If you’ve ever been to Phnom Penh you most likely visited the Central Market Phsar Thom They. It’s a famous art Deco landmark in the center of the city built by a French architect around 1935. A few years ago now, the market underwent a major renovation and now gleams with new shine.

Opposite the market is a rather … lets just say unimpressive high rise building (for Phnom Penh standards) which houses some quite un-stylish shops. If you take the escalator to the top floor, you’ll find a Chinese restaurant with a huge terrace. There you have a fantastic view over the city. Especially if you have a zoom lens, you can take great pictures from the life down in the streets. Whether it’s spying on people on their balconies and rooftops or watching the vendors at the market stalls … So take the time for an unique and rare overview of this city.

We got another nice view down to Phnom Phen’s hustle and bustle at the “Good Luck Hotel” on Monivong Boulevard. We just arrived back from out motorbike trip through Cambodia and returned the bikes at the nearby rental shop “Lucky Motors”. When checking in, we didn’t expect anything special – we were totally exhausted and ready to crash in our room but then the sign “Rooftop Pool” in the escalator made us curious …

The pool was really great; really cold water, which was totally refreshing and the view was stunning from up there. We spent hours watching the traffic go by, which included several nearly misses on that busy traffic corner. So if you ever come to Phnom Penh, the “Good Luck Hotel” is a great budget choice (25 -30 US $ per night) with spacious rooms and a nice pool.

Phnom Penh’s iconic Central market building in the front; Phnom Penh’s highest skyscraper – Vattanac Capital Tower – in the back.

Phnom Penh might not have a flashy skyline, but this doesn’t make the view any less impressive.

The Central Market in Phnom Penh is definitely a must see for every visitor! It’s one of our favourite wet markets in Southeast Asia.

A fully loaded motorbike with bananas on the way to the Central Market in Phnom Penh.

Apart from the highest skyscraper, Phnom Penh’s skyline hasn’t really changed that much since 2009.