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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.
The National Museum has a good collection
of Khmer sculptures dating from the pre-Angkor period (4th century)
to post-Ankgor period (14th century). The museum, built of red bricks
by the French in 1917 in a pseudo-Khmer style, is built around a
courtyard.
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.
A visit to the markets and market halls is a must as they give
an opportunity to be acquainted with the country's local produce
and also to buy textiles, antiques, gold and silver jewellery.
The four wings of the yellow coloured Central Market
are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery,
antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and
luggage.
For some good paintings or if you prefer antiques,
head fro the Tuol Tom Poong Market also known as the Russian Market.
A word of caution though: you need to sharpen your bargaining skills
as the prices here can be outrageously high.
You may also want to check out Wat
Phnom which sits on a tree covered hill about 30m high in
the northeast of the city. It is said that the first pagoda was
built in 1373 to house four statues of the Buddha deposited here
by the Mekong river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh. Thus,
the name Phnom Penh , the hill of Penh.
The people believe that this temple is powerful
in that anyone who makes a wish will have it granted. It is not
surprising to see many people coming here to pray for protection
or healing. Many bring lotus flowers as offerings for prayers answered.
At the bottom of the hill is a small zoo, but its
most endearing residents, the monkeys, live free in the trees.
Source:Cambodia Tourism Official Website |
