From historical sites and river cruises to pagodas and fun parks, the city offers hordes of attractions that are of interest to travelers of varied tastes. Places you should not miss once in Phnom Penh include:

The Royal Palace:Built by King Norodom in 1866, the Royal Palace is home to the king and queen of Cambodia. Even today, the Royal Palace stands on the same citadel that was built in 1813. Visitors have only recently been allowed to visit and view the Royal Palace.

Silver Pagoda:Originally constructed in 1892, the Silver Pagoda was rebuilt in 1962 and is famed for the 5000 silver tiles that cover its floor. The Silver Pagoda is one of the rare reminders of the Khmer civilization in Cambodia, and is a great symbol of the country`s riches and culture.

National Museum of Cambodia:National Museum of Cambodia is an elegant terra cotta structure that is situated north of the Royal Palace. All the courtyards facing the garden feature magnificent sculptures that belong to the 6th and 7th centuries. Also on display are the potteries and bronzes from 4th to 14th centuries.

Killing Fields of Choeung Ek:Situated 15 km from the city center, the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek is the devastating reminder of the torturous reign of the Khmer Rouge. Thousands of people, including women and infants, were transported here after being detained and tortured at Security Prison S-21.

Phnom Penh, one of the Asia`s smallest capital city, has most of its accommodation options in and around the city centre. The budget conscious travelers prefer the area around Boengkak Lake, with the riverside area featuring some of the most expensive hotels in the country.

Riverside:The best landmark of Phnom Penh, the Riverside hotels are a little expensive owing to the beautiful location. Located near the Royal Palace, Hotel Cambodiana is one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in the city. Located next door, the MiCasa Hotel Apartments is a top-notch accommodation option that is highly regarded by travelers to the city. Overlooking the Silver Pagoda, the Renakse Hotel is quite an old property but is still sought after owing to its excellent location. Amongst the lower priced hotels in the region, the Sun Shine Hotel is a great option that has smaller rooms but is strategically located.

Wat Phnom:It is this Buddhist temple that gave this city its name. Situated at a distance of one kilometer from the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom is home to many noteworthy names in the hospitality industry. Sharaton and the Sunway are modern hotels that offer excellent facilities and amenities to its guests. While Sunway is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, Hotel Le Royal is the most historic one in the whole of Asia.

A valid passport is required by all nationals intending to visit Phnom Penh.

A visa for entry is required by all nationals, including the nationals of Canada, Britain, Australia, USA and EU countries. The standard tourist visa is valid for one month only. Air travelers to Phnom Penh are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival at the Phnom Penh International Airport, Phnom Penh or Siem Reap International Airport, Angkor.

Keeping in mind the unbearable heat experienced by this city during summers, it makes sense to visit Phnom Penh during the cool and comfortable winter time. November, December, January and February are the best months to plan a trip to this Cambodian city. For those looking to enjoy the lush greenery and full lakes, monsoon is also a good time to visit.

Phnom Penh has a predominantly tropical climate. The weather remains hot all through the year with bright sunny days and high average temperature (27-40 degree Celsius). The city experiences two distinct seasons: wet and dry. April is the hottest month of the year with the temperature rising close to 40 degree Celsius. June through October is the wet season when the humidity level is very high. October to January is the season when travelers can experience quite a cool and comfortable climate in Phnom Penh.

Currency:Though the official currency of Cambodia is Riel, US Dollar is the most commonly used currency in the country. Travelers carrying US Dollars do not need to exchange cash as payments can be made in Dollars anytime and anywhere. Other currencies can be easily exchanged at banks, which are open Monday to Friday.

Language:The official language of Cambodia is Cambodian. It belongs to the Austro-Asiatic, which is quite difficult for the foreigners to manage. It was in the 1990s that English got introduced to this country. Prior to this, French was the most popular second language. Other languages spoken in Phnom Penh include Vietnamese and South Chinese dialects.