Added: 05/22/2006 |
Phnom Penh holidays are full of surprisesPhnom Penh is an extraordinary city. It is vivid and bright with its markets, shops, and theaters by day, and dynamic with its restaurants and night clubs at night. At the same time, Phnom Penh retains remnants of its brutal past at the Killing Fields, containing over eight thousand skulls of people tortured and killed, and the Toul Sleng Torture Center, exhibiting cells, torture instruments, books of victims' names and other evidence of old regime's cruelty.
Phnom Penh has been restored to its former glories, new hotels in Phnom Penh are being built, and the city today enjoys more and more growing numbers of international visitors. Phnom Penh holidays open the widest opportunities for the cultural enrichment, recreational activities and family retreats. However, some remnants of the brutal past are still found within the city's borders.
The first site of horror and grief is Choeung Ek, (Killing Fields), where some seventeen thousand people were killed by the Khmer Rouge, located only fifteen kilometers south-west of the city centre. Here visitors are appalled by views of over eight thousand skulls, arranged by sex and age, and visible behind the glass panel of the Memorial Stupa.
The second horrible attraction of Phnom Penh is the Toul Sleng Torture Center. The exhibits show evidence, proving the brutalities of the Pol Pot regime and you can see here cells, torture instruments, dossiers and documents, books of victims' names, victims' photos, their clothes and belongings.
Despite these terrific sights, Phnom Penh is a bright and lovely city. The Mekong River and its surroundings is a paradise for recreational Phnom Penh holidays. Canoeing, boating and cruising downriver are some of the activities that are used to enjoy spectacular riverside views, such as Koh Dach, traditional silk weaving villages on the Mekong island. Snorkeling, diving, water skiing and other water sports are offered by many sport clubs, nestling along the Mekong riverside.
Phnom Penh abounds in cultural and historic sites; thus, each consecutive day of Phnom Penh holidays will be rich in new impressions, unique views and incredible experiences.
The Royal Palace is one of the most amazing sights in Phnom Penh. Here is much to see and it takes a few hours to explore the palace's treasures.
The Cambodia's National Museum is situated next to the Royal Palace and displays a magnificent collection of five thousand works of Khmer art, ranging from the 6th to the 13th century. The artifacts include sculptures, the 19th century dance costumes, Royal barges and palanquins.
Do not hesitate to take kids with you, Phnom Penh holidays offer plenty of activities for kids' amusement and enjoyment. First, visit the Phnom Tamao Zoo, which is both a zoo and wildlife rescue center. Tigers, lions, deer, bears, peacocks, herons, crocodiles, turtles and other amazing creatures inhabit a huge area of the zoo. Second, drop in the Cambo Fun Park, specially designed for kid's entertainment.
Then choose from such delightful activities as bowling at the Phnom Penh Bowling Club, adventure canoeing, visiting the Khmer shadow puppet show and Khmer circus, jet skiing at the Alligator Ski Club, or playing mini golf ,offered at the L'Imprevu Restaurant.
Dedicate a part of your Phnom Penh holidays to wandering around the city. Undoubtedly, Cambodia's capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the region and many treasures can be found round the corner, next to your hotel.
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