I easily fell asleep or it was the fatigue or the professional treatments I received, I will never know. Prices are Europeans'. They offer spa packages if you have time.

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The National Library of Cambodia has a small selection of reading material for foreign visitors but is set in a lovely and graceful old building constructed in 1924, near Wat Phnom. During its rule, the Khmer Rouge turned the building into a stable and destroyed most of the books. Many were thrown out into the streets, where they were picked up by people, some of whom donated them back to the library after 1979, while others used them as food wrapping.

The opening hours are from 8-11am and 2-5pm (Tue to Sun).

When in Phnom Penh, if you have the time it would be a nice idea to help in an orphanage. There are an abundance around the city and it presents and meaningful and worthy time spent in the city.
I had prearanged my time spend there with an Italian NGO working with children with orphans with inteleictual disabilities, most of the chidlren where abandoned by there parents because of the difficulty is was for them to raise a disabled child.
the an italian NGO, CIAI (Centro Italiano di Aiuti all'Infanzia