Phnom Penh’s tourist lane. This riverside promenade runs side by side with Tonle Sap river on one side and a busy, crammed street full of restaurants, hotels, bars,cafes etc. Its a busy busy street and its where most tourists and expats converge. Early morning and afternoon turns this place into a group exercise haven.

One of Phnom Penh’s landmarks – Wat Phnom. And aside from the shrines, wat and museum in this place, another thing of interest is this ginormous clock embedded on the ground. This thing is also illuminated at night, but I have yet to take photos of that. For now, we’ll have this afternoon snapshot of the Wat Phnom clock.

Hmm, I think I just found my favorite time of the year to be in Phnom Penh: Khmer New Year! Why? The streets are almost empty, I had a crazy time driving around. Lol. The only time I could actually brave to drive. Hahaha. Yes, those careening motos and speeding SUV’s makes me a coward so I’m really scared to drive here and I’m trying to overcome that sloooowly.

Phnom Penh Street During Khmer New Year. Yay! Almost empty!

The past few Khmer New Years, we joined the exodus of city dwellers to some vacation destination. But this year, we have decided to stay on. And I’m so happy we did decided to stay behind. The only downside is that most shops were closed from the 13th, so if one suddenly gets inspired to shop  for test sieves, I doubt if there is any place open.

an almost deserted junction. this place is usually packed with traffic..

The only places open for business were biggie supermarkets and a couple of restaurants and mostly just along the riverside area. Our neighborhood which is usually noisy has been eerie with too much quiet. Even our neighbors dogs are out of town!

my kind of street. I can drive here. hahaha!

But sigh, this moment of peace and quiet is almost at its end. I’m sure lots of those who drove out of the city are now hurrying back. Hmm, still, I’m happy we got to loosen up  a bit.

One of the things I like about Phnom Penh: low buildings. I guess I had too much of high rises but I know time will come that Phnom Penh will be crammed full of high rise bulidings, judging by the constructions going on all around, but for now, I like looking at and enjoying low rise buildings, busy intersections like these.

Snapshot taken along Monivong Blvd. Phnom Penh.

If you’re ever here in Phnom Penh, this is one ride you should take, at least once. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it is a leisurely and relaxing ride once you get past the initial nerves. It has been awhile since I had a cyclo ride, hmmm. Maybe its high time I go for it again..