Phnom Penh Unusual: A Walk in the Heart of Authentic Cambodia

Photographe
Oct 6
4 min read

Emmanuel Pezard and artist Vannak Khun have become key figures in the authentic discovery of Phnom Penh and its hidden treasures.

With their ‘Phnom Penh Insolite’ project, they invite visitors to plunge into the deepest soul of the Cambodian capital, far from the beaten track, through a cultural, historical and human tour.

‘We're not guides, we're companions,’ says Emmanuel with a passionate smile, underlining the unique and intimate nature of these tours.

Phnom Penh Insolite is not a traditional tour. It's a ‘lecture in motion’ that combines anecdotes, exchanges and reflections on the past, present and future of a country with a rich heritage, through little-known alleyways bordering two emblematic markets: the Central Market (Phsar Thmey) and the Bamboo Market (Phsar O'Russey).

This historic Sino-Khmer quarter, often ignored by traditional tourist circuits, becomes the living backdrop for a tale told by Emmanuel and his adventure companion, artist Vannak Khun.

‘It's these back roads, these little lanes, these secret alleys that reflect the real Cambodia, the one we don't often talk about, the one that few visitors have the privilege of discovering,’ explains Emmanuel.

He adds with emotion: "It's here, between past and present, that the true soul of Phnom Penh lies, in these places where memory and daily life intersect. And it's now that we have to live this history, because its future is uncertain.

Cultural and historical immersion

Emmanuel's tour is more than just a walk. It is an invitation to understand the complexity and richness of Khmer civilisation, reborn after two millennia of intense history, between Angkorian splendour and recent tragedies.

In the course of the tour, the visitor is introduced to the country's religious diversity - from animism to Buddhism to Hinduism - the social and cultural upheavals, the resilience of the Khmer people, and the unique architecture that combines French colonial influences and national modernism, with references to Le Corbusier and Van Molyvann.

‘We talk just as much about religion as rock'n'roll or cinema, because Cambodian culture is multiple and vibrant,’ confides Emmanuel.

This atypical approach means that every stop in the alleyways is a moment of art, memory, learning and sharing.

Vannak Khun, the artistic driving force behind the project

This unusual experience was born of a meeting between Emmanuel and the artist Vannak Khun, who was born in the same district just after the genocide. A photographer, painter and performer, Vannak is a new generation of Cambodian artists who transcend their painful past through creativity, aesthetic research and the desire to express themselves.

His works, exhibited both in Cambodia and internationally (France, Japan, Taiwan), take a documentary and poetic look at the labyrinthine city of Phnom Penh.

‘Vannak brings an authentic and personal dimension to the visit, representing Cambodian youth rising up with strength and talent,’ comments Emmanuel.

The duo take visitors on a journey not only through urban spaces but also through collective memories, with a sensibility that stirs the heart and opens the doors to a little-known, living Cambodia.

Art Home: a cultural refuge in the heart of the city

In the heart of their neighbourhood, Emmanuel and Vannak have created ‘Art Home’, a multi-faceted space that is at once an art gallery, an artist's studio, a cabinet of curiosities and a living space. It's here that paintings, photographs, sculptures, old and contemporary handicrafts come together, reflecting a rich and plural vision of Cambodian art.

‘Art Home is a surprising space, a little secretive, but essential for understanding the place of culture in this country, which is being reborn with incredible vitality despite its tragic history,’ explains Emmanuel.

It's also a place of exchange, where a shared coffee becomes a precious break during the walk, reinforcing the feeling of conviviality and intimacy that characterises Phnom Penh Insolite.

An itinerary to rediscover Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh Insolite is also about preserving a heritage that is often threatened by rapid urbanisation. Emmanuel asks with a certain melancholy: "Will these old districts, these beautiful buildings still be there in ten or fifteen years' time? Won't they be destroyed or transformed? This questioning gives an urgent and committed character to his project, which aims to raise awareness among residents and visitors alike of the cultural wealth that needs to be protected.

The project is a collective adventure founded on friendship and passion, where the meeting with Vannak was decisive. Together, they offer an in-depth discovery of Cambodia today, at once rooted in its past and in the midst of rapid change.

An enthusiast at the heart of Cambodia

Emmanuel Pezard is more than just a tourist guide; he is passionate about history, art and culture. His commitment goes back more than ten years, with the creation of the first French-language art magazine in Cambodia in 2011, and the founding of other projects such as Kep Autrement. A French teacher in Kep, cultural facilitator and writer, Emmanuel enjoys sharing his knowledge and love for this country he considers a second home.

In his own words:

"Cambodia is a land of contrasts, of suffering but also of hope. It's a country that has left a deep impression on me, and one that I like to tell the story of with honesty, sensitivity and sometimes a bit of madness.

Phnom Penh Insolite is much more than a guided tour, it's a complete human experience, an invitation to understand the soul of a country that is being reborn. Guided by Emmanuel Pezard and Vannak Khun, travellers can immerse themselves in another reality, discovering Cambodia with kindness, curiosity and emotion.

Emmanuel sums it up enthusiastically:

"Cambodia is a country that speaks to the heart. Come and walk with us, listen to its stories, plunge into its narrow streets and let yourself be surprised by what this country has to offer, beyond the clichés".

An open invitation to all those who want to experience an authentic cultural and human adventure in the heart of South-East Asia.