Phnom Penh & Tourism : « Water Tower», Arts, Greenery and originality at Koh Pich.
- Voyageuse Passion
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
In search of adventure and eager to experience a different weekend in Phnom Penh, I decided, with my husband, to spend a night in one of the newest and most original accommodations: The Water Tower – Château d’eau, located in lush greenery at the heart of Treellion Park, on the island of Koh Pich.
Koh Pich is one of those rapidly growing neighborhoods on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, welcoming new businesses, hotels, and leisure spaces. Still relatively young, it provides privileged ground for companies wishing to engage in tourism, dining, and relaxation activities with a decidedly modern and creative approach.
Treellion Park, a vast green space included in the Aquation – Diamond Island complex, is managed by the Maads group, which also runs several well-known hotel establishments in Phnom Penh, on the islands, and in Siem Reap.
Arts and Colors as Prelude
Koh Pich is now easily accessible from Chbar Ampov and the city center thanks to the new Koh Norea bridge. From Boeung Snor, it takes about ten minutes to reach Gaato – Café des Arts, where we checked in.
This café, also a recent creation by the Maads group, already attracts attention among the capital’s art lovers thanks to a beautiful exhibition of traditional kites presented by the Frenchman Yann Defond.
Beyond this exhibition worthy of a detour, the place charms with its well-thought-out interior design and its beautiful harmony of bright colors and numerous trinkets, in a spirit very much like « rue 240 ».
The space, subtly arranged, combines elegance and functionality: cozy corners, private rooms, and an art boutique inviting curiosity. A place designed for travelers and art lovers, where modernism and creativity blend almost perfectly. An inspiring stop, both chic, surprising, and friendly.
The staff welcomes us with broad smiles, handles the registration in a few minutes, then kindly offers us fresh fruit juice.
Discovery of the Water Tower
Leaving the Café des Arts, we walk through the alleys of Treellion Park, very green thanks to the generous rains of an endless monsoon. At the end of the path stands the famous Château d’Eau — or Water Tower — a unique silhouette, this former cast iron reservoir, converted into a charming accommodation, intrigues as much as it fascinates. From its 13 meters height, it promises a panoramic view of Phnom Penh, undoubtedly one of the most original in the city.
At first glance, its proximity to the Koh Norea bridge makes one fear the noise of traffic. But as soon as you cross the door, the contrast is striking. The glass walls, perfectly soundproofed, create a bubble of calm and light suspended above the city. The studio, decorated in the same warm tones as the Café des Arts — soft orange, beige, and pastel green — breathes harmony and elegant simplicity. On the ground floor, a relaxation corner invites reading, a small table serves as a desk, and the bathroom, simple and well designed, offers a shower and separate toilets.
A staircase leads to the mezzanine where a king-size bed, large and tempting, promises a long nap. Before surrendering to it, we test the Wi-Fi connection: fast, smooth, without glitches — ideal for extending the pleasure of a quiet evening with a movie or a series.
Magical and Aquatic Studio
Once settled, we are obviously eager to reach the terrace to discover the panoramic view and the pool. The spectacle is breathtaking: an unobstructed view of the Koh Norea Bridge, the confluence of Chaktomuk at the height of the monsoon season, as well as Treellion and Aquation parks, not to mention the Dib Club pond a little further away.
My husband's first reaction is, of course, to seize his camera, looking for compositions where he could blend the stormy colors of this late afternoon with the varied shapes of the landscape. Without being addicted to selfies or portrait shots, posted, reposted, and retagged on social networks, I still ask him for a few more personal shots, which I would like to send to friends to share my pleasure and let them discover this aerial and aquatic photo studio, absolutely unique.
I also think that this place is undoubtedly destined to become one of the most sought-after spots by professional photographers in search of colors, landscapes, and exceptional geometries.
Once my personal photo session is over, while the sun sets on Koh Pich, my husband asks me to pose again in the pool, amusing myself by striking model poses and playing star in this elegant suspended blue pool. I gladly oblige, not without pleasure: the water is delightful, and watching the sun set while swimming in a totally private pool thirteen meters high has something magical.
From my aquatic perch, I spot the Floatation restaurant, which I have often heard about but never tried. We therefore decide to go there after a nice shower.
A detail that counts: the quality of the shower is one of my essential criteria for appreciating a hotel room. Here, nothing to complain about — the pressure is strong and the temperature is perfectly adjustable....
Dinner on the Water
We cross Treellion Park again before reaching the promenade along the river, where many young Cambodians stroll in couples, while some expatriates enjoy their evening jog and others walk their dogs. Access to the restaurant is via a metal footbridge. The complex also includes a boat and several floating modules located near the Floating Jungloo, another place where one can spend a "different" night.
The place is not crowded but gradually fills up, mainly with young couples happy to multiply selfie sessions facing the Koh Norea bridge, fully visible from the restaurant terrace and illuminated with the colors of the Cambodian flag. Again, the staff is smiling, attentive, and very responsive.
We enjoy a drink while admiring the spectacle of the bridge and its colorful lights. The atmosphere is both unusual and soothing, almost contradictory, evoking a floating village at the heart of an ultramodern urban setting. Far enough not to perceive the noise of cars, we fully enjoy a peaceful and serene ambiance.
As for the gastronomic experience, very positive, I will detail it very soon in another article.
Return to the Arts
After a pleasant walk on the quays, we quietly return to our Water Tower, where we cannot resist the temptation for one last plunge into the pool to enjoy the city lights, a beer in hand. The atmosphere is both romantic and warm: I really feel like I am living a privileged moment. The night promises to be perfect, without the slightest noise, with this strange but particularly exciting feeling of isolation.
Breakfast is served at the Café des Arts, where I happily return. I browse the menu to choose my dishes, while my husband opts, with little originality, for an almond croissant among an entirely respectable assortment of pastries. For my part, as an Asian who respects herself, I prefer a « Chinese breakfast »
Under a blue sky and bright sun, I settle at the terrace tables shaded by bamboos, from where one can see a red convertible as part of the décor. Once again, the service proves impeccable, fast, and smiling.
After a last tour in the Café des Arts spaces, I stroll through the alleys of Aquation, then stop at the Club DIB and its gigantic pool before checking out.
The experience was surprising and quite complete: originality, variety, and quality. I think this place is perfect for a lover wishing to surprise his sweetheart, an artist in search of inspiration, a professional wanting to isolate himself for a weekend, or simply for anyone wanting to spend a pleasant and unusual stay in the capital.
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