Quotes of the Day
Leang Seckon, leading contemporary artist
A great way to start an evening is to take in an exhibition with coffee or a cocktail at Java Café & Gallery, tel: (855-23) 987 420, overlooking the gardens in front of the Independence Monument. Then take a short walk across Sihanouk Boulevard and down Sothearos Boulevard to Meta House, tel: (855-23) 224 140, the city's popular arts and media center. It features Cambodian, Asian and Western works and has nightly lectures and films. Still within walking distance, sample Khmer cuisine with dinner at Sweet Restaurant & Bar, tel: (855-12) 999 119, which has a relaxed garden setting. If it's still early, try fair-trade coffee and a selection of contemporary art at Café Living Room, tel: (855-23) 726 139.
Richard Chin, fitness-center manager
Hire a mountain bike at the O'Russei Market area — street 107 has several rental shops — and take a short cycle in the late afternoon around central Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and National Museum area. Most rental bikes don't have lights, so be off the streets by sundown, and quench your thirst at the Fizz juice bar, tel: (855-92) 360 632, which is a short distance from the main riverfront bar and restaurant area on Sisowath Quay. For dinner, Khmer-Thai Restaurant, tel: (855-92) 810 812, near Tuol Tumpong Market, has quality food, trendy surroundings and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Sapor Rendall, modeling-agency director
Start with the historic ambiance of the Elephant Bar in Raffles Hotel Le Royal, tel: (855-23) 981 888. Happy hour there is a staple for the city's glitterati. The hotel's Café Monivong has a great a la carte menu and fine buffet spread. For an after-dinner or a preclub drink, try the chic Metro Bar, tel: (855-23) 222 275, on Sisowath Quay. Just around the corner, off the riverfront, is the Memphis Pub, tel: (855-12) 871 263, which has live rock and blues until the early hours. If I'm going out dancing with my models, we hit River Lounge, tel: (855-23) 212 302, though it gets very crowded early, and Spark Red, tel: (855-12) 433 333, which is a popular late-night club with DJs and live vocal and dance acts.
