The Cambodia Coastal Visitors Guide 52nd

phnom penh

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palm wines and spirits all make interesting, useful sou- venirs of Cambodia.

Choeung Ek Memorial (‘The Killing Field’) Many of the people who perished under the Khmer Rouge ended up in one of the dozens of ‘killing fields’ that can be found scattered across the country. This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of approximately 17,000 men, women and children, most of whom had first suffered through S-21 Prison. Wat Phnom The legend of the founding of Wat Phnom is tied to the birth of the city itself. Story has it that in 1372 Lady Penh (Yea Penh) fished a floating Koki tree out of the river. Inside the tree were four Buddha statues. To house the Buddhas, she built a hill (‘phnom’ means ‘hill’) and a small temple (wat) at this site. Later, the surrounding area became known after the hill (Phnom) and its creator (Penh), hence the name of the city ‘Phnom Penh.’ The current temple was last rebuilt in 1926. The towering stupa contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat (1405- 1467) who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh the early 15th century. Look for the altar of Lady Penh between the great stupa and the main tem- ple. She is said to be of particular help to women. Cambodian Silks Cambodian silks are prized by collectors the world over. Most of the silk available in Cambodia is hand-loomed using the traditional ikat method of dying the threads and looming in the patterns. Both raw and fine silks are avail- able in the form of bolts, sarongs, clothing and various handicrafts. For those with a special interest in silk, con- sider a day trip to Silk Island where much of what you find in the shops is loomed. Silverwork Silver areca containers are long popular traditional sou- venirs. These pounded silver containers are usually shaped as animals, fruits and vegetables, and are used in ceremonial and everyday life to hold dried areca, (aka 'betel nut,') a mild stimulant chewed as one chews tobacco. You may notice some older women with teeth stained black from years of chewing. Statues, Puppets & Traditional Art Amongst the handicrafts, statues and carvings of tradi- tional subjects are particularly Cambodian souvenirs. Leather shadow puppets, musical instruments and bas- ketry are all handmade and are also popular. Available at the traditional markets and souvenir shops. Fashions Cambodia-based and local designers are producing a wide range of clothing and accessories, bringing a modern twist to traditional Khmer designs and patterns. From bags created from the ubiquitous Khmer krama or stylish dresses patterned with the Cambodian ikat, check out the clothing and fashion boutiques. Foods Cambodia produces some of the finest black pepper in the world, amongst other spices and food products. Cambodian and Southeast Asian coffees and teas, what to buy

Smateria Bags & Accessories

1) #8E0 Street 57, near St 278, BKK1 2) #7 Street 178, near the riverfront Tel: 012-647061

Smateria 's collection transforms everyday objects into beautiful bags and accessories. Whether it's a diary made from used milk cartons or purses cro cheted from discarded plastic bags, Smateria 's line of hip recycled products will surprise you with its ingenuity. Smateria specialize in bags, from trendy clutches to roomy totes and even a few especially for men. www.smateria.com

Space Four Zero Pop Art Gallery/Music Emporium #30 Street 240, in the Art Alley Open Daily 10AM-7pm Tel: 069-571100

"A hip, must stop shopping destination" Voted Best of Phnom Penh Gift Guide and featured in The Wall Street Journal. A Unique Pop Art gallery/Music Emporium special- izing in handmade limited edition Sticky Fingers Prints, which have exhibited in USA, Australia, China, Europe and SE Asia. We also feature Original paintings, rare Vinyl and CD's, Pop and Rock Art, Vintage posters and collectibles. Worldwide shipping available. http://spacefourzero.com Phnom Penh offers some of the best dining and nightlife in Cambodia. There are a surprising number and variety of very good eateries in town spanning the spectrum from budget noodles to the fine French and Cambodian restau- rants. Don't miss the dozens of restaurants and bars that stretch along the very popular riverfront area. Candy Bar A/C, comfortable 24-hour sports bar and restaurant. Cushioned seating, relaxed atmosphere, music, pool table, sports TV. #30, Street 136 Tel: 083-355555 Cerevisia is on a mission: To create damn fine beer. Crafting full-bodied brews with iconic aromatics and a pleasing finish. The Cerevisia taproom, Botanico, is set in a tropical garden. They regularly crank out new and exot- ic brews, perfect for savouring amongst the lush scenery. #9b, Street 29, near Street 294 Tel: 077-943135 www.cerevisiacraftbrewery.com Chiang Mai Riverside This long established riverside Thai eatery offers diners the choice of authentic Northern Thai dishes and Cambodian cuisine. #227Eo Sisowath Quay, riverfront Tel: 011-811456 Comme à la Maison, Restaurant The original in BKK1 with garden terrace and a/c dining, and the Tonle Sap location with terrace overlooking the river and a/c dining, both offer a wide range of contempo- rary French dishes. 1) #13 Street 57, BKK1; 2) #73 Tonle Sap St restaurants & pubs

www.canbypublications.com