Perched at the junction of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh was a colorful tapestry of Khmer and French Indochina colonialism, evident in every aspect of daily life. Legend had it that the city was named after an old lady known as Daun Penh, meaning “Old lady Penh,” with Phnom being the Khmer word for hill. Within Southeast Asia, that was a must-visit city full of color, fascination, and learning.
Phnom Penh: A Tapestry of History and Culture
The Royal Palace, Home of the Monarchy
From 1866 to the present day, the Royal Palace, except for a period of abandonment under the rule of the Khmer Rouge, had been home to the monarchy. The palace was a complex of residences and exquisitely beautiful golden temples.
Guides could escort you through the maze of buildings; interesting and educational, the palace gave an excellent insight into the history of life in Phnom Penh. The Royal Palace was an excellent way to begin your visit to that amazing city.
The Stunning Silver Pagoda
With its elaborate design and brightly orange-clad monks, the silver pagoda oozed spiritual peace and well-being. At the entrance of the temple, you would understand the meaning of its name; 5,000 sparkling silver tiles covered the floor, a gift to the Buddha.
You could glory at the site, but refrained from trying to walk on it. Ascending the grand staircase, one marveled at the bronze Buddha weighing eighty kilograms, the pure gold Buddha, the silver and gold Buddha, and the jaw-dropping Emerald Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds.
Koh Dach, the Silk Island
In the middle of the city, there was a rural island, Koh Dach, or Silk Island. The silk you saw sold in the traditional shops and markets most likely came from there. The locals lived in traditional teak houses, with almost every one of them having a silk-spinning machine. Visiting the silk factory where the locals collected the silk produced by the caterpillars was highly recommended. There you could buy silk souvenirs at a fraction of the shop prices. Eating a traditional and cheap meal at the riverside restaurant, and just like the locals, taking a dip in the river were great activities. Bringing a bicycle was a fantastic and fun way to see the island.
A Unique Dining Experience, Dine in the Dark
In support of the 15,000 blind people in the city, that restaurant was designed to heighten awareness of that disability. The restaurant was completely blacked out. You would enjoy a four-course gourmet meal that you could never see; it was served to you in total darkness. Your other senses took over, the taste and aromas became more important, and the sounds of your environment became more acute. Hopefully, you would leave the restaurant with a greater awareness of one of the difficulties that blind people faced throughout every day of their lives.
Pay Witness to the Capital’s Darkest Years
Cambodia’s history had certainly been a checkered one. Perhaps its darkest years were under the rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979, particularly for its capital Phnom Penh. From the capital’s killing fields to its infamous prison S21. Like nowhere else in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh could truly tell us the story of man’s inhumanity to man. Sobering and thought-provoking, visiting those sites of infamy made for a human experience which was, probably, more humbling than any other visit you would ever make.
Phnom Penh had so much to offer the visitor. Caring for the Sun and Moon bears at the bear sanctuary, sipping cocktails and wine on a Mekong River cruise, relaxing on the Sisowath Quay, and watching the flaming sun set over the city were just a few options. Shopping at the Olympic market or going quad biking—there was very little the city could not offer. You could enjoy it all with their great fares, so getting aboard there was highly recommended.
