The right places

The white sands of Koh Rung island

There's lots of talk at the moment about the islands off the Cambodian coast and that Cambodia is destined to become Asia’s newest island hotspot, in succession to Thailand. It's certainly the case that contracts have been signed for many of the sixty-plus virgin islands that lie off the coast and projects have already begun including building a bridge between the mainland and the island of Koh Pos for example. A post on the Private Islands Blog here has the run-down of who's doing what and where, if you are interested. I've never been much of an island lover myself but a visit to Koh Rung late last year gave me a glimpse into what all the fuss is about, and where sand, sea and holiday-hideaways are in demand, Cambodia has untapped potential in abundance.

Last night I had a call from Rachel, in town for a couple of days before starting her new job in Siem Reap, to meet on the top of one of Phnom Penh's tallest buildings for cocktails. It's just around the corner from me, it's called The Place and is a smart, newly-opened mish-mash of restaurants, bars, a gym and more besides. Not somewhere I'd usually visit but worth it for a view over the rooftops of Phnom Penh at night, looking down towards and past the Independence Monument. My photo doesn't really do the view justice but with a pepsi at $3.50 it won't be the place for me.

Phnom Penh at night, from The Place