Little Quarter, Lesser Town or Mala Strana, as it's popularly known, is the most-tourist-frequented part of Prague. Taking a stroll down the narrow, cobbled streets of Lesser Town will instantly transport you into the world of medieval Prague. There are so many historical wonders waiting to be explored. Just walk along using a map, and you will find most of the places mentioned below. The Lesser Town is in no way less than the rest of Prague; the name means little side. The River Vltava divides the city into Old Town Square side and the side on the other end of the river, called Mala Strana. I have listed 15 sights that you can aim to see in the Lesser Town, depending on your level of energy to walk around and the time available at hand. But they are all quite close by and can easily be covered on foot. Top 15 Sights to see in Mala Strana or Lesser Town, Prague Charles Bridge St. Nicholas Church Lesser Town Square Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower Petrin Hill Memorial to the victims of Communism Petrin Tower Lennon Wall Devil's Channel and Water Mill Kampa Island Kampa Museum Giant Crawling Babies Kinsky Garden Narrowest street in Prague Franz Kafka Museum Charles Bridge The iconic Charles Bridge is the symbol of Prague. The majestic bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town over the Vltava River. The construction of the bridge started under the regime of King Charles IV, hence the name and ended in the 15th century, giving this bridge the distinction of being the oldest stone bridge in Europe. What makes this bridge popular among tourists is the amazing scenery one gets of the Vltava River from atop the bridge. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Old Town Square to the Charles Bridge, and this is exactly what all visitors to the city do. There are hundreds of tourists jostling to get a picture of the many statues of saints erected along the length of the bridge. The bridge leads into Mala Strana or Lesser Town. Why it's called Lesser Town is beyond me because this part of Prague is as scenic with its beautiful baroque structures and tilted red roofs as the Old Town. The Bridge Tower is the entrance to the Charles Bridge from the Old Town. This Gothic tower is a sight to behold. My Tip for You The bridge is always crowded, crawling with people. We tried going in the evening on one day and late evening on the second day. Maybe you should try going in the early morning. A lot of interesting boat tour options are available on the river that take you around and under the bridge. I'm not a big fan of street hawkers selling trinkets and souvenirs and drawing pictures of tourists on the bridge. It just makes the place more crowded. If you can beat the crowds, then go up the Bridge Tower; it takes 138 steps to reach the top, but the views of the river from here are amazing, especially at sundown. St. Nicholas Church St. Nicholas Church is one of the most beautiful specimens of Baroque Architecture in all of Prague. The church is located just over from the Charles Bridge. We have seen many beautiful churches in Italy, Spain, Austria and some more cities in Europe, but this ornate church is worth all the time and money you spend. The stunning interiors are so colourful and vibrant that they take you by surprise at first glance. You can easily spend about an hour inside. My Tip for You Remember, there are two St. Nicholas Churches in Prague; the one in Old Town Square is free to visit. This one in Lesser Town is paid, 100 CZK for adults. You can climb to the top of the Bell Tower, which has about 200 steps to the top. We did not do this because we were too tired from an entire day of walking around the Lesser Town. But I am sure the views from the top would be surreal. This is a sure not-to-miss attraction in Prague. Lesser Town Square The Lesser Town Square lies in the centre of the Lesser Town. You can walk through the upper end of the square towards Prague Castle, and at the lower end, you will reach Charles Bridge. In the centre of the square is the Holy Trinity Column, a high baroque structure made in the 18th century. Wallenstein Palace in the Lesser Town is the seat of the Czech Senate. There are beautiful French gardens that adorn the palace exteriors. Access is free. Old Town and Lesser Town Bridge Tower This is undoubtedly the most happening place in Prague. The Old Town Bridge will take you from the Old Town, and the Lesser Town Bridge Tower will take you from Mala Strana to Charles Bridge. These beautiful bridge towers on both ends of the bridge are a sight to behold. You can ascend the towers for a small fee. My Tip for You I am always quite keen on talking to fellow tourists. We were told by some tourists standing around the tower that the wooden staircase leading to the top was a tough climb. So, we gave the climb a miss. But the tower itself is a beautiful Gothic structure that looks stunning when lit up at night. If possible, just hang around till sundown to see the tower lit up. Petrin Hill This is a beautiful hillside park which can easily be accessed by a funicular. You can take the funicular from the Ujzed Tram Stop in Mala Strana. It takes about 30 minutes to hike up the hill. The walk is very pleasant as the path goes through beautiful gardens and woods. This place is a small green oasis amid a bustling city. The area of Petrin Hill has seven different gardens, the Seminary Garden and Rose Garden, to name a few. We took the funicular on our way up and then walked back down. There are many benches all along the route where you can sit and relax. There is an observatory on the top and some nice cafes for visitors to sit and relax. Memorial to the Victims of Communism At the base of Petrin Hill, as you climb the broad staircase from the side of the road, you will see this thought-provoking monument. Throughout Prague, one can see such artworks that very poignantly depict the harsh times under the communist regime that lasted for almost 40 years. Petrin Tower Many people believe that Petrin Tower in Prague is a miniature version of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. The tower is located on the Petrin Hill. If you have the Prague Visitor Pass, then entry to the tower is included in it. You get beautiful views of the city of Prague from the top. My Tip for You The approach to the hill was the best part of the trip for me. Entry to the tower was closed due to some maintenance work going on. I would not want to compare it to the Eiffel Tower, but the entire area is beautiful in its own right. We stayed till dusk, and the views were terrific. Lennon Wall The wall in Lesser Town will entice you with its colourful graffiti and images of the Beatles. If you're a Beatles fan, then you would perhaps know that John Lennon's and the Beatles' music was forbidden in the communist regime of Czechoslovakia. This wall became a symbol of the suppression of freedom of speech during the communist era. The Czech youth used it to express their disgruntlement with the regime. Devil's Channel and Water Mill Very close to the Lennon Wall, is a small romantic bridge called Lover's Bridge that separates Lesser Town from Kampa Island over Certovka or Devil's Channel. The channel is quite long, as it was used to supply water to the mills, and this entire part gives the feel of a little Venice in Prague. The Watermill can be spotted from the Lover's Bridge. There is a green demon face on the side of the mill called Vodnik. As per legend, he is one of the water demons of the River Vltava and should be revered. The mill is not functional now, but the area around it is very romantic. Kampa Island This small island was not on our list of sights, we just walked over Charles Bridge and came across this beautiful island with stunning views of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. Interestingly, we saw a life-size Harmony Statue of Sri Chinmoy on the banks of the River Vltava with the caption "If you can create harmony in your own life, this harmony will enter into the vast world." This was created by Kaivalya Torpy, a British sculptor, in 2009. There are some other interesting artworks along the waterfront, too. You can easily spend a lazy afternoon at the waterfront if you have time. Kampa Museum Right next to the waterfront is the Kampa Museum. The museum is dedicated to Modern European Art. Truth be told, this for me is like Latin, so we gave the museum a miss and instead spent time walking around the beautiful island. Giant Crawling Babies Just walk a few meters away from the Kampa Museum towards the park, and you will come across these giant crawling babies. The monument was made by David Cerny. My Tip for You We couldn't make out the logic behind making such giant babies that crawl. But then, such strange artworks by David Cerny are commonplace in Prague. Kinsky Garden On the side of Petrin Hill, adjoining the Kinsky Summer Residence, lies this beautifully landscaped garden called Kinsky Garden. The garden has beautiful pools, small waterfalls and a church. My Tip for You It's nothing spectacular, but if you have time, then you can spend it in this landscaped paradise. We just walked through it and exited the garden at Kinsky Square. Narrowest Street in Prague Just about 20 minutes away from Kinsky Square is the narrowest street in Prague. The street is just 20 inches wide and leads you to a restaurant facing the Vltava River. Since the street is so narrow, there is a traffic light at both ends to help pedestrians navigate. People have to wait for the light to turn green before they walk through, since only one person can walk through at a time. My Tip for You Finding the street took over an hour. We crossed it thrice and missed it each time. Remember to look for Na Kampe Road from Charles Bridge, coming towards Mala Strana. Turn right into U Lužického Semináře. I feel the effort that went into looking for the street was far more than the actual sight. It's just a small alley leading to a restaurant. If you're travelling with kids, then it surely can be a fun thing for them to do with the mini street light and all. Franz Kafka Museum This museum is only meant for Franz Kafka fans. If you've read about his works and his books, only then go to see this museum. It lies on the banks of the Vltava River. The entire museum is so small, not worth the money. The only highlight of the museum is the two peeing-men. This weird artwork instantly catches your attention. Otherwise, I found the museum very dark, dull and uninspiring. Sorry, Kafka fans!! So, this was Mala Strana or Lesser Town in a nutshell for you. You can cover all of this easily in one day at leisure. Remember to see Charles Bridge by daytime and definitely during sundown. My last memory of Prague is the beautiful Charles Bridge all lit up at night and throwing its glorious reflection in the calm waters of the Vltava River flowing below. And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

The Old Town, with its famous Old Town Square, is the liveliest part of the city of Prague. One can easily spend many hours strolling alongside the hundreds of fellow visitors, gaping at the sights and soaking in the amazing vibe of this city. Top Ten Attractions in Prague Old Town Staromestske Namesti, Old Town Square Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock Church of Our Lady before Tyn St. Nicholas Church Kinsky Palace Jan Hus Monument Prague Meridien Jewish Museum / Jewish Quarter Spanish Synagogue Powder Tower and Obecni Dum, Prague Municipal House Staromestske Namesti, Old Town Square The Old Town Square is a large pedestrian zone in the Old Town. You will see hundreds of people flocking around its famous historical monuments, jostling with each other. While in Prague, you should aim to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in the square to soak in the vibe of this amazing city. The square is a popular site for all kinds of demonstrations and gatherings. You can never tire of sitting on one of the benches and seeing the world go by. Old Town Hall and Prague Astronomical Clock The Old Town Hall was established in the 12th Century and served as the administrative seat for the Old Town. The Town Hall is a set of five medieval houses with one corner occupied by the mammoth rectangular tower and the Astronomical Clock. Conducted tours of the Town Hall are available every hour, depending on your choice of language. We'd read some excellent reviews about the tour of the Town Hall, but didn't go for it because it was very cool and sunny that day, and we preferred spending time outdoors. And now the famous Prague Astronomical Clock...also known as Prague Orloj, this clock is a must-see attraction in Prague. Prague Orloj is just a clock that shows time, except for the fact that it has been doing so for the last 600 years or more!! Built in 1410, this is one of the oldest and most complex astronomical clocks in the World, and it draws millions of visitors to Prague each year!! This 15th-century clock chimes every hour, and a skeleton hanging on the outside rings the bell to announce the hour. Then, there is the 'Walk of the Apostles', where 12 mechanical figures of apostles appear in the window above every hour. Basically, to say that there is a good amount of drama around the clock that is fun to watch. There is a surge of crowds in front of the clock as noon approaches, and people gather to see the display. The Gothic-style outer facade of the clock is impressive; it tracks celestial movements, phases of the moon, and shows the movement of the Sun and other Zodiac constellations. My Tip for You There is an elevator for an extra charge if you decide to go up to the top of the tower. You will get very nice views of Prague, and you will be able to see the working mechanism of this clock from the inside. It's a good idea to read about this clock before your trip to appreciate its working, how it was heavily damaged during World War II and how it was painstakingly restored to its present condition. Church of Our Lady Before Tyn The tall spires of this church are visible from a lot of places in Prague, but the entrance to the church is from the Old Town Square through a small alley. You will have to look for the entrance closely since it is sandwiched between two restaurants that are located right outside the church. The beautiful edifice of the church looks ethereal during sunset. The interiors and the altar are stunning. Entry is free. In summer, a lot of concerts are organised here; if you're interested, the ticket office is right next to the entrance of the church. St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square There are 2 St. Nicholas Churches in Prague. This one is in the Old Town Square, and the other one is in the Lesser Town. Entry to St. Nicholas Church in Old Town Square is free, while the other is paid. The Church has a beautiful altar and a stunning chandelier. You can just walk in and admire the beautiful frescoes of this Gothic and Baroque-style church. Kinsky Palace Right in front of the Church of Our Lady before Tyn lies this beautiful Rococo structure with its distinct, elegant exterior. The palace is now an art museum. It was closed for renovation, so we could not see it from the inside. But the outer facade of the palace blends beautifully with the church spires jutting out from the background. Great photo opportunity. Jan Hus Monument This monument is the first thing you'll see as you step into the Old Town Square. The massive memorial is dedicated to Jan Hus, a theologian and religious reformer in the 16th century, who condemned the catholic church for its moral decay. My Tip for You There are lots of benches around the monument where you can sit and relax. You will find nice fast-food cafes around this place, which serve the famous Czech sweet pastry called Trdelnik. The pastry is delicious, you can get a filling of ice cream on top...Umm...yum!! Prague Meridien This narrow strip of brass on the ground near the Jan Hus Monument was used to tell the time in Prague from the mid-17th century till 1918! You will have to look at the centre of the Old Town Square to be able to locate it. Tourists are always flocking around this place for selfies, so locating it should not be a problem! Jewish Museum / Jewish Quarter Like in a lot of other places in Europe, the Jewish Museum refers to the many historical buildings of the Jewish Ghetto, where Jews were forced to move from other parts of Prague. I had read somewhere before leaving for Prague that Hitler wanted to preserve this area in Prague as a museum for the extinct Jewish Race. So, ironically, a lot of artefacts were plundered from other parts of the world and brought here for preservation and display. This had caught my fancy, and we made it a point to see the Jewish Quarter. There is a statue of Franz Kafka, the most famous Jew of Prague, here in the Jewish Quarter. My Tip for You The entire area is laden with Jewish history. There are many options for buying tickets on the day of your visit, along with an optional audio guide. The neighbourhood has a distinct character that is hard to describe, but you can feel it when you're there. You can buy tickets at the Information and Reservation Centre on the day of your visit. But if you're looking for a conducted tour, then you can take the Jewish Quarter Tour. The walking tour lasted about 3 hours, and it took us deep into the turbulent history of the Jews in Prague. Owing to the massive crowds, we had bought the tour online beforehand. I'm not sure that you will be able to book a conducted tour there and then. Spanish Synagogue This stunning Synagogue is included in the Jewish Quarter Tour. The prefix Spanish was associated with this synagogue owing to its Moorish revival architecture that can also be seen distinctly in the Alhambra in Spain. The ornate interiors of the synagogue just blew us away. This beautiful structure reminded me of the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Not-to-miss attraction! The pictures I had taken did not do justice to this stunning structure, hence I've picked a professionally clicked picture here. Powder Tower and Obecni Dum, Prague Municipal House Powder Tower is a beautiful Gothic gate that separates the New Town from the Old Town. The tower, I believe, dates back to the 1400s. Its exterior facade has been blackened over the years. In the early 18th Century, this tower was used to store gunpowder, hence the name. Right next to the Powder Gate is Obecni Dum, Prague Municipal House. Entry to the building is free. Inside Obecni Dum is Smetana Hall, one of the most popular concert halls in Prague. The structure is unbelievably beautiful and offers great photo opportunities. You can refer to their official website if you're interested in watching a concert. https://www.obecnidum.cz/ My Tip for You If you have the energy, walk up the Powder Tower's 150-plus steps, which are slightly uneven in some places but not very tedious to cover. The views you get all around are okay, nothing spectacular. You can spend the saved time along the river instead. So, that is Prague Old Town for you. You will need at least one day to cover this entire area at leisure. While in Prague Old Town Square, don't forget to taste Trdelník from one of the roadside eateries offering this delightful Czech pastry with ice cream, then sit on one of the benches around the square while you relish your dessert. If you visit Prague Old Town, do share your experience with me. For some more useful travel tips, click here

I have listed the top 6 attractions in the New Town. You can cover all of them in a day. The New Town is very well connected with all the other parts of Prague via trams and buses. Even if you decide to walk from the Old Town, it should only take about 15 to 18 minutes since both parts lie adjacent to each other. Top 6 Things to do in Nové Město, Prague New Town Wenceslas Square This is the most buzzing and happening part of Prague. It's so radically different from the Old Town yet has the same Prague vibe. Must plan to spend an evening around this area when the building of the National Museum is lit up. The area is very well connected by public transport. Statue of St. Wenceslas Right in front of the imposing, majestic structure of the National Museum is the statue of St. Wenceslas. St. Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia. Now, this beautiful bronze equestrian statue has become a national symbol of the Czech Republic. National Museum / Narodni Museum The stunning golden facade of the National Museum is a feast for the eyes. This massive complex houses 5 main institutes Museum of Natural Sciences The Historical Museum The Library of the National Museum The Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures The Czech Museum of Music There is a lot to do and see in this museum. I'd also read some great reviews about it. But we still gave it a miss because we had just one spare evening in Prague and we wanted to spend it loitering around Wenceslas Square. Needless to say, the museum complex is stunningly beautiful. One cannot take one's eyes off this magnificent building. But equally vibrant is this square in the evening. We tried an interesting-looking potato delicacy whose name I've forgotten (see picture below). And we tried some amazing Aperol Spritz at one of the restaurants on the square. Prague National Theatre Opera Just about an 18-minute walk away from Wenceslas Square is the National Theater Opera of Prague. Situated on the banks of the Vltava River, this stunning building had me intrigued from the moment we reached Prague. Its four majestic spires are visible from far and wide. Entry to the building is free, and you can also walk around the lobby for free. If you wish to see the auditorium, then you need to buy tickets for a show or a guided tour. Dancing House This house was the site of a US bombing in 1945, so the place has a lot of significance in the history of Prague. The house, also nicknamed Ginger and Fred, is located on the Vltava Riverfront. Is it worth going to see the Dancing House in Prague? We spent a great deal of time reaching the site of the Dancing House from Wenceslas Square, almost 20 mins by tram. I honestly did not find anything special to look out for. Just a tick off our list of attractions for sure. There is a rooftop cafe that can be reached by an elevator. If you buy something from the cafe, then the elevator is included, I think. Not too sure and did not bother to find out. A lot of people might like this kind of architecture, but I am not a fan of any quirky and twisted architectural contortions. No offence, but for me, it just looked like an eyesore in the beautiful medieval buildings all around. Rotating Head of Franz Kafka 42 panels of heavy stainless steel rotate in synced layers to create the face of Franz Kafka, the most renowned Czech writer. This is indeed a technological marvel. The panels move at regular intervals, so you will just have to wait it out and see for yourself. The bust, I later read, weighs 39 tons, and these moving panels are connected with kilometre-long cables and modules. My Tips for You This bust created by the Czech artist David Cerny is located in the heart of Prague 1, in the backyard of the OC Quadrio Shopping Centre. Tram 22 will take you to the tram stop right in front of this shopping centre. It's amazing to see the exact look of Franz Kafka taking shape as the metallic panels move. This is a must-watch attraction, in my opinion. Never seen anything like this anywhere else. You can see the entire New Town in a few hours unless, of course, you plan to see the National Museum from the inside. In that case, you must keep aside a day. I'd love to hear from you if you happen to visit the National Museum. Also, in the New Town of Prague, lies the world-famous Black Light Theatre. This amazing show was one of the highlights of our trip to the New Town, Prague https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-the-world-s-oldest-black-light-theatre-of-jiri-srnec-a-czech-speciality And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

If you've seen all of Prague's architectural marvels, are bored of visiting museums and are still left with a spare day, then make a day trip to this beautiful natural wonder in the Czech Republic called Bohemian Switzerland for an unforgettable outdoor experience! Things to Know about Bohemian Switzerland before your visit This is the site of the largest natural arch in Europe, called the Pravcická Brána Gate. This awe-inspiring gate made of natural sandstone rocks will take your breath away with its unique natural rock formations! This 80 square kilometre national park has towering cliffs, thick forests and lusty rivers that cut through the mountains to create steep gorges. The arch became famous, especially after being featured in the Hollywood film The Chronicles of Narnia. This national park is located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountain region in the northwestern part of the Czech Republic. The same region spreads adjacently into Germany and is then called Saxon Switzerland, as it falls in the state of Saxony near its capital city of Dresden. Many tour options are available that take you to both the Czech and German sides of the national park, although going on your own is also quite simple and much cheaper, of course! Interestingly, I visited Dresden as a student many years ago and went to Saxon Switzerland from there. I've shared my journey to the German part of this beautiful nature park https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/saxon-switzerland-day-trip-to-the-stunning-sandstone-mountains-on-the-east-end-of-germany Things to do in Bohemian Switzerland Ideally, one should spend 2 days in this mountainous paradise. There are plenty of options to stay in the nearby village of Hrensko. If you have 2 days, then you can explore more places in the national park .... a. Pravcická Brána Gate b. Kamenice Gorge and Edmund's Gorge c. Saunstejn Rock Castle d. Mary's Rock e. Tisa Rocks But if you're making a day trip as we did, then there is only one attraction that you will be able to cover in that time. And that attraction should be Pravcická Brána, the largest natural mountainous arch in Europe! How to Plan a Day Trip to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague Prague to Dečin We took an early morning train from Prague Hlavni Nadrazi Railway Station to Dečin. Dečin is pronounced as De-chin, I think! That's what I heard everyone call it. The train to Dečin runs every hour. It's 130 km from Prague and takes about 1 hour and 40 mins. I think this is the best way to go if you're going by public transport. Once you reach Dečin, look for the Tourist Information Centre that lies very close to the railway station in the same quarters. It's a good idea to understand the layout of the national park so that you can decide what you need to do and where you can start. We reached Dečin quite early, and there was no queue at all at the information centre. The lady at the counter did not speak fluent English, but she was extremely helpful as she charted out our entire walking trip of the day on a map of that area. The important thing is to ensure that you know the time of departure of the last bus from wherever you plan to return. Since we had just a day at our disposal and we had to catch a train back to Prague, we just stuck to the most important sightseeing in the park, which is the stone arch or Pravcická Brána Gate. Dečin to Hrensko We stepped out of the railway station and immediately boarded bus 434 in the direction of Hrensko. The bus runs every hour, and you can buy the tickets from the bus driver or from the train station too. In about 20 to 30 minutes, the bus dropped us off in the village of Hrensko, which is about 8 kilometres away, at the Pravcicka bus stop. From there, we started walking on the trek leading to Pravcická Brána. The hike from Hrensko to Pravcická Brána The hike starts from a road leading into the mountains. In 2022, a devastating fire burned most of the vegetation in the area. You will see a lot of burnt vegetation and tree stumps lying all around. As you walk further, the trail becomes mildly steep. The walking track meanders through beautiful mountain scenery. Indications are marked along the way, albeit in Czech and German only. You can enjoy the trek at your own pace as the chances of anyone getting lost on the trail are negligible. The trek should last about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. As you reach the last leg of the trek, you will see quite a few steps to climb. They will take you to the final viewing point of the arch. Adjacent to the massive rock wall of the arch is a building with tilted red roofs called the Falcon's Nest. It's constructed in the Swiss Chalet style and is precariously located on the side of the rock. It used to be a royal residence and now has a restaurant. Finally, at the foot of the arch I almost gasped in awe the moment this majestic natural formation fell within my line of sight. The arch is 16 m high and about 26 m wide. There is a small cafe under the arch, which serves a very limited menu but has a lot of seating space. We saw a lot of people eating their packed lunches also. Toilets in the facility are underground and are free to use. There are many intriguing pathways and steps leading to a lot of viewing platforms all around. You can get glorious views of the arch from many of them and of the mountainous valley all around. We tried to cover all of them; some of them have steep steps, and some have uneven rocky trails. If you have problems walking, then they are best avoided. You will see stunning rock formations all around Practical Tips for Visiting Bohemian Switzerland The hike to Pravcická Brána can be done in a loop, that is, from Hrensko to Pravcická Brána and back. This is the simplest way to see the arch in one day, especially if you're planning to come back to Prague the same evening. The trek is medium steep and can be done by anyone with a good level of fitness. After the fire of 2022, the ferry boat ride and some more treks were temporarily closed when we visited the park in July 2023. Please refer to the official website https://www.pbrana.cz/en/ to learn more about any updated information. Please remember, the signage in Czech or German only. So, try to get a good idea about how and what needs to be done before starting on the trail. Our last picture before our return journey in front of one of the viewing platforms with Pravcická Brána in the background! And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

Away from the overtly touristy crowd of Prague is the beautiful, quaint town of Kutná Hora, an ideal getaway from Prague for a day of sightseeing. If you're planning on a day trip from Prague, then this memoir will give you all the important details about this church, how to reach it and things to do in Kutná Hora on a day trip. I'd read some exciting things about the Sedlec Ossuary, made with over 40,000 human bones! I'm sure this fact is enough to catch anyone's fancy...... A roadside bistro welcoming guests with a human skeleton at its entrance! What is special about Kutná Hora? Kutná Hora is more than just the Bone Castle. As the legend goes, towards the end of the 13th century, a monk discovered a silver stick jutting out of the ground. He covered it with his habit and ran to spread the word around that he had spotted silver deposits in the town. Kutná in Czech means a monk's habit, and Hora means mountain; thus, the town came to be called Kutná Hora. Soon, German miners from the neighbouring states started pouring in to work in the silver mines. By the turn of the century, Kutná Hora had become a prominent silver mining hub and a very prosperous town in the Kingdom of Bohemia. Over the years, the town witnessed many wars and political upheavals and exchanged hands between dynasties. By the end of the 18th century, the mines were abandoned, and the town of the 'Silver Rush' had lost its power and charm. But even today, you can see a reflection of its prosperous past in the beautiful Gothic and Baroque architecture of its buildings. Things to know before visiting Kutná Hora Direct trains for Kutná Hora leave Prague every two hours every morning. You can easily buy tickets on the day of travel. Tickets cost about 120 CZK one way. The train ride takes about an hour to cover a distance of 83 kilometres. Remember, if you buy a return ticket from Prague for a day trip to Kutná Hora, then you can use the local transport in Kutná Hora for free for a day. Make it a point to enquire about Prague Integrated Transport tickets (PID) at the ticket counter in Prague while buying tickets. We contemplated going with a tour operator to save time, but then decided against it. And gladly so! Because then we would have missed the leisurely loitering around in this quaint, pretty town that is an attraction in itself. The town lacks a touristy vibe; it's quiet and laid back, which translates into fewer crowds. Once you reach Kutná Hora, get off at the main train station called Kutná Hora Hlavní Nádraží with the acronym hl.n. This station falls on the main line. If you want to go to the city centre first, then you will have to take a connecting local train to Kutná Hora Mesto or Town. This ride will be included in your ticket. I'd read on many forums about changing trains at the main station to go to Kutná Hora Mesto or Town, which is the city centre, from where most people start their sightseeing. I feel that changing trains to go to the city centre first is pointless when one can start sightseeing by getting down at the main train station. This way, you save valuable time. Get down at the main station and start walking towards the city. A 15-minute walk through the city will take you to the first point in your sightseeing itinerary, i.e., the Church of the Assumption of our Lady or the Sedlec Cathedral. Right across the road from this church is the booking centre where you can buy combined tickets for the church, the Bone Chapel and St. Barbara's Cathedral. Also, toilets and drinking water are available here. You can see many tourists filling up their water bottles for the day ahead. Things to do on a day trip from Prague to Kutná Hora Sedlec Cathedral or The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady This church will fall first on your way if you plan to walk from the main train station into town, as I've mentioned earlier in this post. The church is 700 years old and very well maintained for that. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is fairly simple to look at from the outside. It combines Baroque and Gothic architectural styles with beautiful frescoes adorning its ceiling. My Tip for You This is an active community church, nothing spectacular, but a nice way to start your day in Kutná Hora. As we entered the church, a detailed pamphlet was handed over to us with details of its history and many baroque vaults. I found this quite insightful. It was a very peaceful place, and we saw a lot of people sitting inside enjoying the serenity. Sedlec Ossuary or Bone Chapel Just about a 10-minute walk away from the Sedlec Cathedral is the Bone Chapel, the highlight of your trip to Kutná Hora. It falls within the Sedlec Abbey, below the Cemetery Church of All Saints. You will see many tourists walking towards the church in an otherwise quiet town. The structure of the church looks unassuming from the outside. There is a cemetery on top. A broad staircase will lead you into the chapel. The story behind this church goes back to the 13th century, when a monk went to Jerusalem and brought back some sacred soil to Sedlec. This miracle soil was believed to decompose a human body within 3 days after burial. As the word spread, the cemetery became a popular burial ground. Thousands of burials took place here during the plague. In the late 19th century, the local community started building a church. As they started digging, thousands of human bones started piling up. A local woodcarver started to arrange these bones in decorative patterns that slowly took the shape of what the church looks like today. There are strings of human skulls adorning the gateways, a chandelier that has every possible human bone, and even a family crest made of bones can be seen. My Tip for You Many people might think that an old Gothic church decorated with human bones located below a cemetery might be creepy. On the contrary, I think it was really artistic. We have never seen anything like this before. There is a calmness around this place. At the most, it can make some people morose. This can also be attributed to the fact that this place does not have any dark, sinister history. No wars and no bloodshed behind this cemetery. Photography is strictly prohibited. The personnel at the counter at the entrance keep a strict vigil on the tourists. No Photographs, no touching the bones and nowhere are you allowed to sit. I took these photos from the gallery on top of the church, where an AV plays on a loop about how the church was built. For me, seeing the Bone Chapel was totally worth the visit. St. Barbara's Cathedral Once you're finished seeing the Bone Chapel, walk back in the direction of the Sedlec Cathedral. Once you reach the road, turn left towards the Bus stop. There are buses to the City Centre every 15 minutes. Your ticket PID should be valid on all local buses. St Barbara's Cathedral is close to the City Centre. Its Gothic spires are visible from a long way off as you make your way uphill to reach it. St. Barbara is the Patron Saint of miners. Construction of this magnificent church started in the 1300s when the town of Kutná Hora was at its peak of prosperity because of its silver mines. It took 600 years for this church to be completed. The baroque interiors of the cathedral are exquisite, with their large stained glass windows that are a sight to behold. Be prepared to be awed by its majestic frescoes. My Tip for You This church should be on your must-see list of attractions. Architecture-wise, it's easily comparable to the iconic St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Just keep a few things in mind before your visit, though. Opening timings of the church keep changing if there are any cultural events taking place. Please check the official website of the parish before your visit. http://www.khfarnost.cz If you want a guided tour, then you have to make bookings at least 2 weeks in advance. If you land there just as we did, you can rent an English audio guide, or there are descriptive pamphlets available. We took the pamphlets. They were not as much fun as the audio guide, but they served the purpose of providing information. Plague Column of the Virgin Mary Immaculate Just a 10-minute walk away from St. Barbara's Cathedral is the Plague Column. This beautiful column is very close to the main square. It was constructed in the 18th century in memory of plague victims. There is a nice cafe around the corner here with benches for people to sit. One can spend some quiet time looking at the intricate carvings on the column. Stone Fountain on Rejsek Square Walk onto a street called Husova for about 4 minutes to reach this beautiful Gothic fountain. It was used as a water reservoir in the 15th century. If you have time, stay till sundown when the fountain is lit up. Czech Silver Museum A little way up from St Barbara's Cathedral is the Czech Silver Museum. It's located in the Hradek building, also called Little Castle. There are two routes available for tourists to explore - The Town of Silver and the Journey of Silver. The former route tells you about the history of silver mining in Kutná Hora, and the latter route takes you through the medieval silver mines. My Tip for You We were not aware of this museum before our visit. I learnt about this not-to-miss experience in Kutná Hora after a whole day of wandering around the city. The last English tour of the day had left by then, and we were too tired for any more walking around. Remember, if you're interested in seeing the silver mines, then make prior bookings for the tour of your choice. The only thing one needs to keep in mind is that underground silver mines can be quite claustrophobic for some people. So, this is Kutná Hora for you. This small town will not disappoint you. You can take my word for it! There are some more attractions like the Italian Court, which served as a mint in the Middle Ages. It is also a popular tourist destination for its demonstration of the process of coin-making. If you have time and the inclination, then go for it. A lot of people want to know if staying in Kutná Hora is a good idea. In my personal opinion, spending a day in Kutná Hora is enough. My only advice is that one should start quite early from Prague and try to cover the town as much as possible. Do share your experience with me if you visit Kutná Hora. I'll be happy to hear from you! And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

The mention of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, conjures up images of old medieval buildings with spires jutting into the skies and old bridges spanning lusty rivers with arches and domes ... but Prague is more than merely its magnificent architecture. This bustling city is also home to a rich, vibrant cultural scene, and the Black Light Theatre is one of the most celebrated art forms that the Czechs have given to the world. Black Light Theatre of Jiri Srnec is named after its founder, Jiri Srnec, who established this unique art form in 1961 in Prague. Since then, the theatre has performed in various countries around the world and has earned the distinction of being the oldest Black Light Theatre in the world! What is Black Light Theatre Black light theatre is a dramatic art form that uses a pitch-black stage background to create the illusion of moving images. Black curtains create the darkened look of the stage. The audience can only see the fluorescent props and the colourfully attired performers moving around the stage for the act. What they cannot see are the stage artists, also dressed in black, who hold and move these props per the script's directions. What makes this show spectacular is the ease with which these movements and plastic props are brought to life on stage. The theatre setting is nothing extravagant, but the art form surely is.... Is it worth visiting the Black Light Theatre in Prague I'd read some pretty bad reviews about the show on some forums; some people claimed that the show was sexist, while others found fault with the seating arrangements at the venue. We were dissuaded by the reviews and might have given the show a miss, but we wanted to see this world's oldest art form for ourselves. And I am so glad we went. The experience was unique, if not out-of-this-world! The small auditorium has a capacity of about 100 or a little more. There is a small stage. You will not see any fancy acoustics and elaborate decorations on the walls, just pictures of artists and performers. The 90-minute show is non-verbal; it uses only moving props synced with lively music that adds to the zing. The plots of the acts are simple and hilarious. There is some crude humour at places, but I wouldn't call it sexist or cheap; it's just simple laughter gimmicks. The performance of the actors, the dances, and the music is lively. They create quite a buzz with their agile movements on the small stage. Seating is free, so try to arrive on time to grab a seat in the front rows. We reached quite early but took a seat somewhere in the middle. We were not sure which seats would be ideal, and then had to see the entire show with heads popping everywhere. Photography is not prohibited, but patrons mostly refrain from making videos during the show as it creates disturbance. I made a small video for the sake of reference only. The venue is a bit difficult to find although it's quite centrally located in Prague. The metro line B stops close by, and there is a tram stop also around the corner. We reached the area easily but had a lot of difficulty finding the entrance to this venue since there are a lot of theatres in that area. We were expecting a big theatre kind of structure, but Jiri Srnec Black Light Theatre is inside a small, unassuming door leading to a hallway and further downstairs into the auditorium. Once you know this, then locating the venue should not be difficult. If you have an evening free in Prague, then going to watch a black light show can be a fun thing to do. It's also a great way for families to spend time. You can read more about this art form on the official website of Jiri Srnec Black Light Theatre by clicking on the link below- https://www.srnectheatre.com/eng/node/148 And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

The old legendary fortress of Vyšehrad can be an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Prague on a bright sunny day. Vyšehrad in Czech translates into Upper Castle in English. Perched high on a massive rock called Vyšehrad, the fortress offers magnificent views of the Vltava River, probably the best in Prague, from the top of the castle. This 10th-century fortress was the seat of Czech kings. By the 17th century, it started serving as a military fortress. Now, this mammoth fortress is considered a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic and offers many interesting historical monuments inside a public park. How to reach Vyšehrad Fortress in Prague The castle is about 6 kilometres south of Prague city centre. The easiest way to get to the castle is by Metro Line C. Get off at the Vyšehrad Station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the castle. If you have to take a tram, don't mind hiking up. Get off at the tram station Vyton, right across the road below the castle. You will have to take the stairs to reach the castle. If you get off at the tram stop Albertov, then you will have to take a short, steep climb through a residential colony to reach the Brick Gate of the castle. This is what we had to do due to a lack of more research on the day of our visit. Getting around Vyšehrad Fortress in Prague Entry to the fortress and its sprawling gardens and ramparts is free. You must buy tickets for the individual monuments, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul and the Gorlice Casemates. Mind you, if you wish to take the guided tour of the fortress, make bookings a week in advance in the language of your choice. The official website is https://www.prague.eu/en There are many things to do around this fortress. It's a good idea to do some basic research about the fortress before the visit. As you enter the gate to the fortress, climb the steps on the right to reach the famous Vyšehrad Cemetery. The cemetery has 600 graves of famous Czech nationals, poets, sculptors and artists. There is a common tomb of some well-known Czech nationals called the Slavin Tomb. The tomb is adorned with a beautiful sarcophagus with inscriptions on it. One can never imagine a cemetery to be so stunning. We spent a great deal of time looking at the marvellous structures. From the cemetery, walk towards the Fortress Park. You will see families lazing around or having a picnic in this place. The area is very peaceful and is adorned with six amazing stone statues, each of them a marvel of its own. These statues are historically important because I believe they were moved here to save them from the Nazis. From the park, you can walk to the Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul. This Neo-Gothic structure has a stunning outer facade. The basilica is famous for its paintings in the Art Nouveau style, the most prominent being the panel painting of the Virgin Mary of Rain. Tips for Visiting Vyšehrad Fortress in Prague Take the metro line if possible. That way, you can avoid the tedious hike up to the castle. Plan your trip on a bright day to get stunning views from the top. Keep some extra time on hand to see the basilica and the casements. The area is not very touristy, so you can easily buy tickets there itself, depending on the time you have. For guided tours, though, you need to make advance bookings. You will have to buy a ticket if you wish to enter the basilica. Tickets are available at the counter next to it. From the basilica, we walked to the Rotunda of St Martin. This is an 11th-century small chapel built on a circular platform and is today the oldest preserved Romanesque-style monument in all of Prague. Vyšehrad Fortress also houses the famous Casemates, a complex system of underground passages in the ramparts of the fortress where troops could move without being noticed. There is a large underground room called the Gorlice. The highlight of this room is that it has six of the original statues of Charles Bridge preserved here. The Casemates can be seen only as part of a guided tour of the Casemates and the Gorlice Hall. If you have time, then go for it. You can also make online bookings in advance. We gave this tour a miss since we had reached Prague from Austria after seeing many magnificent castles like the Hohensalzburg in Salzburg, so we'd had our fill of castles. The Vyšehrad Fortress offers splendid views of the entire city of Prague from the top of its ramparts. We got to witness some amazing views of the river and the city... Stunning vistas of the Vltava River from the top of Vyšehrad Castle And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here

A visit to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, famously known as the Killing Fields, is an unsettling experience, to say the least. Unsettling, because it brings to the fore the vulnerability and fragility of the political systems we live in and take so much for granted. The fact that one man, a political despot, Pol Pot, could steer a civil revolution to the point where almost three million innocent Cambodians were killed mercilessly by their own people within a span of four years, from 1975 to 1979, is baffling. The external link that I've pasted above will give you an insight into the ideology that went into this movement, although no ideology can justify the brutality that was meted out to the Cambodian people, including young children and infants. Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre....These pictures below speak for themselves... After spending about an hour at the Genocide Centre, we headed to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Also known as Security Prison 21 under the infamous Khmer Rouge regime, this was a secondary school which got converted into an interrogation and detention centre. The regime followed a policy of guilt-by-association, so entire families of suspects were held hostage here, including young children. At the time of the downfall of the Khmer Rouge regime, four children from this facility made it out alive. On your visit, you can meet three of those four survivors, interact with them and read their heart-rending memoirs in the books they've written about their ordeals at the detention centre. We learnt from our guide that these survivors come to the centre every day to share their haunting memories and let the world know what happened in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge regime. Visiting Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh Opt for a conducted tour Although you can visit the centre on your own, to truly comprehend the nature and extent of this mindless massacre, a local guide is required. Most travel platforms offer half-day tours to both of these sites, costing between USD 20.00 and USD 25.00 per person for a 4-hour round trip. In case you do not opt for a tour, then an audio guide is available for information about the exhibits. Mind your Dress code and Etiquette The mood around the Genocide Centre and the Museum is very sombre. Visitors are expected to behave and dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. If you are wearing something that doesn't adhere to the dress code, you can rent scarves and sarongs from the ticket counter for a nominal fee. Some of the sites are ghastly and unsettling, as I've mentioned earlier. If you're overtly sensitive, then please use your discretion before visiting. The museum has issued an age recommendation for visitors, as per the advisory, exhibits are inappropriate for visitors aged less than 14 years. Photography at the sites is allowed, but visitors are expected to do so with sensitivity and maintain decorum. Some pics from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The atmosphere, both at the Genocide Centre and the Museum, is very grim. The moans of the innocent victims of this genocide have died down, but the pain of human suffering still hangs in the air, along with the human spirit that refuses to die down, even in the face of such extreme violence.

The Royal Palace of Cambodia in Phnom Penh is a perfect example of classic Khmer architecture. The palace was built by King Norodom in 1866 and then rebuilt between 1912 and 1932. Located on the confluence of the Rivers Tonle Sap and Mekong, the palace, with its tall golden spires, gilded roof tops that shimmer in the bright Cambodian sun, and delightfully ornate interiors, creates a mesmerising visual treat. It is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Despite the opulence and grandeur of the palace, there is a calm serenity in the air that is very refreshing. King Norodom Sihamoni is believed to be a quiet king who strictly adheres to Buddhist principles. It's this austerity that gets reflected in the overall ambience of the palace. The Royal Palace of Cambodia: Things to Remember before Visiting the Palace The palace is open to the public on all days from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Since it is the official residence of the King of Cambodia, the palace is closed to the public for official ceremonies. Please check their official website before planning your visit. Being the official residence of the king, tourists are allowed to visit only the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda. King's private living quarters are out of bounds for the public. The entry ticket to the palace is 10.00 USD for all foreign nationals. There's a lot of history that precedes the palace, so hiring a local guide is a good idea. Charges for the guide are 10.00 USD for a conducted tour of the Throne Hall, the Armoury or the Museum, Pavilion of Napoleon III, and the Silver Pagoda with its famous Emerald Buddha, which lies on the same premises across the gated complex. As I've mentioned in my earlier Cambodia blogs, please dress modestly for your palace visit, covering your shoulders and knees. This signage at the entrance to the palace says it all... This is the venerated Throne Hall where official ceremonies like coronations and other royal occasions are celebrated. I saw some locals bowing in front of the throne where the king presides, even though the king was not in the palace at that time. Photography of the Throne Hall is strictly prohibited; tourists trying to click pictures, even from the outside, are looked at with a lot of disdain, so all I could click was this picture and a small video. To sum up, I'd say the Royal Palace should be top of your must-see attractions in Phnom Penh, you will not only get to see a gloriously ornate edifice but will also get a glimpse into the Cambodian culture and Khmer architecture.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, offers an eclectic mix of Khmer culture, French colonial architecture and a deep dive into the gruesome past of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime. This blog will give you a list of the Top Ten attractions in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian Capital. Phnom Penh, the Cambodian Capital: Important Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers The easiest way to travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh is by road. If you hire a cab, you'll have to pay USD 95.00 for a 6-hour ride. Public transport, like a bus, will cost only USD 8.00 for a one-way trip. Phnom Penh is crowded, and at times, it can be chaotic. When planning to visit various sites, allow extra time to avoid traffic. Owing to massive traffic, Phnom Penh is also quite polluted. Wearing a face mask can be a lifesaver. Many sights, like the Genocide Museum and Centre in Phnom Penh, follow a very strict dress code for visitors. This is done as a mark of respect to the victims of genocide. The same strict rules apply to the Royal Palace, too. I've written my top 10 takeaways from my Cambodia trip in a blog post, pasting the link for your reference https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/top-10-takeaways-from-my-cambodia-trip Top Ten Attractions in Phnom Penh 01 Royal Palace of Cambodia We were awestruck by the Royal Palace; it oozes grandeur and excellent craftsmanship. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-visit-to-the-royal-palace-of-cambodia 02 Silver Pagoda On the south side of the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, considered to be a masterpiece built by King Norodom in 1892 and rebuilt in 1962. In front of the Pagoda is a beautiful miniature replica of the famous Angkor Wat. (see picture below) It has earned the name Silver Pagoda owing to its stunning silver-tiled floor made of over 5 tonnes of shining silver, although you can see only a part of it since most of it is covered by a carpet. The most striking feature of the pagoda is the Emerald Buddha, a beautiful crystal sculpture, perched on a high gilded pedestal in the center of this grand pagoda. The opulent interiors include many stunning solid gold idols of Buddha studded with diamonds and precious stones, old relics and traditional masks. My Tip for You The Silver Pagoda is a must-see attraction in Cambodia, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer civilisation. Please note that the entrance to the pagoda is from the side; there are two beautiful white-coloured Stupas on both sides of the Silver Pagoda that will instantly catch your attention. The pagoda is a beautiful, large edifice, as shown in the picture above. You will be expected to take off your shoes before entering to maintain the serene decorum of the place. Photography is strictly prohibited inside. As you can see, even the video I shot outside has only a fleeting shot of the entrance of the pagoda. 03 Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre The Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, one of the many 'Killing Fields', is a place where the Khmer Rouge regime slaughtered over a million innocent Cambodians under their infamous leader, Pol Pot. This blog will give you an insight into this dark era of Cambodian history https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/choeung-ek-genocidal-centre-and-tuol-sleng-genocide-museum-in-phnom-penh 04 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is built at the site of a former secondary school, which was converted into Security Prison 21 under the Khmer Rouge regime. Seeing the museum is an experience that will stay with you for a long time https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/choeung-ek-genocidal-centre-and-tuol-sleng-genocide-museum-in-phnom-penh 05 Mekong River Cruise Phnom Penh lies on the confluence of the Rivers Mekong and Tonle Sap. A 2-hour cruise on the river will take you along the beautiful city skyline. There are options available for dinner cruises, sunset cruises, with dinner and drinks, and without. That is to say, tourists are spoiled for choice! Since there is a plethora of cruise options, the prices also vary significantly. An evening cruise can cost anywhere from USD 20 to USD 80, with additional costs ranging up to USD 200, depending on the add-ons. My Tip for You We opted for a 2-hour evening cruise. It was a lot of fun, and the staff were extremely polite. They had organised a small live music show with traditional Cambodian melodies and dance. The food was also delicious and served with a lot of warmth. My verdict is that if you have spare time, go for it to spend a lively evening along the riverfront. 06 National Museum of Cambodia If your visit to Angkor Wat has sparked your curiosity about Cambodian heritage, consider visiting the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The museum has the largest collection of historical and archaeological artefacts in Cambodia that showcase the artistic brilliance of the Khmer rulers. The imposing outer façade of this beautiful structure, featuring an earthy red terracotta roof and red sandstone pillars, can be spotted from a distance. Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose Located in Chey Chumneas, very close to the Royal Palace, the museum houses an impressive collection of Khmer sculptures from the Angkor and pre-Angkor eras. My Tip for you Entry fee to the museum is USD 10.00, which can be paid only in cash. Keep aside at least an hour and a half to see the entire museum. It is wheelchair friendly since most of its collection is on the same floor, divided into sections. There is a beautiful green compound in the centre of the museum with a small cafeteria for refreshments, which is a good place to relax. There is no air conditioning anywhere, and it can get very hot in the afternoon. However, this is a good time to explore the museum, as it is not crowded at all. Also, the museum is relatively small. There were no audio guides available, which was a downside, although there were plaques with information about the collections. My word is, don't come to this museum expecting a swanky hi-tech venue; it's a simple place with great collectables that, in a way, reflect the simplicity of the people of Cambodia. If you wish to explore more about the myriad collections of artefacts in the museum, please refer to the official website https://www.cambodiamuseum.info/ 07 Sisowath Riverside Park The Sisowath Riverside Park is a good way to spend a lazy evening strolling along the riverfront. You'll see roadside vendors selling coconut water and flowers. 08 Independence Monument This beautiful lotus-shaped stupa stands in the heart of Phnom Penh at the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevard. It was built in 1958 to mark the independence of Cambodia from France in 1953. 09 Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Also called the Statue of the King Father Norodom Sihanouk, it is located in a Memorial Park, very close to the Independence Monument. The statue is relatively new, built only in 2013. 010 Wat Phnom Daun Penh Wat Phnom is also known as the Mountain Pagoda, and it is the most important Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. The temple was built in 1372 on a small hill, and a broad staircase leads up to a small temple on the lower floor. On top of the hill is a big statue of Buddha. My Tip for You A visit to the temple will give you very interesting insights into the Cambodian culture and their religious traditions, since this is an active place of worship. We saw a couple making offerings of meat chunks and eggs to 3 lion statues at the entrance of the temple. These lions, I later learnt, are considered to be the guardians of the temple who watch over it and ward off evil spirits. The offerings people keep in front of the lions are primarily for the temple. To sum it up, Phnom Penh is a city that serves Cambodian culture and history on a platter; all one has to do is lap it up!! Before coming to Phnom Penh, we'd spent 3 rocking days in Siem Reap, seeing the magnificent Angkor Wat. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/unlock-the-magic-of-siem-reap-cambodia-top-10-not-to-miss-attractions

Spending an evening at Phare, the Cambodian circus, is one of the most fun things you can do in Siem Reap. Think circus, you think of acrobats and trapeze artists swinging from one end of the rope to another, and trained lions and tigers, doing their masters' bidding and so on. But Phare is different; no conventional circus stunts, yet its simple and endearing performances are fun to watch. Added to it is the knowledge that all this is being done for a good cause. About Phare and the Good Cause As I've mentioned earlier, this is not a conventional circus, but what you get is a heady mix of humour, acrobatics, storytelling, comedy and energetic live music. Most of the performers are quite young, and their raw energy during this one-hour-long performance is infectious. And now the good cause....Cambodia has a long history of civil war and the trauma it caused under the Khmer Rouge regime, leaving the country and its people in complete disarray. In a bid to help out other young people, nine teenage refugees who had received art therapy in refugee camps founded the Phare Ponleu Selpak Association in 1994. This non-profit arts and circus school supports the community through art and social support programs and offers free education to children who are in dire need of it. In March 2021, Phare Circus won the Guinness World Record for the longest circus performance lasting 24 hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds ...phew! This was a fundraising effort during the COVID pandemic to raise awareness about the NGO. Phare Circus, Siem Reap: Essential Visitor Information There is only one daily show of one hour at 8:00 pm. It's best to buy tickets beforehand online from the official website of the circus https://pharecircus.org/ or third-party vendors like GetYourGuide.com to ensure that you can catch the show on the day of your choice. I saw many buses full of tourists arriving at the venue. Seating is done section-wise. There are 3 Sections: A, B and C, with tickets starting from USD 18.00. Section A is the premium one. In my opinion, you can buy tickets for any section, whichever is available, and you will get a clear view from every angle because the venue is small and compact. The only advantage of sitting right in the front could be that the performers engage with the audience, at times, which can be fun. One could plan to reach the venue a bit early; there is a cafeteria that serves drinks and snacks (paid, of course!). To keep the people who are waiting for the show occupied, a casual song and dance performance takes place every evening on a small stage outside. There's also a nice souvenir shop at the entrance where you can buy some fun merchandise. Overall, Phare is a great experience, a pleasant evening that celebrates Cambodian culture and the warmth and resilience of its people.

Located about 60 km from Siem Reap, Kulen National Park is a protected area spanning 37,000 hectares in Cambodia, popular for its natural beauty and cultural significance. A visit to this natural park is unlike any other national park you would have seen anywhere else. Things to Know Before You Visit Kulen National Park, Siem Reap Spare at least 4 to 5 hours for your visit to the park. The approach road to the national park from Siem Reap goes through scenic hilly terrain and countryside. You will see many tourists stopping en route to take pictures of the scenery around. So, don't rush it. Entry to the park and its attractions for Cambodian nationals is free. However, foreign nationals have to buy a ticket for USD 20.00. The park has two glorious waterfalls, a small one that flows into the big one over a hill. There is a wee bit rickety stairway that leads to the big waterfall, but the trek is very short and doable. The view of the waterfall you get at the end of this trek would be well worth your effort. The national park has three main attractions, which I have discussed in detail below. Just remember to keep the waterfall section towards the end of your day. After walking around the park in the sweltering heat, a dip in the cool pool of these waterfalls will feel heavenly. You will see most tourists opting to take the plunge. There is a changing facility close to the waterfall, nothing fancy, but extremely useful, run by locals. For a nominal amount, you can store your clothes and valuables and even hire t-shirts and swimwear. Things to do in Kulen National Park, Siem Reap 1000 Lingas at the Kbal Spean River Also known as the River of 1000 Lingas, the Kbal Spean River has 1000 intricately carved stone lingas. Lingas refer to the phallic symbol representing the Hindu God Shiva. According to local belief, these lingas symbolise divine energy, and as the water of the river flows over them, it becomes sanctified. This water is used to irrigate the paddy fields around the park. You could start your day at the park from here. There is a parking facility very close to the river; you will have to walk a few steps to reach the river site. Preah Ang Thom This is a sacred Buddhist shrine frequented by the local people and tourists alike. The shrine can be reached through a broad staircase, where a huge idol of Buddha in a reclining pose will greet you. Phnom Kulen Waterfall There are two waterfalls, as I've mentioned earlier. Both are equally stunning, with gushing cool water that collects in inviting pools. We had not planned on getting into the water, but after having spent half a day under the scorching sun, this was too good a prospect to miss. This here is Kulen National Park for you, where you can spend a day amidst lush green surroundings and a waterfall as the icing on the cake!