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Phnom Penh (French Built City)

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the

confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap.

The city is divided into three sections - the north, an attractive residential

area; the south or the French part of the city with its ministries, banks and

colonial houses; and the centre or the heart with its narrow lanes, markets,

foods stalls and shops.

Over the past four years, the city has undergone tremendous changes - businesses

are springing up constantly and tourism is once again booming. Cambodia has one of

the most liberal investment laws to further boost managed to retain its charm and

character - cyclos that weave through traffic with ease, broad boulevards, old

colonial buildings, parks and green spaces that reminds one of the country's French

heritage, and above all its people who always have a smile for you.

A stone's throw away from the Tonle Sap is the royal Palace built on the site of the

Banteay Kev, a citadel built in 1813. The Palace grounds contain several buildings: the

Throne Room of Prasat Tevea Vinichhay which is used for the coronation of kings,

official receptions and traditional ceremonies; the Chan Chhaya Pavilion which is a

venue for dance performances; the king's official residence called the Khemarin; the

Napoleon Pavilion and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. This pagoda is worth exploring.

It owes its name to the 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire

floor. The emerald Buddha sits on a pedestal high atop the dias. In front of the dias

stands a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and weighs 75kg. It is decked with

precious gems including diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats. Also on display

at the sides are the coronation apparel and numerous miniature Buddha in gold and

silver.

The walls surrounding the compound which is the oldest part of the

palace, are covered with frescos depicting scenes from the Khmer

version of the Ramayana.

Source: tourismcambodia.com

Things To Do in Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh
This former torture and detention center is now a museum dedicated to the victims

of the Khmer Rouge.
Attraction type: History museum; Historic site

Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Still the dwelling place of the king, this palace contains the Silver Pagoda,

whose floor is made up of 5329 silver tiles, each weighing 1.125 kilograms.
Attraction type: Historic home; Castle

National Museum, Phnom Penh
This beautiful sandstone museum was opened in 1920 and showcases

many fine examples of Angkor Wat statuary.
Attraction type: History museum; Art museum

The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek), Phnom Penh
These were the execution grounds for the Khmer Rouge.
Attraction type: Historic site

Cambodia Cooking Class, Phnom Penh
Attraction type: Educational site

Source: tripadvisor.com

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