Things to do in Phnom Penh

Cook up a tasty dish at a Cambodian cookery class

Once you've tried the tasty Khmer cuisine, find out how to do it yourself with a cooking class (tel: +855 12 524 801; www.cambodia-cooking-class.com). Starting with a trip to the local food market, choose fresh ingredients from an array of colourful vegetables before a Cambodian chef will show you how to create a delicious dish.

Get up and running with the Hash House Harriers

Found wherever there are substantial communities of expats, the Hash House Harriers (tel: +855 99 353 325; www.p2h3.com) are a social outfit that organise runs in the Phnom Penh countryside. Join them for a 10km run; they meet every Sunday at 2pm outside the railway station and always end with some food and drink. No need to book.

Go to war with your conscience

Considering Cambodia was in the midst of a civil war within living memory, some may have issues of conscience to contend with. For those that don't, Cambodia Extreme Outdoor Shooting Range (tel: +855 10 951 771; www.cambodiashootingclub.com) gives visitors the chance to fire a range of weapons from AK-47s to bazookas and even a rocket launcher.

Scuba dive in a stretch of paradise

Learn to dive in Phnom Penh at the Scuba Nation Diving Centre (tel: +855 34 933 700; www.divecambodia.com), Cambodia's first 5-star Instructor Development Centre. Teaching takes place in an air-conditioned classroom with practical tutorials in their training pool. Once complete, the centre offers dives in and around the paradisiacal islands off the shore at Sihanoukville.

Swing toward Sihanoukville for a round of golf

A round of golf is a popular activity in any part of the world and the Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club (tel: +855 023 366 689) is just 9km south of the city. Surrounded by lush rice paddies and swaying coconut palms, it is in an idyllic setting. Booking is recommended for non-members.

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24 hours in: Phnom Penh

Situated at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers, Cambodia's capital is a gritty, groovy blend of old colonial architecture and edgy new ventures. Our 24-hour guide will help you get to grips with a city still well off the mainstream South East Asia tourist trail.

City Highlight: Phnom Penh

Authentic and exotic, Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, dazzles visitors with its riverside walks, colourful markets and amazing street food

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Featured Hotels

Villa Langka Hotel

This good value boutique hotel sits in lush tropical gardens in central Phnom Penh. Close to the Independence Monument, and overlooking Wat Langka, the hotel is spread over two converted houses. All 43 rooms are spacious and colonial in style. The hotel's restaurant offers local and international cuisine using the freshest ingredients and meals are either served on the terrace or indoors.

Juliana Hotel

This long-established, resort-style hotel is located at the heart of the city, making it a great base for exploration as most of the major sights are just a few minutes away. The 97 rooms are contemporary in design with Khmer silks and textiles accenting the décor throughout. The swimming pool is surrounded by lush gardens and the hotel's Vanda restaurant serves Asian and Western food and is famed for its barbecued seafood buffet.

InterContinental Hotel

Located in the new business centre of the city, the InterContinental is the first 5-star business hotel in Phnom Penh. With 346 rooms, it's the ideal place for those visiting for work as it has a range of meeting rooms. Its good selection of restaurants offer pan-Asian, Western and Chinese cuisine as well as a popular patisserie.

La Maison D’Ambre

With a superb location on the corner of Sisowath Quay, La Maison D'Ambre has quickly become one of Cambodia's hottest hotels, especially thanks to its river views. Its 10 luxury rooms are individually decorated, while the rooftop bar, Fifth Element, is a huge draw for those after a cool drink at the end of a day. A tree-lined pool and private dining terrace round out a compelling package.

Cozyna Hotel

It's the location of this hotel that makes it such a winner. Right on the main quay, with great access to sights and the city's best nightlife, it's perfect for those on a tight budget. The rooms are simple, but clean, and the staff friendly.

Sunway Hotel

A longstanding favourite, the Sunway Hotel has an excellent location in an upmarket part of Phnom Penh, close to Wat Phnom. The 138 rooms are all large and stylish, some with balconies. The restaurant serves local and international cuisine with special themed nights and there is a patisserie in the lobby. With its own fitness centre and spa, this hotel remains popular.

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