Phnom Penh: Sights and Scenes 金边:旅游景点

I've always been curious about the Kingdom of Cambodia - there's something mystical about it that i could not imagine. As the plane landed at Phnom Penh International Airport, I felt very welcomed and couldn't wait to see what the city has to offer.

Phnom Penh, besides being the bustling capital city, is also the biggest and wealthiest city of Cambodia with a population of about 2.2 million people. The alluring city possesses an exciting range of historical and cultural places of interest along with numerous restaurants and nightspots. 

Buddhist monks in bright saffron robes paraded in the streets of Phnom Penh, adding a spiritual enlightenment to the city. 

In downtown, street corners have messy electrical cables wiring on the utility pole. 

Phsar Thmey, (New/Central market), was constructed in 1937. This unique dark yellow Art deco, shaped in the form of a cross with a beautiful central dome with four branches into vast hallways that stocks everything from food to clothes, jewelry, antiques, stationery, household items, fake branded goods, etc. 

Wat Phnom, the symbol of Phnom Penh, is a sacred temple sets atop a tree covered knoll hill. Legend has it that Lady Penh retrieved a large koki tree trunk from the river. She found four bronze Buddha statues inside the hollow of the trunk. She started to build a small hill and constructed a small shrine to revere the statues, thus it became a sacred site and people started to reside around the hill; that's how the city gets its name. 'Phnom means hill (in Khmer) and 'Penh' is the name of the lady. 

Independence monument (Vimean Ekareach in Khmer) dominates the city centre as a memorial to mark the liberation of Cambodia from the French rule (1863-1953 )- the pride to commemorate the Cambodians who sacrificed their lives for their country. Built in 1953, (inaugurated in 1962) this majestic monument, built in Angkorian architecture style is patterned on a lotus flower bud, adorned with Naga heads.

Across the Independence Monument is a beautiful park with a US$1.2 million monument honoring the late King Norodom Sihanouk who was loved by his Cambodian subjects. The 4.5 meter tall bronze statue is housed within a 27 meter tall shrine.

Wat Ounalom was built in 1443 with 44 structures. It is the most prominent temple of Phnom Penh and the centre of Cambodian Buddhism. A visit to the temple allows an deep insight into the spiritual teachings, philosophies and history of Buddhism.

Sisowath Quay is a 3 kilometre stretch of promenade overlooking the Tonle Sap River, running parallel to Sisowath Boulevard filled with vendors, Phnom Penhese, tourists and are lined with boutiques, luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

The national Museum of Cambodia is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum displaying more than 14,000 items consisting of the world's largest collection of Khmer art, including bronzes, ceramics, sculpture, brand ethnographic objects. 

The Royal Palace is perhaps the most famous landmark in Phnom Penh that should not be missed. Built in 1866, it serves as the residence of the royal family when King Norodom moved the capital of Cambodia to Phnom Penh.  

The complex consisting of a total of nine buildings covering an area of more than 6 hectares and is well worth a visit for its distinctive classic Khmer architecture, its ornate gilding and its tranquil French-style landscaped gardens. 

Separated from a wall of the Royal Palace is the Silver pagoda, (or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) named because of the temple is floored with over 5,000 silver tiles with a weight of one kilo each!

The temple however is notable for its Emerald Buddha made from baccarat crystals and another 90 kilo solid gold Buddha decorated with more than 9,000 diamonds. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

NagaWorld Hotel and  Entertainment complex is the largest casino is Cambodia, offering two themed gaming halls and 700 luxury hotel rooms. It is being recognised as the finest casino and hotel in Indochina. 

Some streets have insane traffic whereby people drive anyhow and squeeze in whenever there's an empty square inch. Zebra crossings doesn't work here and its a waste of paint, however, people drive relatively slow and do respect traffic lights. 

Phnom Penh is a city whose antiquity is of an ancient past but in contrast a young capital on the move in the midst of a rapid change. Come and See the authentic Phnom Penh as it won't be the same anymore in a few years to come!

NOTE:

1. Malaysia citizens do not require tourist visa  for a stay up to 30 days. 

2. There is no more departure tax to be paid at the airport as from April 2011. All taxes are incorporated into the air ticket price. 

3. Almost all the places of interest can be reached on foot or you can hire a tuk tuk for a round trip. Be clear of your destinations and agreed on the price before boarding. 

4. Dress modestly when visiting temple. No below knee attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. Respect places of worship.

5. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain.

Be Thankful

On 2nd March, 2014, a week before the MH370 incident, I was also flying in a Boeing 777-200ER bound for CHINA at 15:5am.  Most passengers were fast asleep shortly after the plane took off. I too was ZZzzZzZZ.

I remembered I was quite annoyed when the sun woke me up by its bright sun light flashing on my eyes through the little window pane at 6:27am.

Now that I think about it, I should be more than grateful that I was able to see the sun and the world again. I learned to be thankful for each and every new day.