Cambodia’s capital has seen its fair share of turbulence in the past under the rulings of the Khmer Rouge; large parts of Phnom Penh were severely damaged, and parts of the city have been undergoing major reconstruction work. But the magic remains to dwell through the streets and landmarks – a rustic charm with ample references to its architectonical endeavours.
Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. With wide tree-lined boulevards and well-designed buildings, Phnom Penh still harks back to the colonial days of this former French playground and the French colonial buildings, much in evidence, add to the ambience. This, and using pedal-powered cyclos, is what makes this half-day exploration of Phnom Penh worth the fabulous views from your slow-moving means of transportation.