Phnom Penh is a capital and the most populated city in Cambodia. This is a large political, cultural and historical center that has long started to attract attention of inquisitive travelers. According to one of the beautiful legends, the first settlement was established here in 1372. The name of the city can be literally translated from Khmer as “Hill of Mother Penh”. The founder of the first settlement was exactly nun Penh.
Phnom Penh is a trove of unique historical attractions with their fascinating history. The must-see of all sightseeing tours is The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, one of the most symbolic …
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When she walked along the bank of the Mekong and saw a tree trunk sailing down the river. Something was sparkling in the branches. It was five statues of Buddha, four of which were bronze and one was wooden. Nuns created a high hill near the house and installed an altar with statues. A little later, the monastery of Wat Phnom was founded on this place. Remarkably, all these interesting events had taken place. The scientists have found quite a logical explanation of such unusual find. According to them, the sacred statues belonged to one of the Lao temples and were washed away by the river current during one rite.
Since its founding, the settlement has had a beneficial strategic position. In its territory, there is the junction of three rivers – Bassac, Mekong and Tonle Sap. At the beginning of the 15th century, the king of Cambodia decided to establish a new capital and chose Phnom Penh. According to available data, Phnom Penh gained an official city status in 1432 and had been a capital of the kingdom for more than 70 years. At the beginning of the 16th century, the city lost this significant status and restored it only in 1866. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
After walking along historical places of the Cambodian capital, you should drop in the popular entertainments venues. Nature admirers should certainly visit the zoo Phnom Tamao Wildlife …
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Startling simplicity and authenticity are some of the distinguishing features of the modern city. Just as many years ago, the rhythm of life here is unhurried and sedate. The Cambodian capital is not full of vehicles. There are a few noisy entertainment venues. Nightclubs of the city do not destroy its harmonious atmosphere. Some main values of the city are unique historical monuments, picturesque streets with a long history and religious monuments. Several interesting museums work in Phnom Penh. They acquaint guests of the city with its fascinating history and culture. But do not limit your leisure program with sightseeing tours.
The Cambodian capital has long been a large center of silk production. On local markets, you can buy high-quality clothes, shoes and hand-made accessories at attractive prices. Electronic goods that are recommended to be bought with extreme caution are manufactured here too. One of the city distinguishing features is a great number of antique shops and markets. One of the largest markets is Hidden Treasures.
Phnom Penh grants you a wide choice of great hotels with different design and themes. The main leader among upscale venues is Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra. This fashionable hotel is located …
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Despite the fact that it is prohibited to export antique items under the existing laws, there are a lot of buyers in such markets. The matter is that the significant share of all products on markets is ordinary souvenirs that have no historical value. When you go shopping, you should remember that a “genuine” piece of art can be purchased at an unreasonably high price. The enchantingly beautiful capital with its marvelous historical monuments and incomparable national coloring attracts more foreign guests every year.
Phnom Penh - guide chapters
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Sightseeing in Cambodia: things to see
Cambodia is home of the largest lake in South East Asia. This is Tonle Slap, which is located in the central part of the country. The lake is very shallow, only 1 metre deep, but during the rainy season waters of the Mekong River make the lake grow and it becomes 9 metres deep. Mekong River is also famous for one more thing – the Mekong Dolphin, one of a few species that live in fresh water. The highest chance to see the dolphins is in a protected area near Kratie. During a boat ride, you will also enjoy magnificent views of the river and its banks.
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