Asian and Western, with a French accent
In the past, Phnom Penh was considered one of the most beautiful capitals of Asia, and was called the 'Paris of the East'. Turbulent times put an end to the bloom, but now the capital of Cambodia is catching up. The cityscape shows a mixture of old and new, Asian and Western with a French accent.
Take a seat in a cyclo for a city tour and travel through time: Phnom Penh reads like a history book. Your first stop is to visit Wat Phnom,a 14th century Buddhist temple, followed by the magnificent 19th century Royal Palace. Drive past stylish colonial buildings and across wide boulevards, pausing for a baguette and café au lait. No, no vodka on the Russian market, but you will find beautiful Khmer silk and cotton here. And then there's the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a downright grim memorial that tells the story of the darkest episode of Cambodia's recent history. The city tour continues, and takes you back into the present.
Smiley, friendly Cambodians stroll along the waterfront promenade, where the mighty Mekong and tonlé Sap River meet. It is the trendy location for encounters, joggers, dancers, a local snack and a drink. The many internationally oriented restaurants show that Phnom Penh has let the world in.
