by Le Concierge Orient
phnom penh cambodia
The Destination
Founded in 1372, Phnom Penh succeeded Angkor Thom as the capital of the Khmer empire in 1434 following the fall of Angkor, and remained so briefly until 1497. From that point it was largely abandoned until It regained its capital status during the French colonial era. It underwent a period of investment and modernisation during Cambodia’s independence period, earning the nickname the “Pearl of Asia” for its colonial French, New Khmer and Art Deco architecture. The city was reconstructed and infrastructure improved in the modern era with the support of international investment and aid. By 2019, it was home to more than 2 million people, approximately 14 percent of the Cambodian population. With booming economic spurts and growth since the 1990s, Phnom Penh is picking up pace in developments and gaining popularity as a tourist destination as visitors look elsewhere for exploration in Cambodia after flooding into Siem Reap for decades. There is a vibrant art scene in this city, thanks to the glorious Khmer art heritage that astounded the world from the olden Angkorian sites, along with the rise of local contemporary artists inspired by both ancient techniques and modern ideas.
“Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts — a place where few remaining colonial buildings meet steel and glass, where memory and imagination coexist. Its art scene hums quietly beneath the chaos, in cafés, converted Chinese townhouses, and industrial warehouses. To trace its creative pulse is to get a glimpse of Cambodia’s story of resilience, renewal, and boundless invention,” says seasoned art curator Marina Pok, Cambodia’s erstwhile Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
“Phnom Penh is best explored with curiosity and an open heart. Beyond its royal landmarks and riverside charm, the city reveals itself through quiet moments — a stroll along leafy boulevards, a visit to local art galleries, or a meal shared in a family-run restaurant tucked away from the main streets. Don’t miss the beauty of the hidden temples, the morning bustle of markets like O Russei, and the golden light that falls over Wat Phnom at dusk. These are the experiences that locals cherish most, and they offer a glimpse into the true soul of the city,” says H.R.H Princess Chansita Norodom, grand daughter of King Sihanouk Norodom, who is also the Brand Ambassador of Raffles Cambodia.
The Launchpads
