Sunset View of The Royal Palace The decision to Phnom Penh was a rather subtle one. I was contemplating between Bangkok (again) and Phnom Penh. The difference in airfares helped me decide the destination for a short getaway. Bangkok is too expensive for a revisit.
There's no longer anything fresh about shopping in Bangkok, nor freezing it out in Genting...just for a brief moment, look out further to the forgotten nations.
Asked why I chose to holiday in a 'backward' country, my reply would be: "Have you been there?"
We were kept pretty much awake on the (dreaded) 1.5hours flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh by this lovely baby here. Everyone say hi to baby Joshua!
Baby JoshuaAnd so we arrived in Phnom Penh at an unearthly hour:
Pochentong International Airport, Phnom Penh, CambodiaHere's my transport from the airport to hotel:
Toyota Camry L.E. as Taxi Service
We made reservations for this hotel: Hotel Cara which I shall elaborate in a bit more detail as i'm greatly satisfied with the quality of service provided.
Nicely Decorated Reception
Cosy Waiting Area
The Room (Overview)
The warm ambience and deco
The Washroom (Overview)
Neatly-packed necessities
A nice mini balcony to sum things up
HOTEL CARA
A: No. 18 Street 47 & 84
Sangkat Srass Chork
Khanh Doun Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
E: stay@hotelcara.com
T:+855 23 430 066
Rates: SGD44/room/night
Remarks: Daily breakfast provided. Free Wifi available.
First Stop: Wat Phnom
I know nuts about Cambodian or Phnom Penh history in particular. History lessons in school though interesting did not cover enough of everything. According to the receptionist at Hotel Cara, long ago there was this Lady Penh who built what we know as Phnom Penh today. Phnom Penh is obviously named after this great lady.
Wat Phnom is the temple built to commemorate her. There's a legend to this temple too. Hearing from the receptionist again, he told us that Lady Penh did not manage to enjoy marital bliss with her loved one even until she passed on.
And it's a strong Cambodian belief that couples who are not married must never enter this temple for their relation shall bear no fruit!
Entrance to Wat Phnom (plenty of steps)
Shrine on top of Wat Phnom
Shot taken at the back of Wat Phnom
Elephant rides around the temple were available too!!
Another shot at the entrance of Wat Phnom
Wat Phnom
Entrance fee: USD$1 (foreigners)
Second Stop: Central Market (PHSAR THMEI)
No doubt the largest and most organised market in Phnom Penh, the Central Market sells a variety of stuff from (pirated) bags and shirts to delicious roadside Khmer food. As we can see from the map below, the central market consists of a main building and 4 wings.
Map of Central Market
Central Market Building (under renovation)
Tissot Clock Tower right in the middle of the dome
The main building consists of stalls selling more upmarket stuffs like silver, jade, watches etc
The exterior is like our local pasar malam selling things like flowers, shirts, paintings and food.
Khmer-style roadside kebabs. (1000Riels/stick = ~S$0.34)
From left: Charcoal-grilled cow liver, beef, pork and chicken wings
From same stall, their local dish which is like our local 'popiah'. (4000Riels = ~S$1.36)
The yellow dough skin, beansprouts, crunchy peanuts, cabbage, minced meat and made fragrant with a douse of lime.
Third Stop: Soriya Shopping Centre
Soriya Shopping Centre, which is just located opposite the Central Market, is the largest shopping mall in Phnom Penh. There's another newer Sovanna Shopping Centre which we didn't have time to visit.
Soriya houses the really upscale brand names like Sasa, Swensen's, Osim etc. It is a 7-storeys building with an in-lin skating ring at the top floor.
Soriya as seen from the top floor
An interesting trade discovered inside the mall: Wrapping electronics (e.g. handphones, laptops, cameras) with a clear plastic protection film. (USD2-3 per equipment)
Last Stop: Dinner @ Restaurant Tell
The rattan lamp radiating a rosy glow
Restaurant Tell is well-recommended on many online forums for their soothing ambience and great food. Following in the gourmet-seekers' footsteps, we found ourselves in a relaxing environment, the sort of environment we can expect for fine dining in Singapore. A very nice laidback dinner indeed.
Interior of Restaurant Tell
Interior of Restaurant Tell
Exterior of Restaurant Tell
Interior seat layout
Their famous Swiss Cheese Fondue
Swiss Veal Sausage w/ Potato
Dessert: Apple Strudel!
Restaurant Tell
A: #13, Street 90
Sangkat Wat Phnom
Daun Penh
T: +855 023 430 650
E:
Remarks: USD34 for the above dishes + 2 glasses of Edinburg beer
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