History of Phnom Penh

The History of Phnom Penh is as interesting as the place itself. The city has owes its name to the tall hill temple that was built in the 14th century to as the sacred abode of five statues of Buddha. Know more exciting details about the History of Phnom Penh in Cambodia before you pack your bags for your vacation. Who knows? They might be of great help during the tour!

Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia ever since the time of Ponhea Yat. The ruins still exist to remind us of the days of the Khmer empire and the Angkorean Empire. Later, during the middle of 19th century, Phnom Penh became the center of Cambodian Government. The Royal palace was constructed and the whole place was soon transformed into a modern bustling city. Roads and railways were constructed and in 1920 the Pochentong Airport was built.

The Vietnam War has played a major role in the History of Phnom Penh of Cambodia. Thousands of refugees flooded into the city from all over the country to find a safe haven from the raging war and the population increased drastically. Later, when the city came under the control of the Khmer Rouge, the Phnom Penh History again took a major turn. Schools were transformed into prison houses and the Cambodians were kept as prisoners and ruthlessly tortured. Most of the residents of the city were used as manual labors in the farms and education was banned.

The supposed motive behind this sudden emphasis on agriculture was to purge the city of the evil of westernization. The Tuol Svay Prey High School that was used as a prison for the Cambodians has now been transmuted into a museum. The displays at this museum trace that gruesome part of the History of Phnom Penh. It was in 1979 that the Khmer Rouge ended and Phnom Penh was restored to its glory.

The History of Phnom Penh is a significant part of Phnom Penh Travel Guide. Know more about Phnom Penh to make your vacations successful!