Post Office Square & Artisans Angkor, Phnom Penh

So remember how I said it was a gorgeous day out when we visited the Russian Market? Yeah, well it rained that afternoon - quite heavily actually that we had to wait a while before being able to do more exploring.

Thankfully the rain let up at around 4:30pm, and it was perfect timing too as my dad was able to tag along with us. (Yey, family bonding time!)

My dad took us to Phnom Penh's Post Office Square, apparently made famous by the 2002 film 'City of Ghosts' starring Matt Dillon, James Caan and Gerard Depardieu. Now, I've never seen this film (or just can't remember seeing it) but my dad said it was good. Perhaps you have?

Street 13, Phnom Penh - you can't miss it

The post office was built in 1890 and restored in 2004. It's open from 7:30am to 5pm everyday. Sadly, we got there at around 5 so we didn't get a chance to see the inside. Probably another time. Apparently you can find various framed olden-day photographs and stamps. History buffs, stamp collectors and, well anyone really, will surely have a blast here.

Sorry for doing this again, but it very much reminds me of the post office in Ho Chi Minh City, right next to the Cathedral. A smaller version, but equally as striking. 

 Gloomy afternoon, but the perfect opportunity to take post-rain snaps.

 The buildings surrounding the post office are examples of the colonial architecture from the time of the French settlement. There's definitely something about the untouched charm of old buildings that always get me EVERY TIME.

12AEo, Street 13
Open daily from 9am to 6pm

 Just across the post office is one of Artisans Angkor's stores, a Cambodian company dedicated to providing work for young people living in rural areas, while at the same time maintaining the traditional Khmer craftsmanship. The company was created at the end of the 1990s and now there are 40 workshops, seven retailers and employs over 1300 people.

Artisans Angkor has become well known for its wide collection of high quality hand-made silk garments, stone and wood carvings, silver platings and lacquer ware. There's definitely something that can suit every taste.

Price-wise, these hand-made products are pretty pricy. A hand-made silk scarf can cost you up to $195 (I think the cheapest one is at around $40), a medium sized stone carving (weighing up to 32kg mind you) costing around $300 (lowest is probably at $40 for a small one) and a pair of karuna earrings $80. 

If you've got the budget and are looking for a more luxurious souvenir to take home with you (or wear to a fancy party), this is the place to go.

Unfortunately, you're not allowed to take photos inside the store, so to give you some sort of idea of how their products are like, I bent the rules a little and took some shots of the store window. But of course, you can always check out their website - perhaps do some online shopping?

How gorgeous are those home decors?

I was definitely eyeing a few of those throw pillow cases, but let's be honest - I haven't got a single throw pillow anywhere in my room. Perhaps another time...?

Sadly, these two places were the only ones we were able to visit that afternoon. There's so much to see at the square - the former police station, Seven Bright restaurant (which was also featured in the City of Ghosts), etc. It's just a matter of having enough time.

If you're ever in town, be sure to check out the Post Office Square. Better come early. And don't forget to bring your camera.

Happy discovering!