Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Olympic Stadium, popular sports on Sunday. The fastest changing capital city in south east Asia, in it's way of life more then in architectural features. Trendy shops, boutique hotels, colonial restaurants make a new image of the Khmer city. But many shadows and contrasts are left behind, and you can easily see them on the sidewalks.

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Olympic Stadium

Phnom Penh


Despite the lofty name, this multipurpose sports complex has never hosted an Olympic Games. Nevertheless, it's a striking example of 1960s 'New Khmer' architecture, with an arena and facilities for boxing, gymnastics, volleyball and other sports. Turn up after 5pm to see countless football matches, pétanque duels or badminton games. It's also a popular spot for sunrise or sunset mass musical aerobics.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Phnom Penh attractions

1. Wat Moha Montrei

0.25 MILES

Wat Moha Montrei was named in honour of one of King Monivong’s ministers, Chakrue Ponn, who initiated the founding of the pagoda (moha montrei means ‘the…

2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

0.76 MILES

In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became…

3. Psar Thmei

0.98 MILES

A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally 'New Market') is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and…

4. Wat Langka

1.02 MILES

A colourful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city (near Independence Monument) that was established as a sanctuary for holy writings.

5. Independence Monument

1.09 MILES

Modelled on the central tower of Angkor Wat, Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953. It…

6. Norodom Sihanouk Statue

1.21 MILES

This impressive statue shows the legendary former king/prime minister/statesman King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who died a national hero in 2012.

7. National Museum of Cambodia

1.26 MILES

The National Museum of Cambodia is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture: a millennium’s worth and more of masterful Khmer design…

8. King's Residence

1.26 MILES

The official residence of King Sihamoni and his family is not open to the general public.

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