We Smile - August 2019

TRAVEL
HISTORICALLY-RICH PHNOM PENH
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA’S CAPITAL, IS GROWING FAST ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY WHILE
ITS HISTORICAL ASPECT REMAINS CHARMING PARTICULARLY THE ROYAL PALACE, TEMPLES AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.
บน : ทัศนียภาพตระการตา
ของพระราชวังหลวง
Top : The scenery of
the Royal Palace
上 方 : 皇 宫 的 壮 观 景 色 。
ล่าง : ตลาดกลาง
ที่โดดเด่นด้วยลักษณะ
สถาปัตยกรรมสไตล์
อาร์ตเดโค
Bottom : The Central
Market in
art deco style
下 方 : 独 特 装 饰 艺 术 风 格 的
中 央 市 场 。
The elaborate Royal Palace, Phnom Penh’s most
significant landmark, was built with the French
assistance in 1866. The complex of Khmer-style
buildings is open to the public except for the former
residence of Cambodia’s King and some off-limit
areas.
To the north of the Royal Palace is the National
Museum of Cambodia which houses collections of
art and historical objects particularly century-old
sandstone statues. A short walk from the museum
is Wat Ounalom, an important Buddhist temple.
Though located in the capital centre, the atmosphere
on the temple ground is peaceful.
Another significant temple is Wat Phnom, the
oldest in Cambodia. The temple which is nearly 700
years old was built on a hill in the town centre and
surrounded by big trees. There are many pagodas
on the premise with the biggest one containing
the ashes of King Ponhea Vat. The Independence
Monument, built in 1958 after Cambodia’s
independence from France, is a lotus-shaped stupa
decorated with naga heads.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum reflects the
torture on Khmer people by the Khmer Rouge.
On the brighter side, visit several markets in
Phnom Penh particularly the Central Market, an art deco
dome constructed in 1937. It was badly damaged during
WW II and later renovated.
Fast-changing Phnom Penh is still charming and rich
with historical culture and architecture. It’s definitely a
destination you should not miss.
TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE
Getting there : THAI Smile operates Bangkok-Phnom Penh
flights daily. The flight takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
For reservations, contact www.thaismileair.com.
More info : From Phnom Penh International Airport, take a
taxi, tricycle or tuk tuk to the city centre for around USD 7-10.
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