Lofalitsidwa: 24.02.2023
From the bustling metropolis of Saigon, we come to the friendly, peaceful, and cozy capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The city surprises us with its modernity and cleanliness compared to Vietnam. The people are very accommodating and less harsh than in Vietnam. After the urban jungle of Saigon, Phnom Penh is perfect for us to relax.
We can explore most of the attractions on foot from the hotel. However, we rent a scooter for a day to be more mobile.
A sad but very moving experience is visiting the Genocide Museum. The former school building was used as a 'prison' or torture and execution facility during the time of the Khmer Rouge. The images and evidence of the atrocities committed there move us. We spend two intense hours in the museum, but the experience continues to haunt us afterwards. It is even worse that these events happened only 40 years ago.
Visiting the museum is definitely worth it to gain a better understanding of the people and the country, even though it is painful to see this place of horror.
After visiting the museum, we see the city and its people with different eyes. It is even more beautiful that we have a great time in Phnom Penh.
The city has beautiful temples, markets, and monuments, many of which we visit without having to travel long distances.
After Phnom Penh, we are now traveling to Siem Reap to visit the temples of Angkor. The visit to the capital of Cambodia will remain particularly memorable for me. Both of us enjoyed our time in Phnom Penh very much, and we can recommend everyone to visit the country and the city.