The capital of Cambodia, the city of Phnom Penh has observed a drastic economical upheaval over the last couple of years. The trade is booming, mostly owing to the reality that city is at confluence of three main rivers. Tourism also is on the increase and now is common to come across tour in Cambodia if you search for them online. This place has one among the most merciful laws in the terms of investment and now metropolis features active boulevards, cyclos which meander through the traffic and older colonial buildings redolent of French culture.
If you're an enthusiastic traveler or adventurer considering Cambodia trip, make sure that Phnom Penh is there in your schedule. The city has lot to offer certainly except for the warm welcoming smiles that appear to be present eternally on the face of the local residents. Situated near Tonle Sap River can be found royal Palace well known for its complex structures, including striking Silver Pagoda. It actually got this name from 5000 silver tiles which bedeck the whole floor. Walls surrounding compound are decorated with attractive frescos that bring to light scenes from Khmer's adaptation of Ramayana.
Monuments and Museums are the other must-see attraction and are attached in most of the Cambodia tour packages. In Phnom Penh, you can visit Tuol Sleng Museum and National Museum. National Museum is located in terracotta building of the conventional design and architecture. It's worth at least a visit as you'll also find the headquarters of School of Fine Art which is located at the back of museum's main building.
Tuol Sleng is former site of Tuol Svay High School which got converted by Khmer regime into notorious Security Prisons 21 in the year 1975. In span of around four years it was developed into biggest detention and torture facility in country. For foreign tourists and locals alike, Cambodia trips won't be completed without a voyage to “Independence” Monument, constructed in the year 1958 as beacon of kingdom's freedom from the French rule. This monument is exceptional because of its own style which takes guise of lotus-shaped stupa, resembling the designs seen at Khmer temple in the Angkor Wat. After brief visit and few photo ops, you can visit Wat Phnom perched on 27-meters high hill. Local people believe that first pagoda in site was erect in the year 1373 to cater as home to the four Buddha statues that were brought there by mighty Mekong River.
Martin Wynn
