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Cambodia > Places & Sights > Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh takes its name from a legend which dates back to the year 1372. It is said that a rich local widow named Don Penh found a tree with five Buddha statues in it, which had been carried down the river during a flood. To house the statues, she had a pagoda built, called Wat Phnom Don Penh, The Monastery on the Hill of Lady Penh.
Phonm Penh first became temporary capital in 1431 when King Ponhea Yat had to flee from Angkor Thom because of Siamese attacks.
In 1866, three years after Cambodia had become a French protectorate, the government moved to Phnom Penh for good and the royal palace was built. In subsequent years, the simple settlement evolved into a city and by the 1920s became known as The Pearl of Asia, a fame which lasted only for a few short decades.
To the modern visitor, Phnom Penh offers an interesting selection of sights situated at manageable distance from each other (unlike some attractions in rural areas). The city's past glory is evident in beautiful colonial buildings and stunning examples of ornate Khmer architecture.
On the other hand, Phnom Penh unfortunately also takes to new dimensions the worst characteristics of Asian cities. More and more people come from the poor rural regions to make a living in the comparatively rich city. Old structures such as water supply and electricity are outdated and unable to keep up with the rising demand. Refuse piles up everywhere, feeding hordes of rats and stray dogs, and exponentially growing traffic is congesting the streets.
Most alarming for tourists, however, is the rapid increase in crime. Robbery at gunpoint has become quite common, and there were several reports of tourists being dragged from their motorbikes. For this reason, visitors are generally advised not to stay out or travel after nightfall. Make sure to read up on the latest safety information.
National Museum