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Phnom Penh Inside Out |
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Phnom Penh became the capital of Cambodia in 1866 when King Norodom moved from Udong to Phnom Penh (see our history of Cambodia). Phnom Penh consisted at that time only of a few houses and tatched huts on the river and a number of pagodas that reflected a successful past. This was the second time in history that Phnom Penh figured as capital of the country. The first time was when king Ponhea Yat moved his government from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422.The French added a distinctive character to the city while overseeing the construction of several buildings in the classical Khmer style and several dozen grand residences for the French administrators, many of which still exist. The adaptation of French architecture to Cambodian life-styles has given a unique and elegant atmosphere to Phnom Penh. On April 17 1975, the Khmer Rouge marched into the city and relocated the entire population within a week. For three years, eight months and twenty days the city was changed into a ghost town. Phnom Penh is rebuilding itself and healing its wounds. Changes happen at unbelievable speed, in the capital much faster than in the country side. Will this city be once again the pearl of French Indochina as it was before the destabilising effects of the Vietnam war and US policies brought the country destruction and devastation?
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As the capital, it is the political and commercial centre of the country, and the city is home to over one million people. Although for what sightseeing is concerned, Cambodia's major attraction is Siem Reap with the ancient capital of Angkor, Phnom Penh also has plenty to offer to the culture-vulture, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the excellent National Museum. Phnom Penh is situated at the confluence of the Tonle Sab river and the Bassac river in the Mekong at a location known as Chaktomuk, meaning four faces. The Mekong is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing 4,200 kilometres from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet, running through China, Burma, Laos, and Thailand, before its silt-rich waters enter Cambodia and then leave through Vietnam to the South China Sea. The prettiest (and coolest!) part of the city is by the riverside. There you will find excellent international restaurants, colourful vendors and picturesque scenery.
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Statues of Cambodian Apsaras (traditional dancers)
Go discover: |
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Experience the exquisite Cambodian cuisine in the first and only Khmer cooking school for travellers in Phnom Penh. Learn how to prepare traditional, delicious Khmer dishes under the guidance of our experienced, English-speaking teacher-cook. |
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Cambodia Discussion Forum
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