One of the better preserved French relics in Southeast Asia, the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh has a lot more to offer travelers than a quick, depressing swing through Tuol Sleng and a run out to the Killing Fields. Right now as of March 2011 its also an easy place to get a new Tourist Visa for Thailand. Many other Thai embassys around Thailand denie new tourist visas if you already had about three previously. Here in Phnom Penh at any Hotel reception you get your new visa arranged, hand out your passport, tell them in how many days u need your visa and after 1-4 days (4-19 $US) it will be done. No need to go to the embassy by yourself.

Street scenery in Phnom Penh in 2011

Phnom Penh and Cambodian history is well documented at the National Museum, S-21 and the Killing Fields. Other attractions include the Royal Palace, temples, markets and boat tours and a bountiful supply of excellent cafes and restaurants for gourmands, bars for night owls and spas for those who need to unwind. Phnom Penh is a charming spot, so don't make the mistake of allowing just a day or two here.

Exploring Phnom Penh is very easy. motorbike taxis are all around - trips up to about three kilometer which covers most of the city are just one US$. If you feel unsafe using a motorbike for transport u can use a TukTuk for slightly more. Also more and more Cabs are seen in Phnom Penh.

How to go to Pnomh Penh? As most people will start their trip to Cambodia from Thailand:

• By plane: in early 2011 trips from Bangkok are available for example by Air Asia for between 50 and 100 US$
• By Bus/Train: There are several ways by Bus:
  
  You may visit the tropical Island Koh Chang in Thailand not far from Cambodians Border first, then continue to Had Lek which is the border to Cambodia. From Koh Chang take the first Ferry to the mainland, then the Songthaew which is waiting there to Trad. From there a Minibus will do the Transport for 120 Baht to Had Lek. Cross the border and take a motorbike taxi to Koh Kong. There you need to buy bus tickets to Phnom Penh. Buy your bus tickets as soon as possible as there aren't too many buses to Phnom Penh. There are buses to Phnom Penh only in the morning, so you have to sleep one night in Koh Kong. You can also exchange money in Koh Kong. In Cambodia you need US dollars as well as the local currency Riel. The main currency in Cambodia is the US dollar. So don't change too much Riel, about US$20 are enough to change into Riel. You easily can find hotels in Koh Kong from about five US dollars. The trip itself to Phnom Penh is about seven US dollars and need about seven hours.
  
  If you want to see Sieam Reap before heading to Phnom Penh you can go to the border town Aranjaprathet by bus or by train. Crossed the border you can take a bus to your desired destination. There are buses in all directions. The trip to Phnom Penh will take about 7 to 8 hours and would cost not more than nine or US$10.

Where to sleep in Phnom Penh?

With the increase in tourism, Phnom Penh has plenty of options when it comes to sleeping! What ever you're needs are you will, with out doubt, find it right here in Cambodia's capital city.
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• River Front - Sisowrath Quay runs parallel to the Ton Le Sap River and has lots of great places to spend a night. Hotels range from the dingy to luxury. It's also one of the best spots to hang out as you will have plenty of choice for eating, drinking, shopping and also sightseeing.
• Boeng Kak - Known as the backpackers area with in Phnom Penh, Boeng Kok is set around a lake that is, at best, filthy and polluted! Guesthouses here are cheap and vary greatly in cleanliness and security. Many travelers like this area and it's a good spot to meet other travelers.
• Psar O Russei - Another backpacker area offering cheap stays.
• Central Phnom Penh - Moving back from the river front, you can find an array of hotels from no stars to 5 stars. Many of the larger hotels in this area cater for tour groups.