PHNOM PENH
The
capital of Cambodia was established in 1434 by King Ponhea Yat.
Phnem Penh is conveniently located on the banks where four rivers
converge, Upper Maekong, Lower Maekong, Tonle Sap and Bassak;
a location known in Cambodia as Chatomuk or four faces.
Phnom (meaning Hill) Penh was
named after Lady Penh, who founded it in 1372. This first establishment
did not last long, however, as the status of capital city was
bestowed upon other cities (Nakor Phnom, Angkor, Longvek, Srey
Santhor and Oudong) before returning to Phnom Penh – the country’s
sixth capital – at the end of 19th century up to the present day.
Covering an area of 290 square
kilometers, Phnom Penh is the major political, economic, cultural,
communication and tourism center for both dpmestic and international
services. Modern development and planning have taken place since
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.
Modern Phnom Penh is a bustling
city and new construction projects for new housing and office
space keep growing. It therefore comes as no surprise to discover
that Phnom penh is a charming mix of ancient monuments and modern
landmarks. It is interesting to note that over 1 million of Cambodians
live in this city.
Phnom Penh’s many attractions
include:
THE
ROYAL PALACE
Built in 1866 by King Narodom. The Royal
Palace is now home to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom
Sihanouk, King of Cambodia, and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka Mohesey
Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Queen. The Palace consists of a number
of structures set within a pagoda-styled compounded. In awe-inspiring
sight, the throne room (the main building) has a tired roof topped
by a 59-meter tower.
SILVER PAGODA
Located within the Royal Palace compound.
The Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made
up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures include a 90-kilo solid
gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, a small 17th century
emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
WAT PHNOM
Wat Phnom is a famous city landmark. This
symbol of Phnpm Penh was built in 1434 to house the sacred relics.
Today Wat Phnom remains the highest artificial hill in Phnom Penh
and center of many forms of leisurely activities.
INDEPENDENCE
MONUMENT
The monument commemorates the end of the
France-ruled Cambodia’s regime in 1953. The Naga motif can be
seen in historic, cultural and modern business contexts, as a
symbol of the country. It’s also used to commemorate the soul
of combatants who laid down their lives for freedom of the country.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
It houses Khmer art, especially sculptures
from different periods of Cambodian history, 19th century dance
costume, royal barges and palanquins. On display inside are more
than 5,000 works of art.
MARKET
Phnom Penh has many markets. The huge yellow
domed market (Phsar Thmei) is the place to find gold and silver
jewelry. Olympic Market and Phsar Toul Tom Pong (known as Russian
Market because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc
in past times) offer antiquities. Delicate stone, woodcarvings,
hand woven silk, and silverware dating from the 11th century are
the bargains to be found. Visitors should think about it carefully
when bargaining, and enjoy themselves.
SURROUNDINGS OF PHNOM PENH
TONLE
BATI
The Ta Prohm Tonle Bati temple built by
King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century. It was dedicated to Brahmanism
and Buddhism and located in Bati District, Takeo Province, 35
km south of Phnom Penh.
NEANG KHMAU
This Prasad built of bricks and sandstone
in the 6th century and located in Takeo Province, 58 km south
of Phnom Penh.
PHNOM CHISO or SURYA PARVATA
The 11th century mountain temple was built
of laterite, brick and sandstone; located 59 km southeast of Phnom
Penh. The mountain stands 100 meters high with two stone stairs.
Visitors can climb to the top via either the western stairs (206
steps) or the northern stairs (434 steps) for panoramic view over
the countryside.
PHNOM OUDONG
Situated in Ponhea Leu District, Kandal
Province, and 45 km north of Phnom Penh. Phnom Oudong was the
capital city during 1618 – 1866, which rich in cultural patrimonies.
