Phnom Penh is the vibrant, bustling capital of Cambodia. Although I only spent about 2 and a half days in the city, I got to experience and cover most of the sights. It was an enjoyable trip and I never knew that Phnom Penh could be this happening. It is no wonder that so many expatriates, especially French, are drawn to work in this city. Phnom Penh has a rich French colonial influence which is evident in the architecture and layout of the city. Even the postmodern structures of the city are designed by French people. However, it is a pity that most of the locals do not speak French, they only speak Khmer or English. I would have loved to communicate with them in French.
The sights of Phnom Penh are largely cultural and historical but only part of the experience exploring the city. Exotic shopping, unique dining, indulgent spas and a bit of nightlife complete the Phnom Penh experience. Popular city sights include the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields,’ the National Museum, the Russian Market, Central Market and Wat Phnom. Except for the ‘Killing Fields,’ which is about 16km away, all of the major points are inside the city within a five or ten minute car/moto ride of each other.
Here are some pictures of Phnom Penh…
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| the Tonle Sap which is an important waterway for transportation of goods |
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| the bustling local markets where you can get fresh produce |
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| Royal Palace and Silver pagoda |
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| a line of stupas which are painted in different colours |
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| one of the signboards at the genocide centre showing the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge |
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| night market which is only open during the weekends |
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| Wat Phnom, the largest temple in the city |
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| side view of one of the stupas in Wat Phnom |
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| the King’s palace |
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| delicious Vietnamese food, some kind of kway teow with fishcake and minced meat |
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| skulls at the genocide museum displayed in a tall glass cabinet |
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| exterior of the genocide memorial centre- dark tourism |
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| delicious beef soup |
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| fried beef with mixed vegetables |
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| stir fried beef with duck’s egg |
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| independence monument by night |
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| contrast with independence monument by day |
Quand on attaque Depardieu, il faut une filmographie solide.
