I was quite shocked to see how busy Phnom Penh. It was way different from my expection :-)
Despite how the citizen's life is now, Phnom Penh is known for their dark history. From April 17, 1975 until January 7, 1979, the brutal, ultra-Communist Khmer Rouge regime controlled the whole of Cambodia, then known as 'Democratic Kampuchea.'
The Khmer Rouge was headed by Pol Pot. During their short reign, between one and two and a half million Cambodians perished, some killed outright, others dying from disease, malnutrition, neglect and mistreatment. Some of the horrific remnants of the Khmer Rouge regime can be seen at the Choeung Ek Memorial (the ‘Killing Fields’) and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum. Though the Khmer Rouge were driven from power in 1979, they retreated to the mountains and border areas, persisting until their final defeat and dissolution in 1998. Surviving KR leaders are only now facing the court. Kaing Guek Eav, a.k.a. ‘Duch,’ director of the infamous S-21 prison was found guilty by the ECCC last year. Proceedings against other defendants are currently underway. Pol Pot died in 1998, never having faced justice.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
This former torture and detention center is now a museum dedicated to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.
I could not believe the atrocities suffered by the citizens of Cambodia at the hands of their own people. It has to be seen to be believed. Two of the only seven survivors were there the day we visited - one a painter who had many paintings showing how the poeple had been treated. What a brave man to be there, at the place where he was tortured, in order to help the world understand.
The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek)
These were the execution grounds for the Khmer Rouge.
An emotionally challenging experience - the sight of clothes and bones still working their way up through the soil after so many years was sobering and was a stark reminder of what actually happened here. I found the killing tree particularly confronting and have to admit to tears trickling down my face as I listened to the gory history of this place.
Silver Pagoda and Golden Palace
The Golden Buddha studded with thousands of diamonds was incredibly. Its a wonder that this has survived given the recent history.
River Cruises
Short river cruises and sunset cruises along the Phnom Penh riverfront are easy to arrange and offer an interesting view of the city. A tour cruise typically takes about 1 - 2 hours and runs up the Tonle Sap River along the central riverfront area providing a picturesque view of the Royal Palace, National Museum, parks and Phnom Penh skyline, and then across the Tonle Sap and up the Mekong Rive. We enjoyed a sunset view along the cruise.
Central Market
Housed in a 1937 Art Deco building, this market is a city landmark.
Loved the architecture and the 4 avenues within the market. Visit early in the day and enjoy the markets at its relaxed best before the crowds. Felt safe throughout.
Independence Monument
This obelisk commemorates Cambodia's freedom from France in 1953.
Overall I had an enjoyable time in Cambodia. The people were so warm and welcoming. I have come to realized that brave people of Cambodia is living proof that, we can overcome any obstacles in life.
Salute them.
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