Phnomenal Phnom Penh

Let’s be honest, Cambodia is only known for a few things, like the temples of Angkor Wat, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. The country has a magnificent past and a brutal recent history.

A lesser-known fact is that Cambodia also has some brilliant not-so-old architecture, and the capital city of Phnom Penh is the perfect place to sample a taste. It’s easy enough to wander the city by foot and see the range of buildings inspired by the French colonial, art deco and mid-century modern styles. Don’t miss the Royal Palace and National Museum for classic Khmer architecture. The streets and boulevards behind the National Museum are great for colonial. And definitely check out the cathedral scale of the Central Market. If you’re a real contemporary keener, sign up for a guided tour with Ka Tours—or at least follow their central Phnom Penh walking tour (free map available on their website).

Charlie is a self-proclaimed architecture addict, so you can trust us when we say he knows his buildings. If you’d like more info and help planning your visit to Cambodia, feel free to drop us a line.