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Published: February 16th 2017
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A little over three years ago
we visited Phnom Penh for the first time. Since then the city has undergone quite a transformation. New hotels have sprung up all over the place and there seems to be a proliferation of Sky Bars. We stayed at
Le Grand Mekongwhich was very nice, but probably not grand. It did have a sky bar though, and we ate breakfast there each day with a magnificent view of the Mekong. Happy hour suited us well too, with beers buy one get one free. Even better deals were available for cocktails!
When you have already done the main sites and museums, tuk tuk drivers constantly asking if you want to go to the "Killing Fields" gets tiresome. We didn't have much that we wanted to see so we headed to the so-called Russian Market which we had missed last time. There were no Russians around though. The name comes from the fact that the first influx of Russian tourists who appeared when Cambodia opened its borders used to go there. Nowadays there are cheap counterfeit (factory seconds?) clothes and lots of souvenirs on the stalls. The eclectic domestic stalls can be more interesting. If you happen to be cycling in the country, every spare
part imaginable could be found.
Our next stop was the impressive
Aeon Mall. Japan put up the money to build Cambodia's first true shopping centre. The Japanese influence on the shops is clear to see and we had fun browsing with Hello Kitty and Pink Pussy probably the most garish but memorable stores.
From there we went to
Naga World. This enormous complex comprises of a hotel which we doubt we would ever be able to afford to stay in, a casino full of Chinese gamblers, and a huge duty free area devoid of customers very much resembling an airport. It seems they have tried to blend the best of Bangkok and Vegas, and the opulent result isn't as bad as it could be!
The city is developing at quite an alarming rate. There are too many building projects to count, and you do wonder what the long term aim is. With all these changes, they really need to get on with a transport system and soon!
Walking back along the Mekong riverside path to our hotel we realised that the city has probably cleaned itself up somewhat. It's better lit than it used to be and every
man and his dog seemed to be strolling along with us. The seedier side does still exist, but no matter where we went it always felt perfectly safe.
It will be interesting to return again in a few years and see just how far they have pushed with the changes. Hopefully the city won't lose its charm.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Mixed feelings
I'm glad for them that they are making progress but hate that it is changing and they are making progress. Glad the night market looks the same.