Hub of Khmer Empire - Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is often seen as a transit stop on the way to Angkor Wat, however we decided to spend a few days there and explore the city. We happened to go to Phnom Penh during New Year’s celebration which is also great way to experience local traditions. There are several historical sites that you should not miss when in Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and a Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom. Also, be sure to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Field to learn about the dark part of Cambodia’s history –  the crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime that killed up to 2 million of innocent people. 

Phnom Penh - Cambodia
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Phnom Penh - Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh - Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom/Real Madrid
Phnom Penh - Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Offerings at Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Offerings at Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Offerings at Buddhist temple of Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh - a tuk tuk ride along the Tonlé Sap River.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. A former school was converted by Khmer Rouge regime into the Security Prison 21 (S-21) from 1975 to 1979.
Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
It is estimated that 20,000 people were imprisoned, tortured and killed at Tuol Sleng.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
On arrival, prisoners were photographed. Later, they were tortured and killed after "confessing" to their crimes.
As the night falls, Phnom Penh starts preparing for the New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh's hip bars are also ready for New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year celebrations.
Phnom Penh - New Year's eve celebrations.
Monks having a picnic on a New Year night.
Traffic in Phnom Penh can get crazy on New Year night.
Traffic, food stalls, picnics.
Traffic in Phnom Penh can get crazy on New Year night.
Happy New Year, Phnom Penh!
Getting home might take a while...

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