With a mixture of Asian exotica, Phnom Penh is among the popular tourist destinations you shouldn’t miss when coming to the Kingdom of Cambodia.The city itself exudes a sort of provincial charm and serenitywith French colonial mansions amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Along with its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values, Phnom Penh also offers a wide range of free activities that you should not miss

INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT

Siting just a few steps away from the Royal Palace, the Independence Monument is a stunning shade of terra cotta by day and brightly illuminated by night. The structure was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France.

Photo by Ronald Woan

Independence Monument is designed in aAngkorian style, lookinglike a lotus-shaped stupa that consistsof five levels decorated with snake heads. The monument is at its most splendid in the late afternoon when the shadows highlight the complexity of the design, giving it a warm orange glow. At night time, the monument is beautifully lit up by red, blue and white floodlights, which represent the colors of national flag.

You will find the monument in the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Sihanouk Boulevard in the centre of the city.

CHROY CHANGVAR BRIDGE

Photo by Seattle Raindrops

Constructed in 1966 and rebuilt in 1995 after its destruction at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, the Japanese-Cambodian Friendship Bridge offers a panoramic look at both sides of the Tonle Sap River. Makinga trek across the narrow footpath, or juststanding to admire the view stretching for miles will definitely give you peaceful momments and amazing scenes to enjoy.

SISOWATH QUAY

Wandering down to Sisowath Quay just after sunrise, you’ll get to watch rusted vessels, rowing boats - and maybe even a coracle or two - floating down the stream.This lively 3km-long strip runs along the west bank of the Tonle Sap River, lined with with terrace cafes, indie shops and old colonial buildings.

Photo by Flip Nomad

Not only a great spot to hang out for a few days, the Quay is also the best place to enjoy breakfast in town, with great beer, excellent coffee and nice French baguettes on offer along the entire length.

And don’t forget to take a stroll along Street 178, also known as the Art Street, for a glance at local handicrafts and silk samples.

WAT PHNOM

With a cost of one dollar, admission to the centuries-old hilltop temple of Wat Phnom isn't quite free. Nor are the elephant rides that are offered on the site. But a free and carefree stroll along the bucolic grounds is definitely a thing for you to enjoy. Sculpted into the hillside leading to the temple's entrance is a functioning topiary clock, whereas the gigantic sculpture of a Nagaprovides an insight into this beautiful culture.

Photo by Gareth Bogdanoff

Not bad for a trip with free things to do in a city of rich architectural and artistic heritage, don’t you think?Comeand experience a nice budget-saving holiday in Phnom Penh.