Located just north of the Royal Palace, the National Museum was recently restored to its former glory as one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture.

On display are more than 5,000 artifacts and objects d'art from the 6th to the 13th centuries. They include sandstone sculptures, royal barges, palanquins and silk, intricately woven with silver and gold threads.

There are also rare religious objects in gold, silver and bronze.

The Independence Monument commemorates the 1953 end of French rule over Cambodia. Designed by a Cambodian architect, the Naga (a mythical bird symbolizing strength and benevolence) motif of the monument is a symbol for the country's aspirations.

The Naga also adorns most important buildings in the country, including the Olympic Stadium and the Chatomuk Hall, which marks the convergence of four main river: the upper and lower Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac.

Legend has it that after a major flood a wealthy Khmer widower named Daun Penh found a large tree on the bank of the Tonle Sap with four ancient statues of Buddha hidden inside. In 1434 she decided to erect a large hill and build a temple to house sacred relics.

Today, Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh and the center of many form of religious activities.

Built in 1866 by His Masjesty Preah Bat Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to his Majesty Preah Bat Norodom Shihanouk and Her majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom .

Most of the buildings inside the palace are closed to the public, except for special occasions. Also within the palace walls is the Silver Pagoda, which draws its name from the 5,000 silver tiles that pave its floor. Inside the pagoda there are hundreds of gifts to Cambodian king, including a solid-gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds weighing 90 kilograms.