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By
:Prak Chanthul Photos by : Sem Vannjohn
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At
the heart of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is changing
its appearance and climate of security to
attract more visitors. Its newly appointed
governor Kep Chutema, who took office in late
February, has acknowledged the high level
of anxiety surrounding the war in Iraq and
heightened threats of terrorism. But he also
has acknowledged Phnom Penh's ability to keep
the horror of world events at bay.
Despite years of hardship, Phnom Penh's infrastructure
must be credited with tremendous improvement.
The construction of new gardens across the
river, the smoothing of main avenues and side
streets, as well as flood protection and drainage
improvement projects, have begun under the
leadership of former governor Chea Sophara.
We are proud that visitors now may take home
photographs bearing witness to Phnom Penh's
natural beauty, instead of its terror-filled
history.
However, travelers busy enjoying a riverside
view must also be reminded of the photo opportunities
growing alongside Norodom Boulevard and the
city's riverbanks. For many, it is Phnom Penh's
flowers that will add life and color to their
albums.
The plants dotting some of the capitol's most
scenic routes are known to bear colorful flowers
just in time for the Khmer New Year, sending
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Beautiful white, pink
and red Khmer Sakura flowers blooming by
the riverbank stretch from Oknha Loam pagoda
all the way to Phsar Chas in Phnom Penh.
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Phnom Penh’s Rukha
Vithei, tree-lined streets, are popular
social spots for young Cambodians.
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revelers
spirits' high and serving as signs of good luck.
The pink-flowered plants growing along Norodom Boulevard
are Phka Trabek Prei, or Guava flowers. The variety
blooming beside the riverbank is similar to Trabek
Prei but are known to some locals as Khmer Sakura.
The name is taken from a type of Japanese flow-er.
The beautiful view from Phnom Penh's riverbank is
made even more breathtaking by the Rukha Vithei
(tree-lined streets) leading up to it. Unpolluted
by tall factory smoke stacks, the skyline often
is blue and people's spirits bright. White, pink
and red Khmer Sakura flowers blooming by the riverbank
stretch from Ouk-na Loam pagoda all the way to Phsar
Chas. Some observe that they bloom from February
until the mid-March. Even as it reaches the end
of its life cycle, the Khmer Sakura leaves a remarkable
impression. After the petals drop from the trees,
they carpet the pavement with color. Approximately
fifty different plants grow along the riverbank
in Phnom Penh, making this one of ASEAN's most photogenic
waterways. Walking, one of the least expensive means
of achieving good health, also is the best way to
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the city. The pedestrian-friendly
walkway stretching from the Cambodiana Hotel all the way
to Phsar Chas and Wat Phnom is paved with gravel and will
allow even fly-by-night travelers an opportunity to know
Cambodia. By walking, visitors may meet the locals, people
armed with a welcome smile and friendly ‘hello’.
The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda present themselves
along this walk on Sothearos Boulevard. And further on,
you will see a cluster of cafes and bars owned by foreign
and Khmer business people. |
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The river makes a lovely
backdrop
for a photo.
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Most
famous of these river front cafes is the Foreign
Correspondent Club, a bar and restaurant that once
played host exclusively to foreign journalists but
now is open to all. It is this stretch of road along
Sisowath Way that is most popular with locals. Foreigners
also flock to the river to sit in open-air cafes
and sip beer or coffee, or to get a shoeshine for
a mere 500 riel. Once your thirst is quenched, you
may stay or rent a motodop, a motorcycle taxi, that
will take you for a scenic drive to see the guava
flowers along Norodom Boulevard |
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for about 50 cents. Stopping at Independent
Monument, grab a cyclo trip to Phsar Thmei (Central
Market) for a round of shopping. This classic marketplace
is divided into two sections with several entrances
leading to a central, tall-ceiling arena. The most popular,
accessible entrance is located in front of the New Lapaillote
Inn. Here you will find a display of potted plants,
flowers, T-shirts, local handicraft and Khmer silk products.
Once you've filled your backpack with colorful souvenirs,
hop onto another moto taxi and scoot back to the river
for a bite to eat. The best time to sit by the water
is around 4:30pm when what seems like the whole of Cambodia
heads home from work. Many families, sweethearts and
singletons flock to the area by bike, while others come
on foot.
Not everyone comes to play, however. The riverbank is
home to one of the busiest night shifts in town. Children
beg or sell flowers here, while cyclos and motodops
rally for a fare. Vendors balance huge baskets filled
with peanuts and fruit on their head, and men holding
bunches of balloons hope that just one will take off,
leaving a little money in its place. The straight stretch
of riverbank plays host to every walk of Khmer life.
While sitting by the water, don't forget to take pictures
of the beautiful Sakura flowers to fill this chapter
of life with color. These plants stand proudly protecting
the riverbank from erosion, re-minding us that when
faced with danger, faith in one's self is the best defense.
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Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com |
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