Distance: 2.6 km
Away from the tourist-mobbed riverside, Daun Penh is real-deal Phnom Penh where life is lived out on interconnecting streets and back alleys lined with food vendors, temples and shophouses – all of which can be easily explored by foot.
A. Khema la Poste
Sitting on the edge of the French Quarter in a stunning C.19th building, Khema la Poste serves fine French food at mid-range prices. Street 13, +855 15 841 888, 6.30am-10.30pm daily, khema-restaurant.com
B. Artisans Angkor
These tireless champions of ancient Khmer arts provide vocational training to hundreds of artisan communities across Cambodia. Shop the wares – from stone and wood carvings to silk and lacquerware at their chic boutique.
#12 Street 13, +855 23 992 409, 9am-6pm daily, artisansdangkor.com
C. Seeing Hands Massage Centre
It’s zero frills, with shared rooms and hospital-style robes, but the therapeutic rub downs at this, the original Seeing Hands massage hit the jackpot.
#182 Street 13, +855 70 646 526, 8am-10pm daily, facebook.com/Khmer-Angkor-Seeing-Hands-Massage-517575215309515
D. Futures Factory
In-outdoor creative compound host to a collective of artisans and entrepreneurs under one roof. Fashion, jewellery, accessories and art talents are found alongside street food-style eateries, cookery classes, art exhibits and a beauty salon.Plus events and performances on weekends.
#215 Street 13, 8.30am-10pm daily, facebook.com/FuturesFactoryUnlimitedCreativityCambodia
E. Meta House
Doubling up as the German Goethe Institut, this art and culture stalwart recently relocated to the capital’s ‘art street’. Check out the program of free evening docu and film screenings and the weekly line-up of discussions, workshops and art exhibitions, while weekends are packed with music and DJs.
#47 Street 178, +855 10 312 333, meta-house.com
F. Fat Passion
Blink and you’ll miss this understated stylista serving experimental plates from across the globe.
#171 Street 19, +855 15 462 422, 6pm-10pm Wed-Sun, facebook.com/fatpassioncambodia
G. Bodia Spa
Considered one of Cambodia’s leading spas, Bodia serves a range of delicious massages and treatments in a lush, relaxing environment.
Corner Sothearos Building and Street 178, +855 23 226 199, 10am-11pm daily, bodia-spa.com
H. Juniper Gin Bar
Pulling in a hip cosmopolitan crowd, this retro-20s bar atop Point Hotel affords wowzer 360-degree views of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers and the city’s ever-changing skyline..
12/F, Point Boutique Hotel, #10 Street 130, +855 86 445 901, 4pm-11pm daily, facebook.com/Juniper-Gin-Bar-235208207126478
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Futures Factory
