Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is changing rapidly largely due to the overseas investments especially from China. Chinese are a common sights in Phnom Penh now and that means Chinese signs are everywhere. Many old buildings are purchased and torn down by the developers to make way for new developments. Phnom Penh is no longer what it was just few years back and it is still changing rapidly. My feel is that it is on the way to become a mini Bangkok and also over taking Macau as a key gaming destination for the Chinese.

Cambodia is fast becoming a destination for gaming with Sihanoukville booming with Casinos and not to mention the borders with Thailand and Vietnam. It was also announced recently that another massive 16,837 square meter of gaming/entertainment complex Naga 3 will be constructed near to Naga 2 and Naga world. This complex will include international hotels, malls, theme parks, sky bars and many more. Here’s the view taken from my hotel in Marriot Courtyard.

There is a Aeon Mall in the city and it is one of the biggest mall there with many of the famous shops you can find in other cities including a Tim Ho Wan next to the mall. With such convenience and easy comfort, one will not feel out of place here.

Cambodia is one of the cheapest place to drink, i mean alcoholic drinks. I thought it should be the cheapest in the world but Ukraine is $0.60? How do you beat that?

I went to one of the highly recommended Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh for some local food. Not the really local joint but fine dining type.

Personally i feel that Phnom Penh has great potential as a cheaper alternative to Bangkok if they develop it properly. The people are very similar to the Thais in their hospitality and friendliness. As for the rest of the country, there are lots of natural resources like the forest or rivers for eco-tourism and the beach where they has the potential to be develop into a major breach resort (ie. other than for gambling). Well, it will be interesting to see how this country develop in the years to come.