Park Jungloo: A Quick Nature Escape from Phnom Penh's Chaos
- Christophe Gargiulo
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Park Jungloo: Just minutes from the capital's hustle, a beautiful getaway where nature, design, and relaxation blend in perfect simplicity. Amid lush greenery immersion, sustainable initiatives, and gourmet pleasures, here's the story of a timeless stay, almost within reach.
It's funny: we hop in the car one evening after work. In just five minutes, we go from noise and smog to birdsong, tropical greenery, and the scent of wet earth. Park Jungloo is exactly that: an astonishing structure plopped right in the middle of landscaped paths. We're in the city, but we're not anymore.
As we approach, I'm immediately struck by the calm. The building itself, with its simple lines and overhanging wooden terrace, naturally invites relaxation. The interior is all height, with a big bed and a ceiling fan lazily stirring the air. It's cool and pleasant, without the hum of air conditioning.
But the real surprise comes when we open the floor-to-ceiling doors onto the terrace. The pool appears—a large steel cylinder with bright red steps plunging into the water. In person, it's even more striking. The water is clear enough to reflect the sky through the branches. Our son can't resist for a second; then we all three dive in—my wife, our son, and me—into rather cool water under the trees: total escape.
And yet, Phnom Penh is right there, just beyond the frangipani and multi-trunk palms. In the distance, you can glimpse the tops of Diamond Island's buildings. You hear, now and then but faintly, the distant hum of the city. This idea of being so close yet so far, this contrast between urban noise and park silence, is what makes the place so special.
"Since I hate long trips, this spot is perfect: totally immersive, five minutes away and light-years from Phnom Penh," my wife confides.
A short trip to "Trash is Nice"
After this first immersion, we decide to explore a bit farther, still on foot, heading to "Trash is Nice." The entrance, discreet, could use a bit more greenery or decoration.
But once inside, we discover a wild, creative universe made entirely of recycled materials: decorative objects, dishes, knick-knacks. My wife and son are amazed at what you can make from plastic waste, especially since the employee on duty takes the time to explain the recycling process. A great hands-on lesson in sustainable initiatives.
An afternoon at DIB Club and the perfect pizza
DIB Club has a reputation for the capital's largest pool, but it's also a bit crowded on weekends. So we head there, crossing Aquation's green paths. Late morning, the crowd is manageable, but all the poolside tables with sofas and cushions are already booked—a sign of its family success.
Scanning the menu, our son doesn't hesitate for a second when he sees his favorite: pepperoni pizza. We waver a bit, knowing he's in the habit of snagging all the pepperoni and generously leaving us the crust... We take the risk anyway. The pizza arrives on a wooden board, thin and crispy. Perfect in taste: it's devoured in minutes. Special mention for the fresh fruit juices and quick service.
The complex has a golf driving range. I take the chance to have some fun, soon joined by the other two, curious to try. With the coach's expert tips, our son manages a decent swing, while my wife can't get the ball more than five centimeters off the ground...
We then let the afternoon drift between swimming and lounging by the water before heading back to our bungalow-chalet. We enjoy the terrace with cocktails while our son keeps swimming endlessly. For dinner, you can order from DIB and have it delivered. Same scenario as lunch: pizza, same worries, same indulgence.
Lazy breakfast
After a naturally peaceful night, we can't resist enjoying breakfast by the pool at Café Gaato. The spot offers several options—Western, Chinese, or Cambodian—to satisfy every craving. A pleasant moment that wraps up this weekend escape.
Few downsides to the stay.
The main appeal is the proximity of a totally natural destination, without travel hassles. We might have liked more greenery on the side next to Treellion Park, as visitors can glimpse the other side; total privacy would be ideal. On the plus side, the chalet is perfectly ventilated, and we didn't need air conditioning. Finally, the menus at DIB and Café Gaato are quite affordable and high quality.
That was our stay. A unique mix: the absolute calm of a design chalet lost in greenery, discovery of an inspiring workshop, a bit of golf, and the indulgence of pizza by a lively big pool or in a more intimate setting. A break worth trying, just minutes from home.
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