Is Phnom Penh Southeast Asia's most underrated capital? Here's why it is time to visit, Lifestyle News
You've spent the afternoon wandering its streets dotted with art galleries, independent boutiques and whimsical cafes before joining the fashionable folks around you for a drink. It almost feels like Bangkok or Bali — except there are no overwhelming crowds of tourists or aggressive touts. Sva kum (welcome) to Phnom Penh.
Phno way, you say? You'd be forgiven if the Cambodian capital has so far flown under your long-weekend radar. After all, it's most often remembered for its dark past and Communist history, with a long-drawn civil war that only came to an end in the 1990s.
But things are changing. For the first time, the city has a young generation of citizens who haven't grown up surrounded by war, while expats are moving into the dynamic and increasingly tourist-friendly destination to start businesses.
New hotels, edgy cocktail bars, indie boutiques and art galleries are popping up quicker than you can say "fresh start", transforming it into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-rising creative hubs. (For proof on how quickly things are changing, check out the LGBTQ+ scene, where a new annual Pride festival now draws thousands of people every year — more on that later.)
All of which means that while Phnom Penh may be underrated for now, it won't stay that way for long. So go while you can — and while it's still much more affordable than nearby popular destinations. Here's where to eat, drink, stay and play in the Cambodian capital. Where to stay: Luxe towers, historic legends and riverfront retreats
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DKD_dgKPxmk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==[/embed]
To experience Phnom Penh's glow-up in style, check into the Rosewood Phnom Penh. Sitting on the top floors of the city's tallest skyscraper, this gorgeous hotel has the best rooms in town and serves up sweeping Mekong views, an art-filled lobby, and some of the city's best cocktails.
If old-school glamour is more your thing, head to Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the grand dame of Phnom Penh hotels. Opened in 1929, it's all black-and-white tiled corridors, leafy courtyards and history-soaked bars.
For something with more of a boutique vibe, the stylish Hotel KVL in the heart of the tourist district offers minimalist luxury, with views that overlook the intersection of the great Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Where to eat and drink: Modern Khmer food and creative cocktails
Phnom Penh's food and drink scene is levelling up fast, with international restaurants mushrooming across the city. The best place to start your culinary adventure is Bai Sor, with its modern Cambodian dishes, like Kep crab with Kampot pepper and charcoal-grilled stuffed frogs, and a focus on fresh, local, seasonal produce.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/C4hnqWiLlAP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==[/embed]
For a casual, cosy meal (not to mention yummy gelato), head to Koki Kitchen, where Southeast Asian flavours come together in dishes like the spicy tuna tartare and curry noodles.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DID28UAvhNt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
And don't sleep on Phnom Penh's bar scene, which is surprisingly extensive and sophisticated for a city that only recently entered the landscape.
The understated speakeasy Kravat is where the cool kids (and stylish grown-ups) sip cocktails crafted with Cambodian ingredients. Meanwhile, laidback Pomelo, a Scandinavian-style cocktail bar hidden down a laneway, offers classic drinks with chilled-out vibes.
Whether or not you're up for a drink, save time for Sora, the award-winning rooftop bar at the Rosewood. Here, the seasonal menu of fabulous cocktails is just half the draw — its open-air terrace also offers jaw-dropping unblocked views across the city. What to do: Sustainable shopping, art-hopping and creative festivals
Phnom Penh is a playground for creative, planet-conscious souls right now. For shopping, skip the malls and head to the fair-trade fashion boutique A.N.D, where you'll find handwoven textiles and ethically made fashion pieces — some created, incredibly, from rags dredged from the Mekong River. Or visit Nary — which employs women from the community to produce its clothes — for breezy, sustainable resort wear.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DHC-aaQT5_P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
Over at Interwoven Atelier, there are light, easy-to-wear dresses and separates that are perfect for our region's tropical weather, while Paradise is the best place for beach-esque decor pieces.
Nearby Shade, meanwhile, offers artisanal accessories and standout menswear by longtime Phnom Penh resident Ryan Drewe Taylor.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/DJsu1xJvYJp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]
The city's art scene is thriving, too. The Gallerist is one of the best places to view the increasingly admired work of Cambodia's contemporary artists. And if you're into theatre, The Last Stage by The Acting Art Academy is where Phnom Penh's next-gen playwrights and actors are telling new, exciting stories.
Time your visit right and you can also catch Phnom Penh Designers Week, a city-wide celebration of Cambodian creativity, or Pride Fest Cambodia, the highlight of which is a concert and an Amazing Race-style tuk tuk race across the city. Now is the time to go
There's a young energy to Phnom Penh at the moment that feels like the capital is on the cusp of becoming the next Bangkok. Yet traffic still trundles along the roads like it's in no hurry to become the next big thing, and the city's attractions are blissfully uncrowded.
In a few years there will be many more major hotel chains (several are already under construction), and things will no doubt be different. But for now, this is Southeast Asia's most underrated, under-the-radar capital, and there's no better time to visit.
[[nid:718282]]
This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Border tensions spark tourist cancellations in some Thai provinces
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natreeya Taweewong confirmed the disruptive effect of the border skirmishes. Follow our live coverage here. BANGKOK - The intensifying military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border are significantly impacting Thailand's tourism sector, leading to a wave of accommodation cancellations in provinces adjacent to the conflict zone. On July 24, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports urged holidaymakers to steer clear of these volatile areas and instructed local tourism offices to provide accurate, real-time information to affected visitors. Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Natreeya Taweewong confirmed the disruptive effect of the border skirmishes. She revealed a notable decline in tourist numbers and widespread booking cancellations in Sa Kaeo province's border districts of Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat. While other parts of Sa Kaeo remain unaffected, with planned tourism and sports events proceeding as scheduled, these front-line areas are now largely devoid of visitors. The immediate impact is particularly stark in Surin Province, where fierce fighting has erupted at Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Phanom Dong Rak district. Security measures have been drastically ramped up, with the provincial government establishing an Emergency Command Centre and activating an air raid evacuation plan. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Straits Times
America's ‘Toupee Queen' uses TikTok to combat stigma of men's non-surgical hair restoration
Toupee artist Emily Cheney with her client Luke Williams at her studio in San Diego, California. SAN DIEGO, United States – As Mr Luke Williams looked in the mirror from his salon chair, he debated how short to cut the hair on the sides of his head. The top was already shaved in preparation for his new hairline. He told toupee artist Emily Cheney that he would defer to her expertise because she was the professional. ''Cause I'm the queen!' she exclaimed in response. Ms Cheney, 25, the self-crowned monarch of non-surgical hair restoration, has developed a strong brand thanks to the 1.4 million people who follow her on TikTok and Instagram, where her display name is Toupee Queen. In a small one-room salon tucked inside a building in downtown San Diego, California, Ms Cheney fits men – most of whom are in their late 20s – with toupees. Her work, which she has been documenting on social media for five years, routinely draws millions of views, with transformation videos that showcase the before and after of a toupee installation. Toupees, which have been rebranded by some as hair systems and are called cranial protheses by medical professionals, have become an unexpected fixture on social media, with both clients and stylists documenting the low-risk method of reinventing a hairline. 'I was struggling to come up with something using the term 'hair system',' Ms Cheney said about how she landed on her title. After some deliberating, the Toupee Queen was born, with a pink neon sign on her wall making it official. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Live: Thailand, Cambodia clash with jets, rockets, artillery in deadly border row Asia 9 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border: Reports Singapore Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times; ordered to stay 2 years in S'pore Boys' Home Business MOM probing work injury claim flagged by late Sumo Salad boss Jane Lee: MOS Dinesh Business Marina Bay Sands sees record second quarter with revenue up 37% to $1.77 billion Singapore What's key to a good life? Most Singapore residents choose emotional and mental well-being Singapore Over 2 years' jail for man who worked with wife to cheat her then boyfriend of $220k Asia South Korea police raid offices of BTS' agency Hybe over share probe Ms Cheney's social media success allowed her to move from Utah to San Diego in 2024, and it is how many clients find her. But she also sees her videos as a way of pushing back against the stigma that so many men face when they engage in anything cosmetic. 'When I decided that one of my goals was to normalise toupees and male cosmetics and femininity among men, I decided that the best way to do this is to use the real word,' Ms Cheney said of toupees. 'We can't keep changing the word and expect it to be normalised.' Mr Williams, 44, said his hairline began receding in his 20s. After evaluating his options, including a hair transplant, he decided two years ago that he would go with a toupee. This was, however, his first visit with Ms Cheney, whom his wife had found on Instagram. 'I didn't realise the technology was quite as good as it was, and they looked as real as they do,' Mr Williams said, adding that the fuller head of hair had given him a confidence boost, particularly when going to work or meeting new people. 'Ideally, I'd have nice natural hair. But if you don't have it, you've got to buy it.' Many of Ms Cheney's clients have a similar story. Mr Ben Sherry, 26, got his first toupee with Ms Cheney in May. He is open to more permanent solutions in the future, he said, but this is a 'Band-Aid' for now. 'The support that I've gotten has been great,' he added in reference to his TikTok videos documenting his experience. 'And then, obviously, my perception of myself has also improved tremendously.' Restoring confidence Male pattern baldness is a common condition that affects up to half of men by 50. Although the loss is physical, experts said the experience often influences how men feel. Professor of social psychology Viren Swami at Anglia Ruskin University, whose research focuses on the psychology of body image, said hair loss could affect confidence in interpersonal relationships and social relationships, which in turn might have a negative impact on mental health. 'Losing your hair doesn't necessarily mean you suddenly become depressed,' Prof Swami said. 'You might feel sad, you might feel like something's changed. But that then in turn has an impact on how you negotiate the world around you.' Mr Sherry said that before getting a toupee, his hair was the first thing he noticed when he looked in the mirror, and he hated it. 'It does take a toll,' he said. An elaborate process At the salon, Ms Cheney runs an efficient, one-woman operation. First, she meets potential clients through virtual consultations. If they decide to proceed, they come in for a two-hour application appointment, which includes shaving the top of their head and working to colour- and texture-match toupees to their natural hair. Known as the Toupee Queen online, Ms Emily Cheney wants to change the way people talk about men's hair loss. PHOTO: JOHN FRANCIS PETERS/NYTIMES This is followed by washing the toupee, applying it to the scalp with three to four coats of medical-grade glue, and a haircut and styling. The applications cost US$1,400 (S$1,790) for the initial installation – she provides a discount for those willing to be featured in her social media videos – and require daily maintenance, as well as a monthly glue refresh. A new toupee is recommended every two to three months, she said. The hair pieces come from Toupees by Argyle, a small business owned by Ms Cheney's mother Anndrea Argyle, who introduced her to the industry. That relationship allowed Ms Cheney to create custom 'blueprints' for her stock toupees. The number of people who do toupee applications is small, she said, and lacks community, partly because of the shame associated with wearing them. Her attempts to remove that shame, and to use the word toupee, have not always gone over well with her peers. 'I feel rejected by the industry,' Ms Cheney said. 'And I did feel a bit lonely, but the changes are happening.' She added: 'If the industry won't adjust with us, then we will build a new industry that is kinder and more happy to deal with change.' NYTIMES
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Straits Times
Tributes pour in for Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A memorial plaque sits amid flowers in front of a mural of Ozzy Osbourne on Navigation Street. LONDON – Tributes poured in on July 23 for heavy metal hell-raiser Ozzy Osbourne. His Black Sabbath bandmates mourned the death of their legendary frontman and tearful fans laid flowers in his home town Birmingham, just weeks after he played an epic reunion concert there. Osbourne, nicknamed the 'Prince of Darkness' who once bit a bat while on stage, died on July 22 at the age of 76, his family said. The heavy metal star, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, passed away just over two weeks after playing the final gig before a sold-out crowd in Birmingham, central England. Fans there laid flowers in memory of the singer at a mural honouring the band. 'There are no words, truly. Thank you for everything, for all the music,' read one. 'Even recently at your last gig you brought us so much happiness, it's unreal,' said another. Nigel O'Connell, 63, visiting the mural with his grandson, told AFP he was saddened to hear of his death but not surprised 'because he lived his life in rock and roll'. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Live: Thai-Cambodia border clash Asia At least 2 Thai civilians killed as Thai and Cambodian militaries clash at disputed border Singapore Boy, 15, charged after being caught with vapes 5 times; ordered to stay 2 years in S'pore Boys' Home Business MOM probing work injury claim flagged by late Sumo Salad boss Jane Lee: MOS Dinesh Business New tie-up offers insurance savings for SMEs committed to workers' health and well-being Singapore What's key to a good life? Most Singapore residents choose emotional and mental well-being Singapore Over 2 years' jail for man who worked with wife to cheat her then-boyfriend of $220k Asia South Korea police raid offices of BTS' agency Hybe over share probe 'Ozzy was just a bit of an icon of the city – he was a bit of a fool, but everybody loved him,' he said, adding that he had 'done the city proud'. Original bandmates guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward led the tributes to one of the city's most famous sons. A woman places flowers in front of a mural of Ozzy Osbourne on Navigation Street, following the death of Ozzy Osbourne. PHOTO: REUTERS Co-founder Iommi said his death so soon after the well-received musical reunion -– their first in 20 years – had been a 'terrible shock'. The concert had been 'brilliant for Ozzy' because he felt at home in Birmingham, he told BBC radio. 'It was good for all of us... we didn't realise it was going to be this final,' he added. Big names who paid tribute included Rod Stewart, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood and Elton John, who called him a true legend. US rocker Alice Cooper hailed 'an unmatched showman and cultural icon'. Osbourne was instrumental in pioneering heavy metal – an offshoot of hard rock – as Black Sabbath enjoyed huge commercial success in the 1970s and 80s after forming in Birmingham in 1968. Black Sabbath's eponymous 1970 debut album made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records, including their most famous song Paranoid. The group went on to sell more than 75 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Osbourne was added for a second time in 2024 as a solo artiste. Rock musician Rick Wakeman said Osbourne was 'a lot cleverer musically' than he was given credit for. 'There was so much more to him musically than just being the front man in a heavy metal band,' he said. Black Sabbath's first manager Jim Simpson said Osbourne had been in declining health for some time. 'He even said beforehand that he expected to die on the stage at the July 5 show,' he said, speaking at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham. 'The world's lost an inordinately nice, balanced, human being.' Fans gather at the Black Sabbath mural to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England, on July 23. PHOTO: ELLIE SMITH/NYTIMES Osbourne gained notoriety for his outlandish stunts, many of them fuelled by his lavish use of drugs and alcohol. In 1989, he was arrested for drunkenly trying to strangle his wife Sharon, which he once mentioned in a 2007 interview. His live performances at the height of his hedonism have gone down in rock folklore, particularly the 1982 gig in the US city of Des Moines when he bit a bat onstage. Osbourne said he thought a fan had thrown a fake rubber bat, and it was not until he took a bite that he realised it was real. 'I can assure you the rabies shots I went through afterwards aren't fun,' he told US TV host David Letterman in 1982. His public persona took a new turn with the reality television series The Osbournes in the 2000s, which followed the ups and downs of his family life alongside Sharon, whom he married in 1982, and two of their three children. He had three other children with his first wife. Osbourne, who reportedly died at his mansion near London, went public with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. Caroline Rassell of the charity Parkinson's UK said the family's openness about the diagnosis had helped many in the same situation. 'They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone,' she said. Osbourne brought the curtain down on a wild career on July 5 when Black Sabbath rattled through their most iconic songs in front of 40,000 adoring fans at Birmingham's Villa Park football stadium. Stylish to the end, he held court from a giant leather throne, topped with a bat. AFP
