here's a quick Top 5 (not in order of preference):
1. The Royal Palace - nice complex with some decent temples (although
the silver pagoda is a let down; most of the silver tiles are covered)
and a nice touch of European architecture in the run down pavillion
dedicated to Napoleon III.
2. The Killing Fields/Toul Sleng Genocide Museum - it may be stating
the obvious to say this was a grim experience but it was grimmer than
anticipated. At the killing fields themselves you are literally
walking across mass graves occasionally stepping on the bones, teeth
and clothes of men, women and children that continue to appear out of
the ground 30 years later (although I did wonder whether any of it is
staged). The central memorial is a temple packed to the rafters with
skulls. The museum itself is in the school which was converted into
S21 - the main security office/prison/interrogation and torture centre
(the Cambodian Prinz Albrecht Strasse). The cells are all still in
place and there is still blood on the floors and instruments of
torture dotted around. It is not sanitised in the way you would expect
in Europe and is all the more affecting as a result. The recentness of
it all (within Paul's lifetime) also added to the impact.
3. Backpacker Street (Street 93, lakeside - not a great lake) - packed
with scruffy but fun bars and ridiculously cheap. 75 cents for a vodka
and mixer.
4. Cafe Culture - it has a very Parisien street cafe culture,
particularly on the riverside, which is great for people watching (as
well as eating and drinking). Much more evidence of old western men
and young Asian women here than in Bangkok!
5. Huxley Pub - although we have only been away for 3 weeks it was
nice to find somewhere with English papers (photocopied!), beer in a
pint glass and a free pool table. Shame about the pool series
whitewash! Nice balcony view too.
On another coach now (bad roads!) Ho Chi Minh here we come!
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