Can you imagine a place that was once a sugarcane garden? Khan Chbar Ampov, a district in the heart of Phnom Penh, is a place where history and modernity collide. It was formed in 2013 when eight communes were split from the neighbouring Khan Mean Chey. It lies on the east side of Phnom Penh, separated by the Bassac River, a significant waterway that flows through the city’s heart. This river is like a silver thread weaving through the district, connecting it to the bustling city centre. Before its transformation into a modern urban landscape, Chbar Ampov was a predominantly rural agricultural area. During the 1970s, its tranquil sugarcane fields became a place of refuge for many fleeing the chaos and violence of the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, its urban skyline is a testament to economic growth and a booming real estate market. This development, however, has raised concerns from environmental groups and urban planners about the potential negative impacts on the fragile ecosystem of the Mekong and Bassac rivers.
Nhien Reangsey Pagoda
Decades of history resonate here at Nhien Reangsey Pagoda. This pagoda in Phnom Penh stands as a testament to Cambodian