Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument is a statue commemorating the historical alliance between these two countries. Located on Sothearos Boulevard, near the Royal Palace, this attraction sits in the Daun Penh district. It stands as a captivating and memorable icon of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

History

The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument was built in the late 1970s by the Cambodian communist regime to commemorate the Vietnamese victory over the Khmer Rouge regime. After the war between Cambodia and Vietnam, and following the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge tyranny, this communist regime took power.

Historically, the alliance between these two nations began in the early 1600s. During this period, a Khmer king named Jayjetta II married a Vietnamese princess. To protect his kingdom and repel the Siamese kingdom, the king sought the support of the Vietnamese.

The history of this monument is also marked by political conflicts between the peoples and authorities. During a post-election protest on August 30, 1998, several people climbed onto the statues and set the monument on fire. It was also attacked on July 29, 2007, when ill-intentioned individuals detonated a bomb at the base of the monument.

Today, the bond of friendship remains intact. On the 38th anniversary of the overthrow of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in 2016, the Vietnamese Fatherland Front donated $350,000 to Kampong Chhnang to restore the monument.

Discovering the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument

As its name suggests, this monument is a testament to the close relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam. Its architecture, blending the architectural styles of both countries, is its main memorial value.

The column is topped with four golden, stacked roofs on each side. The small golden dome at the top marks the Cambodian architectural style and also reflects the style of communist countries.

At the base of the column, there are statues, including two soldiers standing guard on either side of a woman and a child. These images symbolize the Vietnamese heroes protecting Cambodian civilians. These heroic socialist statues thus embody the friendship between the two countries. According to experts, these figures also depict "Soviet realism from the 1930s."

This structure is located within the popular Hun Sen Park, situated in the center of the city. It provides a naturally serene environment. Surrounding the monument, you can enjoy a large water basin encircled by numerous flags. As such, the site becomes a peaceful haven to pause and escape the hectic pace of the bustling Cambodian capital.

How to get there

As the site is located in the center of Phnom Penh, it is very easy to reach. The city is well-served by various public transportation options, including tuk-tuks and moto-taxis.