Located in the heart of the capital, the Independence Monument is an Angkorian slyle tower, which is an original place in the whole city. It was built in 1958 to Sybilles Cambodian Independence Day after regaining their independence from the French colonialist on the 9th of November 1953. It is used as a memorial place which honors Cambodian's patriots who died for the country. Especially, the monument attracts many tourists for its unique style which differentiate it from all other buildings in the city.

The 20-meter high monument was designed by Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann, and it has the shape like a lotus which you also can see at Angkor and other Khmer historical sites. Among his other designs are the Chatomuk Conference Hall and the National Sports Complex. Influenced by Hindu style, the five levels of the Independence Monument are decorated with a hundred nagas. Remember that you are not allowed to enter the monument. At night people light it with blue, red and white light (the colors of the national flag) and it should be an impressive sight.

At the Independence Monument, there is a big open park which seems to be a popular place with the local people. Smacked right which is at the corner of Norodom and Sihanouk Blvd, is hard to miss.

The surrounding area is dotted with other monuments, in which the Cambodian Vietnamese Friendship Monument, built in 1979, reminds the Vietnamese liberation of Cambodia from the ugly years of Khmer Rouge terror. Here you can find Vietnamese design with a massive sandstone Khmer woman carrying her baby between two Vietnamese liberation soldiers. A bright looking cream building, the National Assembly, is also on Sothearos Blvd. It is a clearly Khmer building with triple-tiered red tiled roofs and guardian nags on the edge, topped by five tiered spires. Guardian dog sculptures protect at the gates.

Independence Monument is a remarkable sight in Phnom Penh. Tourists can sit here, enjoying tranquil scene and take photographs. It’s also a splendid place to enjoy the quietude and the summer refreshing breezes from the Tonle Sap.