Three Reasons to Love Phnom Penh

We recently made the 6 hour overland journey from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The city is rarely associated with anything other than Pol Pot’s brutal regime in the 1970s, but Phnom Penh has since flourished into one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia. Here are three reasons why our stay in Phnom Penh has been outstanding.

1. The Pavilion

This Phnom Penh hotel, just steps away from the walls of the Royal Palace, was our big “splurge” for this trip. We were picked up from the bus station in a red jaguar, given welcome drinks, and had a private garden bungalow with floor to ceiling windows right beside the pool. The complimentary breakfast of assorted bread, pastries, eggs, pastries, and passion fruit juice was delicious, and the entire staff was excellent. We have been living in the lap of luxury for the “steep” price of…$40/night - definitely worth the extra money.

2. The Riverfront

The city centre is located along the banks of the Tonle Sap River, with different temples, restaurants, and bars lining wide boulevards. Walking down the riverfront covers the small downtown area, and is pretty deserted during the day, but is packed at night. The charm of Phnom Penh is accentuated by the river, and even though most people spend a day passing through to see the sights on the way to Angkor Wat, the atmosphere of the city makes it attraction in and of itself. 

 3. The People

Cambodian people are reserved and shy, but always warm and smiling. At night, local parks are full of families playing badminton or volleyball, and parents with small children. There is greater economic disparity here than in Vietnam – hummers drive past landmine amputees living on the streets, and the children that aren’t playing games are usually selling books or jewelry. The residents of central Phnom Penh are more affluent, while many of the people in outlying areas live in poverty. But regardless of social position, all the people here are always friendly, curious, and happy to meet foreigners.