I hope you have enjoyed my previous article on my first day in Phnom Penh, the next day was pretty cool a well. A lot of sightseeing, starting with the Central Market.
My hotel was nearby so I went there to check it out. It’s a pretty nice building from the outside, it’s the shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways with countless stalls of goods. Inside, the market is divided in different sections and you’ll find food, fruits, vegetables, but also clothes, electronics, hand crafts products, everything. YES, it is effectively the same thing as the Russian Market, except as the name says it’s located in the central area. When you get there don’t hesitate to bargain. It’s a fun game, and vendors are expecting that (but they won’t tell you).
After the market, I went for a walk across the city to shoot, takes videos, talk to people, basically to get to know the Phnom Penh folks.
I randomly got into the National Museum of Phnom Penh, a beautiful building inspired by Khmer temple architecture. There you can learn more about Cambodia/Khmer Art, History, and Culture.
After the Museum, I walked around the city and end up at the Royal Palace. It was during lunchtime when the palace is closed for visit. I just took picture from the outside (between us that was enough for me). Once you’re done with pictures, you may want to walk along the river, it’s not as pretty as the Promenade de la Croisette but it has its own charm. You’re basically walking in the Riverside area, there you will find many guesthouses, clubs, touristic shops, and restaurants. It’s also the backpack hub of Phnom Penh.
Cambodia is also known for its cuisine. I went to a restaurant in the Riverside area (agreed that may not be the most authentic one, but got to start somewhere). I order a local dish called Beef Lok Lak. In one word it is DELICIOUS, it is a quite simple dish made of rice, egg, beef, vegetables, but the “Delicious” comes from the sauce… it’s always about the sauce. Of course it’s not good to be dry, a good Cambodia (the beer) will help!
After the restaurant it was already 3pm past, and again I decided to end my day with a “sad” yet important touristic attraction in Phnom Penh. The Choeung Ek Killing Field built during the communist Khmer Rouge regime. It’s really not for the squeamish; you’ll see bones, skulls, and listen to how the Khmers Rouges tortured and killed people including babies. It’s a must go but be alert; what you’re going to see is not pleasant.
Voila day 2 is over, tomorrow article will be about my last day in the capital including eating Cambodian typical breakfast and last sightseeing of Phnom Penh.
