Phnom Penh Capital
Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia, which is nicely situated at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong River, and Bassac River. It covers an area of 678.46 square kilometers and has a population of 2.3 million. Its population density is 3,400 a square kilometer.
Phnom Penh creates nine districts: Chamkarmorn, Dangkao, Daun Penh, Meanchey, Prampi Makara, Russey Keo, Sèn Sok, Tuol Kork, and Porsènchey.
Phnom Penh was previously known as the “Pearl of Asia” and as Krong Chatomok meaning “City of Four Faces”. This name refers to the junction where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonlé Sap rivers cross to form an “X” where the capital is situated. Krong Chatomuk is an abbreviation of its ceremonial name which was given by King Ponhea Yat, which in full is Krong Chatomuk Mongkol Sakal Kampuchea Thipadei Sereythor Inthabot Borei Roth Reach Seima Maha Nokor.
This city takes its legendary name from a sanctuary founded by Daun Penh (Grandma Penh). She was a wealthy widow who in 1372 retrieved from the river a log storing five statues of Buddha. Supported by her close neighbors, she built up a small hill and erected a shrine on its top to house those statues. The fabricated hill at a height of 27m (89ft) has attracted people from all parts of the country to settle around it. The area around the hill has been known as “Phnom Penh” until now.
Phnom Penh is internationally famous for MICE and as a contemporary administrative, commercial and tourist hub. It is a fascinating city which proudly boasts Wat Phnom Cultural and Historical Tourist Site, Royal Palace, National Museum, Independence Monument, colonial-era buildings, Dreamland, Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center, Peace Palace, world-class hotels, riverside bars and restaurants, traditional and modern markets, etc.
Wat Phnom Cultural and Historical Tourist Site
Wat Phnom is a cultural and historical tourist site, symbolizing Phnom Penh Capital. This sacred site boasts the Phnom Daun Penh pagoda with Buddhist shrines, the Daun Penh shrine, and a massive stupa enshrining ashes of King Ponhea Yat, who built Phnom Penh City in 1434.
On holidays, tourists always visit this resort for relaxation. On holy days, Buddhist disciples always congregate here to worship Buddha statues and the Daun Penh effigy and to pray for peace and prosperity. Furthermore, on the Khmer New Year, tourists congregate here to play traditional games and to watch a great evening concert.