| Phnom
Penh is a vibrant and
bustling capital city where 10,000 cyclos still
share the street with motorbikes
and cars, and a culture of sidewalk cafes established
in recent years is thriving. The city is conveniently
located on the banks where three rivers- the
Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Bassac – converge,
a location
known to Cambodia as Chatomuk, or four faces.
The French influence can be felt
today in the city, a legacy of a 90-year period
that saw the construction of many lovely colonial
era residences for French administrators. However,
Phnom Penh’s era of 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, Phnom Penh-ites
rise early.
Be prepared to be awakened by
the strains of Buddhist music playing in the street,
motorbikes tooting their horns, and a rooster crowing.
These is plenty to see, starting with a tour of
the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Independence
Monument, Wat Phnom and the market areas where
hand woven silks, silver, gems and antiques will
compete for your attention.
Outside Phnom
Penh are a choice
of pleasant half day and day trips to ancient hilltop
temples with far reaching vistas and where a picnic
might be in order. |
