Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(near cnr Sihanouk & Monireth Blvds)
Known collectively as the National Sports Complex, the
Olympic Stadium is a striking example of 1960s Khmer architecture and includes a sports
arena and facilities for boxing, gymnastics, volleyball and other sports. Turn up after 5pm
to see countless football matches,
pétanque
duels or badminton games.
Wat Moha Montrei
(Sihanouk Blvd)
Situated close to the Olympic Stadium, 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 great minister'). The cement
vihara,
topped with
a 35m-high tower, was completed in 1970. Between 1975 and 1979, it was used by the
Khmer Rouge to store rice and corn.
Check out the assorted Cambodian touches incorporated into the wall murals of the
vi-
hara
, which tell the story of Buddha. The angels accompanying Buddha to heaven are
dressed as classical Khmer dancers and the assembled officials wear the white military
uniforms of the Sihanouk period.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Independence Monument
(cnr Norodom & Sihanouk Blvds)
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 also serves as a memorial to Cambodia's war dead. Wreaths are laid here on na-
(Sihanouk Blvd)
of the legendary former king/prime minister/statesman Norodom Sihanouk
(
Click here
)
, who died a national hero in 2012.
(btwn Sts 7 & 19)
, is the optimistically named
Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument
design in 1979. Concerts are often held in the park, which springs to life with aerobics,
football and
takraw
(foot juggling with a rattan ball) enthusiasts after 5pm.
MONUMENT
Vann Nath Gallery
ART GALLERY
