Lifestyle, 5/16/2008 3:02 PM May 16, 2008
48 hours in Phnom Penh
PHNOM PENH (Reuters Life!) - Got 48 hours to explore the boutiques and
markets of Phnom Penh? The Cambodian capital may be lesser known than
Siem Reap, but
its designer boutiques, colorful markets, art galleries and upscale
restaurants are worth visiting.
FRIDAY
7 p.m. - Usher in the weekend with dinner at a European establishment,
but the elegant bistro Art Cafe (St. 108) holds regular classical
music performances and features a French-German menu. Beautiful
artwork by local and international artists adorn the walls and are
available for sale.
SATURDAY
9 a.m. - Grab a sandwich from The Deli on St. 178 and rush over to
Khmer designer Romyda Keth's "Ambre", the first stop for any
fa****onista. This two-storey colonial villa on the same street is the
place for stunning cocktail dresses, one-of-a-kind office wear or
gorgeous wedding dresses. The friendly staff can make adjustments and
you can order tailor-made outfits too. There's also a small but
equally luxurious men's collection. Cross the Norodom Boulevard for
more shops including Reyum Gallery and Silk & Pepper.
11 a.m. - The next stop is Keo (St. 222), home of Cambodia's haute
couture king Sylvain Lim. Having worked for Parisian brands including
Balmain and Dior, Sylvain's designs are classic. Browse through the
small collection of prototypes from which you can order. For those
with time and money, Sylvain's bespoke haute couture pieces are
spectacular. By appointment only.
1.00 p.m. - Hop over to Street 240 for fuel at The Sugar Palm, a
relaxed eatery serving local food -- don't miss the eggplant with ****k
or beef with ginger. The restaurant is also decorated with antiques
that you can buy.
2.30 p.m. - Walk down the length of St. 240 and enjoy the shops.
Couleurs d' Asie offers unique silk products to wear and decorate the
home, all in big, bold patterns. Next door is Bliss, boasting paisley-
print dresses and cotton wraparounds, massive cu****ons and home spa
products as well as a spa with a plunge pool if you prefer a break in
between the shopping.
Bead enthusiasts should not miss Water Lilly, showcasing Christine
Gauthier's whimsical creations. Opening the hundreds of drawers hiding
the jewellery is an experience in itself. Le Lezard Bleu offers top-
notch home decor: think bronze sculptures, dark wood tables. Two more
not to be missed boutiques are "Song", with its chic resort wear and
yoga outfits and "Jasmine" for gowns, skirts and tops in various
shades using Cambodian silk.
5.30 p.m. - Relax with a sundowner at the famed FCC on Sisowath Quay,
just make sure you face the National Museum if you want to see the
sunset. The FCC is also a good place to combine culture with souvenir
hunting: there are photo exhibitions with items for sale, T-****rts and
other memorabilia.
7.30 p.m. - Dinner at Metro Cafe, a short walk from the FCC. The best
way to enjoy the delicious food on the eclectic menu is to share. The
martinis, especially the tamarind and chocolate ones, are a must-try.
SUNDAY
9 a.m. - The Russian Market can be noisy and busy but it also has lots
of good buys and is best early in the morning. Products to take home
include colorful shawls, embroidered handbags, woven baskets,
paintings and silver jewellery. Don't miss the Tooit Tooit stall
inside the market for fun, funky bags and hats produced by parents of
former street children, and NYEMO on the outside for colourful soft
furni****ngs and silk handicrafts.
12 p.m. - Lunch at Romdeng on St. 74. Not only will you get delicious,
authentic Cambodian food served by former street children, but you can
also take the delicious recipes home as the charity organisation
behind the restaurant published a cookbook.
1.30 p.m. - It may not have the same buzz or variety of stalls, but
the art deco Central Market (Psar Thmei) is one of the city's
landmarks. The souvenir stalls around the entrance hawking T-****rts
and other curios are worth a visit while inside is an interesting
combination of shops selling glittering gold and jewelery, electronic
goods and second hand clothes.
2.30 p.m. - For trendy silk outfits, it's time to stop at Kambuja (St.
110). Local designer Kulikar Sotho specializes in women's clothes
using local silk, most of which are intricately embroidered.
3.30 p.m. - Take a break, and enjoy some coffee and cookies at the
Camory Cookie Boutique on Sisowath Quay, which sells everything from
standard chocolate ones to more exotic flavors such as palm sugar,
sesame and pepper.
4.30 p.m. - If all that commercial activity is starting to irk your
conscience, its time to do some shopping that soothes the soul.
Artisans d' Angkor on St. 49 is trying to revive traditional craft
skills and offers gorgeous silk paintings, stoneware and clothes,
Smateria on St. 57 is great for recycled products that are stylish and
funky and Rehab Craft on St. 322 for quality wood carvings, silk
accessories and jewellery made by disadvantaged Cambodians. (Details
at www.stay-another-day.org)
6.30 p.m. - End the weekend the way you started it, enjoying and
buying art. Java on Sihanouk Boulevard is a well-known art gallery/
cafe which also boasts a cosy atmosphere and simple, tasty fare such
as pasta and sandwiches.
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