A lonely Buddhist stupa, topped with an ornate spire stands in the small village of Choeung Ek, at the fringes of Cambodia's capital. Now a monument symbolizing peace, the stupa sums up Cambodia's past. The monument is one of the many killing fields left in the wake of Khmer Rouge's regime, led by Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979. When the Documentation Centre of Cambodia carried out an extensive analysis of the aftermath, it was revealed that the fields, scattered over various regions in Cambodia consist of several interments carried out by the Khmer Regime after the genocide, amounting to as many as 20,000 burial sites. Some shallow graves also unearthed some of the victims' belongings. Today, the stupa serves as a solemn reminder of this dark time in the nation's history.
When Phnom Penh was ruled by Khmer Rouge in 1975, this high school was converted into the detention and interrogation center known as S-21. Around 17,000 people were imprisoned here during the time period of four years. The history of Toul Sleng was documented by the Khmer Rouge themselves in the records of many of the prisoners. Today, the prison has been turned into a museum which exhibits different aspects of this tragic period, including photographs and records of prisoners and weapons of torture.
Cambodia's leading Zoo is well maintained by regional standards. The Sun Bear exhibit, which displays the rare species in a natural hillside setting, is maintained with support from a grant from Australia. The grounds of the zoo are large and patrons have the option of walking or driving through the area. Some of the endangered wildlife here include Asian elephants, Siamese crocodiles, Mayan sun bears, tigers and many more.
With Phnom meaning 'hill' in Khmer, legend has it that Phnom Penh was named after this small hill. Rising above its surrounding plains, this Buddhist Wat is strategically situated in the heart of the city. Full of legend and lore, Wat Phnom is touted to be one of the highest points in the city. Though the wat is certainly not the biggest in Phnom Penh, it is the focus of the city, particularly during Khmer New Year, when crowds gather to celebrate the auspicious day. Having received many reconstructions over the years, this temple shelters a magnificent, bronze-built statue of Buddha. Complete with a tapestry of shrines, murals and paintings depicting the spiritual journey of Buddha, Wat Phnom also harbors the remains of King Ponhea Yat.
The evening stroll along the Tonle Sap riverfront is popular among the locals, particularly after the sun sets, giving way to an evening breeze which blows in over the water from the east. Swathed in green lawns that run along the river, the Riverfront is dotted with entertainment and dining destinations, including pubs, restaurants, and bars. This is where a nighttime revelry unfolds with full splendor. The Sisowath Quay, which was redeveloped in 1997 with funds from the Asian Development Bank, is a bustling promenade and home to many international style bars and restaurants, many of them set in restored colonial villas dating back to the 19th century. The promenade also affords breathtaking views across the confluence of Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and also, parts of the magnificent Royal Palace. A unique center point of the city's culture and commerce, the Riverfront is the ground for some of the city's major festivals such as the Khmer New Year in April, and the Water Festival in November.
In the heart of Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace commands an exceptional view, overlooking the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Though most of the buildings of the palace complex are twentieth-century constructions, the designs are inspired by the traditional Khmer religious architecture and the majestic roofs and ornamentation support this fact. Serving as the official abode of King Sihamoni, this regal, riverfront complex has a long-standing history. Having been the locus of the Khmer and Cambodian monarchy for over decades, this palace features a mix of architectural styles, including European, Khmer, traditional Cambodian as well as Angkorian. The centerpiece of the compound is the majestic Throne Hall, with gleaming roofs and spires and which plays host to many royal ceremonies. Another one of the few visit-able buildings on the complex is the Silver Pagoda, housing Buddha figurines, which bedazzles visitors. However, it is the courtly Napoleon III Pavilion which sits in contrast against the traditional Cambodian edifices surrounding it. Its fabric bearing authentic European architecture, the pavilion was a special gift bestowed upon a Cambodian monarch by Napoleon III of France.
The National Library of Cambodia was moved from its original seat at Wat Ounalom to this purpose-built colonial building in 1924. Along with many other academic and religious institutions, the library was sacked by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Today the collection includes some 100,000 titles in Khmer, French and English, although only a small fraction of these are available in the reading room to which foreign visitors have access. A collection of historical palm-leaf manuscripts is in the process of being restored in collaboration with experts from the the United States.
A lonely Buddhist stupa, topped with an ornate spire stands in the small village of Choeung Ek, at the fringes of Cambodia's capital. Now a monument symbolizing peace, the stupa sums up Cambodia's past. The monument is one of the many killing fields left in the wake of Khmer Rouge's regime, led by Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979. When the Documentation Centre of Cambodia carried out an extensive analysis of the aftermath, it was revealed that the fields, scattered over various regions in Cambodia consist of several interments carried out by the Khmer Regime after the genocide, amounting to as many as 20,000 burial sites. Some shallow graves also unearthed some of the victims' belongings. Today, the stupa serves as a solemn reminder of this dark time in the nation's history.
When Phnom Penh was ruled by Khmer Rouge in 1975, this high school was converted into the detention and interrogation center known as S-21. Around 17,000 people were imprisoned here during the time period of four years. The history of Toul Sleng was documented by the Khmer Rouge themselves in the records of many of the prisoners. Today, the prison has been turned into a museum which exhibits different aspects of this tragic period, including photographs and records of prisoners and weapons of torture.
Cambodia's leading Zoo is well maintained by regional standards. The Sun Bear exhibit, which displays the rare species in a natural hillside setting, is maintained with support from a grant from Australia. The grounds of the zoo are large and patrons have the option of walking or driving through the area. Some of the endangered wildlife here include Asian elephants, Siamese crocodiles, Mayan sun bears, tigers and many more.
Royal University of Phnom Penh is the National University of Cambodia that dates back to 1960 when education was flourishing and Cambodia was making huge strides on all fronts. But this came to a brief halt during the Democratic Kampuchea period- a four year period that saw mass education purges. After Vietnamese invasion, the second campus was finally established on Russian Federation Boulevard. As freedom dawned upon educational institutions, Royal University began to slowly spread its wings and soon became what it is today- the National University of Cambodia. Now, a prestigious temple of learning, it offers a plethora of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in social sciences, humanities sciences. The building is characteristic to Khmer temple features from the Angkor period and there are two ponds that is believed to have a calming effect on students. Steeped in history, the Royal University is a jewel in the crown of Cambodia.
With Phnom meaning 'hill' in Khmer, legend has it that Phnom Penh was named after this small hill. Rising above its surrounding plains, this Buddhist Wat is strategically situated in the heart of the city. Full of legend and lore, Wat Phnom is touted to be one of the highest points in the city. Though the wat is certainly not the biggest in Phnom Penh, it is the focus of the city, particularly during Khmer New Year, when crowds gather to celebrate the auspicious day. Having received many reconstructions over the years, this temple shelters a magnificent, bronze-built statue of Buddha. Complete with a tapestry of shrines, murals and paintings depicting the spiritual journey of Buddha, Wat Phnom also harbors the remains of King Ponhea Yat.