 PHNOM
PENH AND AROUND |
The capital of Cambodia was established
in 1431 by King Pohnea Yat. Phnom Penh is
conveniently located on the banks where
four rivers converge, the Upper Mekong,
Lower Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac;
a location known in Cambodia as Chaktomuk,
or four faces.
Phnom Penh was named after Lady Penh, who
founded it in 1372. Phnom in the Khmer language
means hill. This first establishment did
not last long, however, as the status of
capital city was bestowed upon other cities
(Nokor Phnom, Angkor, Longvek, Srey Suthor
and Oudang) before returning to Phnom Penh
- the country's sixth capital - at the end
of 19th century to the present day.
Covering an area of 41 square kilometers,
Phnom Penh is the major political, economic,
cultural, communication and tourism center
for both domestic and international services.
Modern development and planning took place
after independence in 1953, with the addition
of tree lined avenues, gardens with fountains
and several distinctive monuments reflecting
the city's new found sense of freedom.
Modern day Phnom Penh is a bustling city
and new construction projects abound as
demand for new housing and office space
keeps growing. It therefore comes as no
surprise to discover that Phnom Penh is
a charming mix of ancient monuments and
modern landmarks. It is interesting to note
that only about 10 percent (1.3 million)
of Cambodians live in this city.
Phnom Penh's many attractions include:
THE ROYAL PALACE
Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Royal
Palace is now home to His Majesty Preah
Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King
of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Preah Reach
Akka Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk,
Queen of Cambodia. The Palace consists of
a number of structures set within a pagoda-style
compound. An awe-inspiring sight, the throne
room in the main building, has a tiered
roof topped by a 59-meter tower.
SILVER PAGODA
Located within the Royal Palace compound,
the Silver Pagoda is so named because of
its floor, which is made up of 5,000 solid
silver tiles. The treasures include a 90
kilogram solid gold Buddha encrusted with
9,584 diamonds, and a small 17th century
emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
WAT PHNOM
Wat Phnom Temple is a famous city landmark.
This symbol of Phnom Penh was built in 1434
to house sacred relics. Today Wat Phnom
remains the highest hill in Phnom Penh and
is the centre of many forms of leisure activities.
INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
The monument commemorates the end of Cambodia's
rule by France in 1953. The Naga snake motif
can be seen in historic, cultural and modern
day business contexts, as a symbol of the
country. It's also used to commemorate the
soul of fallen combatants who laid down
their lives for freedom of the country.
|
MARKETS
A shopping spree starts at the local markets,
and Phnom Penh has many of them. The huge
yellow domed Central Market (Phsar Thmey)
is the place to find gold and silver jewellery.
Olympic Market offers some antiques amongst
replica pieces. Intricate stone and woodcarvings,
hand woven silk, and silverware are just
some of the bargains to be found at Toul
Tom Poung, also commonly referred to as
the Russian Market. Visitors should remember
to be relaxed when bargaining, and enjoy
themselves.
| FOOD
AND RESTAURANTS |
Food in Cambodia is cheap and very diversified,
from the little restaurants in the street
where you can enjoy delicious noodle to
some upper restaurants from any origin.
We have provided you with a quick list of
the more appreciated by our teams.
Restaurants:
Khmer Surin, St. 53; speciality of Khmer
and Thai food (not to miss: Amok Fish and
fried Spring rolls)
Shiva Shakti, Sihanouk Blvd; Indian Cuisine
(not to miss; mixed platters at lunch time)
Le Louisiane; French food in a relax atmosphere
(not to miss live music on Tuesdays and
Saturdays.)
To have a drink:
The lounge, Sisowath Quay; affectionate
by expatriates and travellers, DJ's on Week-ends
and live Jazz on Sundays.
Talking to a Stranger, St. 218; nice music
and terrace to enjoy the dynamic ambiance
created by the amazing staff.
Factory, St. 240; a friendly place, to play
pool and enjoy a cocktail.
| AROUND
PHNOM PENH |
On a weekend or on a round tour, there
is plenty to discover close to the capital
city.
PROHM TONLE BATI
This 13th century temple, built by King
Jayavarman VII, was dedicated to Brahmanism
and Buddhism. Located in Bati District,
Takeo Province, 35 km south of Phnom Penh,
it can be reached via Road No.2.
PHNOM CHISO
An 11th century mountain temple, built of
laterite, brick and sandstone. The mountain
stands 100 meters high with two-stone stairways.
One can climb to the top (approx. 30 minutes)
via the western stair consisting of 206
steps. The northern stairway, consisting
of 434 steps, takes about one hour to climb.
This mountain temple can be reached via
Road No.2.
PHNOM OUDONG
Situated in Ponhea Leu District, Kandal Province,
45 km north of Phnom Penh, Phnom Oudong can
be reached via Road No.5. Phnom Oudong is
rich in cultural heritage and was the capital
city from 1618 to 1866.
KOH DACH
An island, located approximately 30 km along
the Mekong River from Phnom Penh. On Koh Dach
one can visit a silk weaving village and watch
the dyeing and weaving of silk on traditional
looms. The island is also famous for its handcraft
production including pottery, osier craftwork,
woodcarving, painting and jewelry cutting.
Koh Dach can be reached via Road No.6A and
then by taking a small ferry. It is a scenic
route along the Mekong River, with many fishing
villages.
The editorial content of this section has
been entirely provided by the Ministry of
Tourism, Kingdom of Cambodia |
