Sunday 30 October 2011

The Magical and Exotic Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is turning out to be one of Asia’s most beautiful cities. Indeed, the city is a colorful and exciting vacation spot. The vibrant city life, exotic food, beautiful sceneries, magnificent palaces, and temples, all contribute to a unique holiday experience. The city is modern metropolis, with a unique blend of old and new. It is a melting pot of cultures, educational, and commercial hub. It is the seat of power and capital city of Cambodia. Cambodians are known for their legendary hospitality, which is why a lot of people choose to come here.

Everyday scenes consist of numerous motorbikes, peddlers, cafés, rickshaws, food stalls, elephants, monks, and busy market places. Night or day, it is a photographer’s paradise. Situated along the banks of Mekong River, locals and tourists can enjoy the famous river, and its commercial activities. It is home to the world’s largest catfish. A truly exotic city, that never fails to amaze foreigners with its magic. The city is named after Wat Phnom, the capital’s highest elevated area, and Penh after the Lady who built the city.

Once called as the Pearl of Asia by the French Indochina, Phnom Penh’s charm temporarily and abruptly upset by the upheaval, not so long ago. The turmoil did not last, and the city regained its former glory, and now, Phnom Penh has a plethora of things to do, as well as places to visit. Here, are some of the best places to see and things to do:

Visit the Royal Palace and notice the traditional Khmer style roof. The rich and opulent palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, high walls, guards, and guard houses. It is one of the most beautiful structures to see in the city, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Very near to the palace is the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda used about 5 tons of silver as a floor covering. The Soldiers Monument is a fascinating place. The monument was built during the 1970’s to commemorate Cambodia’s Independence.

Architecture students conduct tours for visitors, as an awareness campaign against the eradication most architectural structures in the city, to make way for housing projects. The tours can be carried out by car, bus, or by foot. The Central market is a good place for sightseeing and shopping. You can purchase electronics, textile, shoes, souvenirs, and even gold. The market features an art deco ziggurat, which is a sight to behold. Phnom Penh has many markets, Wats or temples to visit.

You can head to the Koki Beach for a relaxing respite. You need to ride a bus to get there, if you are staying in the downtown area. Visitors are encouraged to bring pack lunches to avoid paying too much for the food bought from the stalls. Visit the nearby villages to see how the Kramas or traditional bandanas are made.

Courageous travelers, visiting the shooting range is a great place to visit. You can get hands-on experience, firing an M16 or AK 47. Price is about 30 dollars per clip. If white sand and pristine island is what you seek, then hire a boat to go to Koh Dach. You can catch a ferry boat for a cheaper option. The island is full of artisans that make arts and crafts of incredible workmanship. Always bring your negotiating skills to play when buying things and paying for fares. These are so many attractions and surprises waiting for in Phnom Penh.

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