Phnom Penh Love

Phnom Penh is a city of beauty and degradation, tranquillity and violence, and tradition and transformation; a city of temples and brothels, music and gunfire, and festivals and coups.
But for many, it is simply an anarchic celebration of insanity and indulgence. Whether it is the $2 wooden shack brothels, the marijuana-pizza restaurants, the AK-47 fireworks displays, or the intricate brutality of Cambodian politics, Phnom Penh never ceases to amaze and amuse. For an individual coming from a modern Western society, it is a place where the immoral becomes acceptable and the insane becomes normal.
Have a look to this german article I read before I went first time to Cambodia.
Places to stay:


The main tourist area is around the Riverfront. This is indeed quiet nice, but if you are looking for an area with less tourist stay in any place around the city as its not far away anyway. If you are not on a budget I would recommend the Raffles Le Royal Hotel. This is indeed the place for all of you searching for the colonial feeling and its not that expensive anyway. For the guys who are searching for a cheaper option I would recommend the 278 street- there several places and some restaurants. Try out "Golden Star"- these are serviced apartments. The area is prefered by the expat community.
Nightlife:

For a sundowner I would recommend the FCC, there you will have a perfect view over the Tonle Sap. If you wanna drink with style you should head to the Elephants Bar for the happy hour.
Home to the city’s infamous first Friday bash where literally hundreds of people cram into the garden and around the pool, with some ending up in the pool as the night progresses, is Elsewhere. This place is pretty popular with the western expat community- no Khmers at all. But try the Mojito!
Another venue is the River House Lounge even so famous with the expat crowd but there are some Khmers around.
If you are interested in Khmer nightlife you should have a look to Sparks club- this is indeed huge and loud! Last but not least there is the very famous Heart of Darkness or simply The Heart. This is a small bar with a dance floor full of khmers, expats, tourists and prostitutes, but nevertheless the place to be late at night!
When you escaped the hell you could decide two have a late night supper or go for a massage. Booth is worth a try. For late night supper there are several restaurants open or have a seat on the street in front of the palace near the river. The other option is a healthy khmer massage at La Cigalle Bleue near Wat Phom.
Food:
There is always something to eat around. Even if you don't love asian food you could easily have food from most regions in the world without leaving Phnom Penh. I had traditional russian, european, american and all sorts of asian food in Phnom Penh but one the most special dining experience is for sure the North Korean Restaurant. This restaurant is run by the north korean embassy and is for sure not famous for the food, but indeed for the presentation as the staff has to sing and dance during the evening.