The Cambodia Coastal Visitors Guide 52nd

77

P hnom Penh is a city in the midst of rapid change. But as skyscrapers rise and fast food restau- rants multiply, the city still offers that traditional old mixture of Cambodian hospitality and Indochinese charm. Set at the confluence of three great rivers - the Chaktomuk or ‘four faces’ of the Mekong River - Phnom Penh is a city of more than 2 million people and the country's commer- cial, economic and political hub. Though seeing significant development over the last 20 years, as a travel destination the city still has an adventurous air - from the historic sites and architecture, to the boutiques and bistros dotting the side streets, and the city’s legendary dusk-to-dawn nightlife. Many of the tourist areas and sights are in the old central city near the river where you may notice classic French colonial buildings amongst the Southeast Asian shophouses, pagodas and markets. Sights in the area include the ornate Royal Palace , the nearby National Museum , which is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, and the riverfront dining and shopping district. Khmer Rouge historical sites include the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Memorial outside the city.

to do & see Phnom Penh’s points of interest are largely historical and cultural, but they are only part of exploring the city. Exotic shopping, dining, indulgent spas and a fair bit of nightlife complete the experience. Set aside two or three days for the major points. Though it is possible to squeeze the most important sights into a single day, this leaves very little time at each location. National Museum Over 5000 objects are on display including Angkorian era statues and other artifacts, most notably the legendary statue of the ‘Leper King.’ Though the emphasis is on Angkorian artifacts, there is also a good collection of pieces from later periods. Visiting the museum after a trip to Angkor helps lend context to the Angkorian artifacts.

The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda The Palace and Silver Pagoda sit together behind the crenellated walls of the royal compound on the riverfront. Within the grounds street sounds are silenced and Royal buildings rise like ornate islands from the manicured gardens. Next door, the Silver Pagoda' houses a collection of priceless Buddhist and historical objects including the 'Emerald Buddha.' Toul Sleng Genocide Museum Toul Sleng was formerly a high school that the Khmer Rouge converted into the infamous S-21 interrogation facility. Tuol Sleng compound now serves as a museum, a memorial and a testament to the madness of the regime. Much has been left in the state it was in when the Khmer Rouge aban- doned it in January 1979.