Built in 1866, the Royal Palace of Cambodia is a sprawling complex of gilded structures. As it is the official residence of the monarchy, the palace is largely closed to the public – though notable attractions such as the throne room, the Moonlight Pavilion and the Silver Pagoda can be visited for a slice of history.

One of Phnom Penh’s top attractions is the hilltop Wat Phnom temple in the centre of town. Its origins date back to the 14th century, when it’s said a wealthy lady named Penh commissioned its construction: which is how Phnom Penh – ‘Penh’s hill’ – got its name. Inside you’ll find a shrine to Lady Penh and detailed murals telling stories of Buddha.

Tuk tuks are a common mode of transport in Phnom Penh, but don’t just use them to get from A to B – turn your ride into a personalised city tour. You can either plot your own course to explore the city’s main attractions, or opt for a guided tuk tuk tour, some of which come with iPad audio aids.

Browse signed concert posters, backstage passes and pop art inspired by Cambodian stars of the 1960s at the Wang Dang Doodle by Space Four Zero art space and shop. Another cool place to visit in Phnom Penh is Java Creative Café, a longstanding community art space with venues across the city that supports non-profit arts programmes.

One in five Cambodians is said to have lost their lives under the Khmer Rouge regime. Take a harrowing tour of Choeung Ek, one of the most notorious sites, where thousands of prisoners from the Tuol Sleng (S-21) prison camp were buried. Then visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: a former secondary school which became a prison for approximately 20,000 people under the Khmer Rouge regime.

Discover unusual souvenirs at the city’s vast array of markets. Start your shopping spree at Central Market - a sprawling art deco landmark filled with a bustling collection of stalls. Next, head to the Russian Market – so named for its popularity with Russian expats in the 1980s – in Toul Tom Poung for an enticing mixture of fashion, trinkets, handcrafted musical instruments and tantalising food stalls.

An eclectic collection of themed bars and restaurants have popped up on Bassac Lane, just off popular Street 308, transforming the unassuming back alley into a hive of evening entertainment. From classic cocktail lounges to a motorbike showroom, there’s a spot to suit every kind of Phnom Penh holiday.

The sleepy town of Kep, a three-hour drive from Phnom Penh, once catered to the Khmer elite. Today their abandoned villas have been remodelled into fabulous holiday resorts. Explore the picturesque beaches of Rabbit Island, enjoy leisurely hikes in Kep National Park and indulge in seafood feasts – Kep crab is a particular speciality.

The southern town of Kampot is filled with quirky cafés and independent restaurants, all of which make judicious use of the pepper the area is famed for. Take a moped tour of the pepper farms, kayak along the leafy waterways known as the Green Cathedral, or head up Bokor Hill – home to an historic church, villas and waterfalls.