Explore the captivating beauty of the Kingdom of Cambodia through this vivid description. Unveil its stunning landscapes, coastal allure, and the warmth of its people. Embark on an exploration of Phnom Penh, the lively capital of Cambodia, known for its riverside charm and delectable seafood offerings. Discover the allure of this vibrant city through this enticing article.
Whether you’re drawn by its landscapes, cuisine, or cultural experiences, Cambodia offers a diverse range of activities. Join a journey that led to unforgettable stopovers, enriched by personal interactions and discovery.
1. Support children at an NGO like the Water of Life Phnom Penh
The Water of Life (WOL) is a registered Non-Governmental organization through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia. It provides education, medical assistance, life skills, and weekly Christian discipleship.
Randy Fleming is the Director. He is assisted by Cambodian leaders Rith Sang, TongChou Chiu, and Channa Bo. The ministry centre in Phnom Penh is home to young men between the ages of 14- 25 who need assistance in life and resources to complete their education.
Adjacent to this, a house awaits college-age girls, providing not only education but also essential life skills. As an integral facet of the Water of Life initiative, the Children of Hope Home embraces around 20 children aged 1 to 13.
This nurturing haven orchestrates numerous activities, fostering growth and offering a caring residence. Witnessing their happiness and sharing moments of connection was truly heart-warming.
2. Phnom Penh street view
The architecture of the houses left me in awe. The streets of this enchanting capital city boasted a well-planned layout, offering ample space for movement.
Whether basking in the day’s sunlight or the city’s twinkling night lights, the panoramic views from rooftop cafés and restaurants were truly invigorating.
Noteworthy concrete monuments graced city junctions and highways, adding to the urban landscape. My admiration grew for the intricate craftsmanship displayed in traditional houses and temples, a testament to the Cambodian people’s deep religious devotion.
3. Learn Cambodian history at the UN Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Cambodia has undergone a remarkable transformation since the harrowing genocide perpetrated by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. The tragic loss of more than 3 million Cambodian lives continues to cast a shadow, leaving a poignant memory for countless individuals.
While the wounds and grief remain, a resilient spirit has emerged, propelling the nation towards positive renewal and reconstruction.
As I walked down the hallway into several offices at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, I was shocked to see our big the establishment is. The depths of human cruelty left me utterly shocked. Amidst my brief work visit, officials from the centre divulged the grim past of Cambodia, shedding light on the reasons behind the establishment of the tribunal.
Learning about the profound repercussions of the genocide left me disheartened.
Conversely, stories of healing and the imprisonment of some of the perpetrators offered a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, comprehending the enduring grief still borne by some families proved a poignant challenge.
The court is not open for everyone in the public on random tours. I think you have to book an appointment. I suggest inquiring from the security at the gate. If international law is your major, or you just want to understand the history of Cambodia, this is a must-see place. My notes came to live and I understood genocide in another way.
I applaud the Cambodian people for rising up from the ashes.
4. Visit the glittering Royal Palace
Nestled within the heart of Phnom Penh, an enchanting sight awaited me: the resplendent Royal Palace, adorned with its captivating radiance.
The palace’s strategic placement beside the road took me by surprise, a glittering gem easily accessible to all. Astonishingly, the King himself resides there, a fact that prohibited tourism within the premises.
Nonetheless, the allure of its architectural marvel and lush gardens remained, even from a distance. Witnessing the palace’s ethereal nighttime glow left me with a profound sense of satisfaction.
5. Shop at the vibrant market
A journey to a new country is incomplete without a visit to its bustling markets. While some gravitate toward malls, I find immense joy in exploring local markets. For me, it’s more than just shopping – it’s a means to connect with the local culture. The vibrant array of artistic crafts and colorful items captivated me, showcasing the creative essence of the people. Notably, the image of the royal palace emerged as a renowned motif for numerous souvenirs.
Amidst the treasures, I encountered a delightful challenge: choosing what to bring home. Remarkably, the markets catered to every taste, whether it was clothing or home decor. The markets became a haven of options, ensuring that every traveller found something meaningful to take back as a cherished memory.
6. Use local transportation modes around Phnom Penh city
As is common in most capital cities, rush hours in the city were marked by bustling traffic jams. Despite this, certain areas still maintained a degree of mobility. A fascinating sight unfolded as numerous bike riders skilfully navigated alongside cars, each adorned with protective helmets.
The proficiency with which everyone manoeuvred their bikes was remarkable. A truly astonishing scene awaited me at the university car park – over a hundred motorbikes stood in rows.
Evidently, it was customary for students to commute to and from campus on their bikes, showcasing the incredible convenience of this mode of transportation.
On the other hand, if you don’t like the sound of the bikes, you could use a tuk-tuk. This is an auto-rickshaw. The distinctive three-wheeled, open-air vehicles known as tuk-tuks have become a noteworthy and increasingly popular mode of transportation. What caught my attention was the variety among them – some tuk-tuks were adorned with fabric coverings, providing shade from the sun’s rays.
I observed that several were equipped with blinds, creating a cozy and secure environment inside, safeguarding passengers from potential pickpockets. Additionally, the artistic allure of tuk-tuks shone through in their vibrant paintwork.
Moreover, these vehicles proved to be a cost-effective alternative to taxis, offering a unique and accessible way to navigate the city.
7. Have lunch at the Le Seoul Korean restaurant
Embarking on a culinary journey, I had the pleasure of dining at “Le Seoul Korean Restaurant” in Phnom Penh. This establishment seamlessly melds Korean cuisine with the Cambodian dining scene, creating a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
As I indulged in a delightful experience, I savored a fusion of flavors by enjoying both fruits and food at a Korean restaurant in Cambodia. This culinary exploration offered a delightful blend of cultures, enhancing my dining adventure in this captivating city.
The design on the fruits, especially the guavas, was appetizing.
I visited this place in 2018, so, I suggest you google search their website before going there. There are hundreds of reviews about them.
Law and Development Conferences
Apart from touring the city, the main reason for my trip with my Law and Development Law School schoolmates was to participate in conferences. Under the patronage of some of Handong International Law School‘s refined Law Professors, I learned about the Cambodian legal system. Our first conference was at the National University of Management.
Engaging with the vibrant Cambodian student community was a highlight as they warmly welcomed and interacted with us. Their curiosity about studying in Korea sparked insightful conversations, where some shared their career aspirations and academic experiences.
Another distinctive event was the Cambodian Lawyer’s Forum, hosted at the Legal Documentation Center. While comprehending Khmer and the intricacies of their legal systems posed a challenge, I found immense value in gaining insights into their legal framework.
Phnom Penh’s array of activities offers something for everyone, and you’re sure to stumble upon more exciting experiences. Feel free to share your own adventures and discoveries in the comments below. I eagerly look forward to returning to this enchanting Kingdom in the future.
If you like travelling like me, you could check out some activities I did in other countries below.
