The Independence Monument - the icon of Phnom Penh

What should you not miss while in Phnom Penh?

Of course, the Independence Monument! A giant temple standing in the middle of the city. The Independence Monument, as it is what we call, represents the end of the 90-year colony of the French in 1953. However, it wasn't until 1962 that the structure was first inaugurated. The monument was constructed following the pure khmer style of the Angkor Wat Temple, a world heritage back to the 12th Century, by a famous Khmer architect at the time, Vann Molyvann.

The monument is mainly reserved for the Independence day every year on November 9 with a big celebration and thousands of participants to pray for the lives of Cambodians who fought for the independence.

It's perhaps one of the most beautiful place in the city to take pictures. At night, the monument is displayed with different colors, making it the icon of Phnom Penh.