APAD 004: Independence Monument

The Vimean Ekareach, or the Independence Monument, as seen while we drove towards south of Norodom Boulevard. What a rare treat it was – quiet and not too many vehicles, it was a breeze driving there earlier today.

This popular reddish-brown landmark stands prominently on the intersection of  Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards right smack into Phnom Penh’s city centre. Built in 1958, as a symbol of Cambodia’s independence from France, and designed by Cambodia’s most influential modern architect, Mr. Van Molyvann, it is a stupa shaped like a lotus, a style similar to the spires of the Angkor Wat temple and other Khmer historical sites.  

At night, locals and expats alike flock to the monument when it is lit with red, white, and blue lights – the colours of the Cambodian flag , as you can see in the picture. By the way, the sign in Khmer script says “Happy New Year” in anticipation for the celebration of the Khmer New Year in April.