Colonial Monuments of Phnom Penh

The French protectorate, which was established in 1863 and lasted until Cambodia’s independence in 1953, greatly influenced the country's history and architecture. A significant number of French architectural buildings have survived through the ages and remain intact. To learn more about this era and take a journey through time, let us guide you through the discovery of Phnom Penh's colonial monuments. 

Phnom Penh's central post office

Located at Place de la Poste, in the heart of the former French administrative district, not far from Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Central Post Office was constructed in 1890 based on the designs of French architect Daniel Fabre. At the time, it was the first administrative building constructed by the protectorate. Previously called the “Post and Telegraph Hotel,” the building was expanded and renovated several times throughout the decades.

It remains today the largest post office in Cambodia, offering a full range of public services (postal exchanges, telecommunications, philately, rental of postal boxes, etc.).

Recognizable by its bright yellow color, it features a façade adorned with balconies and balustrades, stucco-carved pediments, Corinthian columns, and Romanesque windows, all elements that reflect the Neo-Classical style.

Phnom Penh’s Central Market

Another iconic building of French architecture in the city is the Central Market of Phnom Penh, also known as Phsar Thmei (“new market”), which is the fifth largest market in the world.

Built around 1930, it was the work of several international architects, including Jean Desbois, Louis Chauchon, and Wladimir Kandaouroff. The Art Deco style of the market was significantly influenced by French architect Louis Chauchon. Entirely painted yellow and constructed with reinforced concrete, the building is distinguished by its massive 50-meter diameter dome and four wings, each 50 meters long.

Although it was bombed by Thai aircraft during the Franco-Thai War, causing significant damage, the building was rebuilt and restored from 2009 to 2011. Since its inception, the market has housed a multitude of stalls offering everything from souvenirs and food to clothing and jewelry. It is undoubtedly one of the must-visit markets when in Phnom Penh.

The National Library of Cambodia

Inaugurated in 1924, the National Library of Cambodia was the creation of French architect Louis Chauchon (who also designed it as his first project). Like many buildings of the time, it follows the Art Deco style.

At the time of its opening, the library housed a collection of nearly 3,000 books, most of which were in French. After Cambodia's independence in 1954, the number of books in the Khmer language increased. However, in 1975, the library closed its doors and the building was repurposed as housing for members of Pol Pot's regime. During this period, the Khmer Rouge destroyed over 80% of the library's books.

Reopened in 1980, the library now houses over 103,000 volumes in various languages (Khmer, French, English, German, etc.).

In the periodicals room of the library, visitors can explore a permanent exhibit of ex-libris, showcasing periodicals, magazines, and books from the colonial era. In addition to the interior visit, its beautiful gardens are also well worth a look. 

Explore the National Library of Cambodia through a real-life escape game

Thanks to Urban Tales, a newly launched tourist activity in Cambodia, you can now explore the National Library of Cambodia through an exciting game to enjoy with friends or family. The concept? Using an old map, compass, and other authentic documents, you’ll step into the shoes of explorers on a mission to uncover the mysteries discovered by Anatole Pasquier. The objective? To find the lost artifact… Are you ready for the adventure? 

For more information on this immersive adventure, click here.

Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh

Located in the heart of the capital, just a short walk from Wat Phnom, Hotel Le Royal Phnom Penh was built in the 1920s and designed by architect and urban planner Ernest Hébrard, who aimed to make it the tallest building in the capital while drawing inspiration from French colonial style.

The hotel opened its doors in 1929, with the royal guest of honor at the inauguration being His Majesty Sisowath Monivong, King of Cambodia from 1927 to 1941. It soon became one of the most prestigious luxury hotels, frequented by celebrities. Jacqueline Kennedy even stayed there in 1967.

In 1975, under the Khmer Rouge regime, the hotel was forced to close. It reopened in 1980 to house international aid agencies before resuming its hotel operations. Since its inception, the hotel has undergone several name changes and restorations. Today, it is under the management of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

Phnom Penh Railway Station

Built by architect Jean Desbois in 1932, the Phnom Penh Railway Station is an example of Art Deco architecture in reinforced concrete (just like the Central Market of Phnom Penh). After its construction, it connected the capital to Battambang. Left abandoned during the civil war, the station and railway lines have since been rehabilitated since the 2000s, resuming the transportation of goods and passengers. The lines now connect cities such as Battambang, Poipet, Sihanoukville, and Kampot.

The Former Bank of Indochina in Cambodia

The Bank of Indochina, a private commercial bank that had been granted the privilege of issuing currency in French Indochina by the French government, was headquartered in Paris but had branches across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. One of these branches was located in Phnom Penh, at Place de la Poste.

The building was later acquired by the Van family after Cambodia's independence. Beautifully restored, it now houses the Van's Restaurant, a fine-dining establishment offering exquisite French cuisine.

Want to Learn More About Cambodia's History and the French Protectorate Era?

Explore the *Phnom Penh Heritage Tour*, a tuk-tuk or cyclo-pousse circuit that takes you through the essential colonial heritage sites of the Cambodian capital. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Florine Dergelet