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 The Architecture of
Phnom Penh
Architecturally speaking, Phnom Penh is
a comparatively new city. Prior to the late 19th century the city
was but a few pagodas and clusters of wooden structures along the
riverfront. Almost every currently existing structure was built
after the beginning of the French colonial period in 1863. ‘Chinese
shophouse’ style buildings dominate the city, characterized by deep
narrow apartments made up of a combined ground-floor business-front
and upstairs residence. Standing in distinctive difference, old
European influenced colonial period structures are interspersed
through the central city. At the height of the colonial period Phnom
Penh was reputed to be the most beautiful city in French Indochina -
recalling Paris in its manicured parks and picturesque boulevards
lined with ornate villas. Though sometimes difficult to see through
the grime and disrepair of years of hardship and neglect, much of
that beauty still exists.
See History of
Phnom Penh for more.
Architecture Tour and Sites of Architectural Interest
The historical architecture of the city may be divided into three
broad categories:
1) The ubiquitous ‘Chinese shophouse’ style structures, some as old
as the late 19th century but most from later periods.
2) Late-19th/early-20th century French Colonial buildings
encompassing a range of influences and styles. Early villa-style
residences and public buildings display an eclectic mix of European
influences. Slightly later structures such as Phsar Thmei reflect
the art deco movement and other ‘modern’ western styles of the
period. Also of this period, ‘Colonial Traditional’ style buildings
such as the National Museum that draw heavily on traditional
Cambodian themes. Most of Phnom Penh’s colonial-era highlights are
located within the city center with clusters near the Royal Palace,
around Post Office Square and Wat Phnom, and dotting Norodom Blvd.
from Sihanouk Blvd to Wat Phnom.
3) ‘New Khmer Architecture’ of the late-1950s/60s, such as the
Chaktomuk Theatre and Independence Monument, built in the
post-Independence ‘Golden-era’ and displaying a modern but
distinctively Cambodian direction. Few examples exist in the city
center.
See the
city
center map below for sites of architectural interest and a
suggested walking tour route. The route passes many of the better
French colonial buildings as well as examples of later architecture.
Due primarily to proximity, very few examples of New Khmer
Architecture are included. Also not listed below, the National
Museum and Royal Palace
should be included in any tour. The whole route takes about 4 hours
on foot. Faster by cyclo or motodup.
(click for larger map)
AA1: Villa Late 19th century Sino-Khmer villa, displaying a mix of
western architectural styles. In very good condition. Currently the
offices of UNESCO.
A2: Villa Picturesque late 19th century villa in a dilapidated
state.
A3: Old Royal Villa ‘No Problem Building’ Constructed c. 1905. One
of the few remaining royal villas. Good condition.
A4: Villa Classic colonial era villa constructed c. 1905. Currently
houses The Colonial Bar.
A6: Block of apartments/shops Constructed circa 1905.
A7: 1935-45 Apartments Distinctive art deco style apartment block
attached to the Lux Cinema, much of the frontage hidden by a modern
facade.
A8: Villa Constructed c. 1920. Small, colonial era villa.
A10: Block of shop houses Late 19th century in poor condition,
buried is modern facades and signage.
A11: Block of apartments/shops A classic block of Phnom Penh
architecture displaying a mix of periods from the 1930s(at the
market end) through the 60s.
A12: Phsar Thmey Unique domed art deco market structure built
1935-37. See page 28 for more.
A13: Hotel Le Royal Opened 1929. Fully and sensitively restored.
Currently a luxury hotel.
A14: Public Library Constructed in the early 20th century in
neo-classical Greek style. Open to the public.
A15: Former Treasury Building constructed in the 1890s. Several
buildings along Street 106 are late-19th/early-20th century. The
boulevard park along Street 106 was a canal until the 1930s. Note
the modern faux-Naga Bridge on Norodom Blvd, an echo of a real
bridge there in the 30s.
A16: 1960s office block
A17: Apartments Colonial period apartments from the 1930s or 40s
displaying a unique Mediterranean style.
A18: Intersection 130/15 Each corner of the intersection has a
building from a different period: c. 1905, c. 1940 (art moderne) and
from the 1980s.
A19: International Hotel Constructed circa 1905. Unique tower
structure. Early signage still visible. Poor condition.
A20: Post Office/Post Office square The post office building was
constructed in the 1890s and still operating as the central post
office. Many of the building on and around the square are turn of
the century. Best photos in the morning hours.
A21: Former Central Police Station Constructed in the 1890s. Site
used extensively in movie ‘City of Ghosts.’ Best photos in the
morning hours.
A22: French Colonial Chamber of Commerce On Post Office Square.
Constructed early 20th century.
A23: Former Banque de l'Indochine building Late 19th century bank
building. Owned by the Van family after 1960. Now fully restored to
its former grandeur and containing Van’s Restaurant.
A24: Chaktomuk Conference Hall Constructed in 1960-61. ‘Golden era’
architecture by Vann Molyvann.
For more on the architecture of Phnom Penh check out the books:
‘Phnom Penh Then and Now,’ ‘Cultures of Independence’ and ‘Building
Cambodia: New Khmer Architecture 1953-1970.’ See
book page for more on books.
Khmer Architecture Tours (www.ka-tours.org)
offers regularly scheduled lectures and guided architectural tours
of the city focusing primarily on 'New Khmer Architecture.' Cyclo
tours of central Phnom Penh every other Wednesday. See the website
for schedule.
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