Visit Phnom Penh

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Phnom Penh, like other Asian-City tourist destinations, is in the midst of rapid change. Over the past few years the number of restaurants and hotels have grown considerably and in the last year there had been a huge increase in the number of visitors. There are now direct daily flights from several Asian cities and three overland border crossing have opened since 1998. Even travel within the country is easier with several airlines flying domestic routes, regular bus service to major cities like Sihanouk ville and Kampong Cham and road conditions throughout the country have been gradually improving. Cambodia is becoming easier to visit everyday.

Silver Boxes, often animal shaped, are popular traditional souvenirs. These pounded silver containers were once used in ceremonies and everyday life to hold betel leafs. (Betel is chewed as a mild stimulant. You may see people, particularly in rural areas, with teeth stained deep red from years of betel use.) Nowadays the boxes are made for sale as souvenirs but are nevertheless hand crafted by local artisans.

Silk in Cambodia is still hand made using traditional ikat methods and styles. The pattern is dyed into the threads before the silk is woven. The process of dying and weaving a single piece can take weeks. There is still no mechanized silk weaving in Cambodia, so all Cambodian silk is hand woven. Old silks (pre-1970) are prized for their detail and quality but new silks now match that quality. In addition to the boutiques and curio shops there are a few shops around the Russian and Central Markets dealing in new silks and several stalls inside the Russian Market selling new and old silks.

Gems are a tempting souvenir. Western Cambodia is a fertile source of colored stones, especially rubies, sapphires and emeralds, and there are plenty of gem dealers in Phnom Penh. Central Market carries an amazing display and Russian Market has its share of dealers as well. Be careful though, know something about gems and/or the seller before spending much.

Carvings and Statues are popular, distinctively Cambodian, though weighty souvenirs. Bronze busts of ‘The Leper King’ and carved wood apsaras are two of the more popular items. The quality of the carved wood varies considerably so look around before buying. High quality carved furniture, antique Chinese furniture and art deco furniture are sold at some boutiques. New furniture can also be found at a series of shops along Monivong Blvd. south of Street 466.

Elephant Bar @ Raffles Hotel Le Royal
You'll never forget this bar. The paintings on the ceiling of this famous cosy watering hole lend it its name. Colourful elephant motifs catch the eye as our legendary signature cocktails capture the imagination.

Foreign Correspondents Club - Go at sunset, for the view of Wat Phnom from the back terrace, it's magical as the sun sets right behind it. The food and drink is also some of the best in town. If you've been in South East Asia for a while and are hankering after some very high-quality western food, this is about as good as it gets. Excellent modern cuisine, great bar, fantastic ambience. Prices are fairly reasonable too.

The Boddhi Tree - The Boddhi Tree is a stylish, cosy guesthouse located opposite the Tuol Sleng genocide museum. Despite the location, it is a haven of peace with friendly staff and great food. The menu is unbeatable in Phnom Penh - breakfast, lunch and dinner are cooked fresh from local ingredients, all with a healthy, whole food twist.

Riverside Bistro & Pub - Long established restaurant located on the riverfront of Phnom Penh. Extensive display of antiques and some great Frescos adorn the premises. Food is good and staff are friendly. An icon of Phnom Penh. Al Fresco dining from 8am til midnight. 3 large plasma tv's and one large screen projector provide an excellent venue for watching sports.

Golf There are 2 golf courses and 2 driving ranges in Phnom Penh the Cambodia Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole course and can be found on Route 4, 35km south of Phnom Penh. Give them a call on Tel: (23) 363666 for more information. The other option is the CVK Royal Golf Club, also an 18 hole course that is located on Route 4, 5 km south of Phnom Penh. Tel: (23) 366689 to make more enquiries. If playing 18 holes is a bit much, put some practice in at Parkway Square which is a rooftop driving range and putting green located at 113, Mao Tse Toung. Another driving range is located at the Royal Phnom Penh Hotel on Sothearos, Sangkat Tonle Bassac. Give them a call on (23) 982670