After an awesome experience in Vietnam, I am now crossing borders to Cambodia. First stop is Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. It is situated at the confluence of 3 rivers; Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh is the busiest and wealthiest city in Cambodia. Phnom Penh still exudes provincial charm compared to other modern Asian capitals.

The city takes its name from the re-known Wat Phnom Daun Penh (nowadays: Wat Phnom or Hill Temple), which was built in 1373 to house five statues of Buddha on a man made hill 27 meters high. These five statues were floating down the Mekong in a Koki tree and an old wealthy widow named Daun Penh (Grandma Penh) saved them and set them up on this very hill for worshiping. Phnom Penh was also previously known as Krong Chaktomuk (Chaturmukha) meaning “City of Four Faces”. This name refers to the confluence where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers cross to form an “X” where the capital is situated. (Source)
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