Located on the confluence of three major rivers. Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since the 14^th century. This fabulous city has both a unique Khmer style and a chic European feel; a reminder of the French colonial period of 1864 to 1954.

There is still a good deal of French architecture still standing and still in use, such as the Central Market (Phsar Thmei), some government buildings and the residential area around Wat phno, including Raffles Le Royal Hotel, and editices along the reverfront.

Along the Tonle Sap, Chakthomukh and Tonle Bassac riverfronts, there are attractive tree-lined gardens.

The riverfront seldom sleeps at night, and if you wake early, these gardens serve as outdoor exercise halls for the locals, with thousands of people working out between 4 a.m and 6 a.m every day. Food sellers and fortune tellers set up their stalls here also, and make for a distinctive and vibrant scene.

The most popular sights in Phnom Penh are the Royal Palace, including preah Vihea Preah Kev, the National Museum, and the Central Market. Nowadays, tourists can visit Toul Sleng and Cheung Ek (the killing Fields), and pay hommage to Cambodia's dark past.