Phnom Penh was crucial in French colonies for its role as the administrative and economic center, facilitating French trade, and military control over Cambodia and the wider region of Southeast Asia.
Over the decades, Phnom Penh has experienced rapid modernization and development, yet efforts have been made to conserve and protect its colonial-era architecture, especially in the old city area.
If you walk from the Royal Palace to the French Embassy, along the riverfront. You will find some of these better known structures. A lot of them have been preserved and restored, contributing to the city’s architectural charm and historical character.
Palace de la poste
Palais de la Poste.The two wing buildings are now used as an office for French Development Agency and a fancy restaurant La Vie de Palais respectively.
The building was originally former Banque Indochine and its former function is reflected in its heavy-duty safe doors.
I was told by the guard the main building now is in disuse for quite some time.
Cambodia Post
The Cambodia Post Office in Phnom Penh is a striking example of the city’s colonial history. It is an Art Deco style building with vibrant yellow accents. It remains an impressive landmark worth visiting for its exterior and historical value.
Today It continues to serve its original purpose, the working hours is every day from 7:30 to 17:30.
Former French Colonial era police station (Commissariat)
The building was a beautiful piece of architecture, yet it is in great need of repair. As of March, 2024 it is available for rent. Hopeful this offers an opportunity for restoration.
Former Hotel Manolis & Chamber of Commerce
The former Manolis Hotel, famously featured in the filming of City of Ghosts starring Matt Dillon and Gérard Depardieu and is functioning as the Le Manolis wine bar and restaurant
French Colonial Building (Former house of the Clock Tower)
This was the former house of the Clock Tower. Nestled next to newer, taller structures on three sides, rendering it a rather inconspicuous building.
The Council for the Development of Cambodia
This grand French building was home to the governor-general of Cambodia during the colonial era and was used as a main office by Pol Pot during his time as leader of Democratic Kampuchea from 1975 to 1979.
In its yard, there are many huge trees. There were there during the bloody Khmer Rouge era.
There is one tree which is very unique. Its name on the map is Bats (flying foxes) Tree. There were normally supposed to be many giant bats hanging from the tree. But when I visited there, there is construction going on. The bats were not there.
From the bat turds on the ground outside the wall, we can tell the bats were very there quite recently.
Close by, there is Wat Phnom. According to many travel brochures, if you end up here at dusk, you may see some giant fruit bats taking off from the trees in the gardens of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) to the east of the temple. To go in the temple as a foreigner, you will have to pay for $1.
National Library
The National Library is in a graceful old building constructed in 1924.
The library is open to everyone from Monday to Friday. Simply write down some basic information, then you can get into the library.
During 1975-1979, Khmer Rouge turned the building into a stable and destroyed most of the books. Many were thrown out into the streets, where they were picked up by people, some of whom donated them back to the library after 1979; others used them as food wrappings. Today the library houses, among other things, a time-worn collection of mostly English and French titles.
In the magazine section, beside English and French ones, you might find Japanese, Chinese and Korean magazines.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
the Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a historic landmark as well as the best-known luxury hotel in the city. Between 1970 and 1975 many famous journalists working in Phnom Penh stayed there. More recent celebrity guests have included Joe Biden and Angelina Jolie.
Central Market
Central Market, which refers to its location and size, is a landmark in the Phnom Penh. The art-deco building, constructed in 1937, is also called Psar Thmei (literally ‘New Market’).
The huge domed hall, according to some, ranks as one of the 10 largest domes in the world.
The design allows for excellent ventilation, and even on a sweltering day, which is quite often, the central hall is cool and airy.
The market was recently renovated with French government assistance and is in good shape. It has four wings filled with stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, dodgy watches, clothing and other such items.
For photographers, the fresh-food section affords many opportunities.
The market is one of the best places to sample street food in the capital, with stalls selling everything from deep-fried insects to bobor (congee or rice porridge) and kyteow (noodle soup), all at bargain prices.
Cambodia Railway Station
This is a beautifully restored building. There aren’t much train service going on here. Yet even if you don’t plan to take a train stop here for a short while you’re in Phnom Penh to admire the lovely art deco station originally built in 1932.
If you decide to take a train, as there is no seating number, you have to hop in earlier to grab the spot to your liking. Otherwise you might experience standing on a delaying train.
They also have a Facebook page, to get information on travel booking and schedules, you may check out their page “Royal Railway Cambodia”.
Ambassade de France
Located at the northern end of Monivong Blvd, the French Embassy played a significant role in the dramas that unfolded after the fall of Phnom Penh on 17 April 1975. Today a high, whitewashed wall surrounds the massive complex, and the French have returned to Cambodia in a big way, promoting French language and culture in their former colony.
Independence Monument
From within the monument, one could admire the modern skyline of Phnom Penh together with the beautiful temples.
Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
The Statue of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, also known as the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial, is a significant landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It pays tribute to former King Norodom Sihanouk and his role in liberating the country from French colonization.
Along the way, you might find the followings which are not colonial yet quite impressive French style building
Electricity of Cambodia
Lycée Français René Descartes (LFRD)
The Lycée français René Descartes de Phnom Penh was established in 1951. Next to the embassy of the USA and one of the best university of Cambodia.
It is one of the 495 French schools abroad, approved by the French Ministry of Education, member of the network of the French Agency for French Education. abroad.
LFRD is a non profit school, funded by fees collected and an annual help of the French government. Yet compared to the $1000’s local annual income, it is quite expensive.
Governmental building
University building
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