Toul Tom Poung: The Beating Heart of Phnom Penh

• Helloសួស្តី
  [sousdei]
• Goodbyeលាស់ជា
  [leah chia]
• Yesបាទ/ទាទ
  [baat/taat]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [suom]
• Thank youសូមអរគុណ
  [suom aokun]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមអភ័យ
  [suom ahbay]
• How are you?អ្នកបានបងប្អូនដើម្បីណា?
  [nak bann bong baon daem bai na?]
• Fine. And you?មានសុខរដ្ឋបែបសិស្សទាយ?
  [man sokarot baep seysat dai?]
• Do you speak English?អ្នកនឹកនិយាយអង្គរហេតុទេ?
  [nak neak neyay angkeah het te?]
• I don't understandខុសលាឆ្នេង
  [kous lechna]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខុសមើលម៉ឺនុយបងខាងអិល
  [kous muul menu bang kang ert]
• I don't eat meatខុសអិលឥន្ទិល
  [kous erl undol]
• Cheers!សំរាប់ជា!
  [sombai chia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខុសបង់លុយបងខាងអិល
  [kous bang luoy bang kang ert]

• Help!ជម្រើស!
  [chamres]
• Go away!ទៅស៊ី!
  [tve si]
• Call the Police!ហាត់ក្រសួង!
  [hat krosuon]
• Call a doctor!ហាត់វេជ្ឈា!
  [hat vejja]
• I'm lostខុសបានយល់
  [kous ban yol]
• I'm illខុសរំលាយ
  [kous romlay]

• I'd like to buy...ខុសទិញ...
  [kous tien...]
• I'm just lookingខុសមើលពិភពលោក
  [kous muul pipoplook]
• How much is it?តើវាៈតើមជំរាបិតយ៉ា?
  [toe voat toam chomrapet yah?]
• That's too expensiveវានេបារ
  [yah nebar]
• Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាកករបងចងចាំតើបានយ៉ា?
  [nak akar kaa bang chongcham toe bann yah?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោងប៉ុណ្ណា?
  [mong pong na?]
• It's one o'clockវាៈមួយថ្ងៃ
  [yah muoy thngai]
• Half past (10)សួស្តីខ្លះ (១០)
  [sousdei kloh (sep)]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [prok]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [langcha]
• Eveningល្ងាច
  [langcha]
• Yesterdayម្សិល
  [msil]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thngai nee]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [thngai saek]
• 1១
  [mouy]
• 2២
  [pii]
• 3៣
  [bei]
• 4៤
  [buon]
• 5៥
  [pram]
• 6៦
  [pram muoy]
• 7៧
  [pram pii]
• 8៨
  [pram bei]
• 9៩
  [pram buon]
• 10១០
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?ទីណាបាល...?
  [ti na bal...?]
• What's the address?អាសេរបងតែនេហ្គាតេ?
  [asep bang thae nekateh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាស៊ីអ្ខេតយើង?
  [nak asi ekateyong?]
• When's the next (bus)?នេហ្គាតេម្រេចនា?
  [nekateh merch na?]
• A ticket (to ....)សេចង៉ុយតែមើល (ទៅ...)
  [sechung tae muol (tov...)]

Toul Tom Poung, also known as the Russian Market area, began to take shape in the early 20th century as a bustling commercial center. The neighborhood is named after the nearby 'Toul Tom Poung' or 'hill of the storks,' which highlights its natural landscape and ecological significance. The area initially attracted merchants and traders, becoming an essential hub for local commerce and social interaction.

During the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979, Toul Tom Poung, like all of Phnom Penh, experienced profound suffering and upheaval. The vibrant market life was replaced by fear and repression. Many residents were evacuated, and the area became largely abandoned. After the fall of the regime, Toul Tom Poung slowly began to recover, reflecting the resilience of its community.

The 1990s marked a period of revitalization for Toul Tom Poung, coinciding with the broader recovery of Phnom Penh following decades of conflict. The establishment of the Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) in 1985 became a significant attraction, drawing both locals and tourists. This market helped to re-establish Toul Tom Poung as a commercial center and contributed to the local economy.

Today, Toul Tom Poung is recognized as a cultural melting pot within Phnom Penh, showcasing a blend of traditional Khmer culture and modern influences. The neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, artisanal shops, and cultural events. It serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its community, reflecting Cambodia's rich heritage and contemporary evolution.

In recent years, Toul Tom Poung has become a focal point for arts and community initiatives, with numerous galleries, workshops, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. Local artists and craftsmen contribute to the neighborhood's creative atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that enhances the cultural landscape of Phnom Penh.

Toul Tom Poung is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Phnom Penh. From the city center, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi, which typically costs between $2-$5 depending on your starting point. If you're coming from Phnom Penh International Airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes and cost around $10-$15. Public buses also connect different neighbourhoods, but they may not drop you directly in Toul Tom Poung.

Toul Tom Poung is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Many attractions are within walking distance, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere. Bicycle rentals are available at various shops, and tuk-tuks are readily accessible for longer distances or when you're tired. Unfortunately, there is no train service in the area, and public buses have limited routes here.

Toul Tom Poung is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. While the neighbourhood has a low crime rate, petty thefts can occur, especially in crowded markets. Areas near the Russian Market (Psar Toul Tom Poung) can be particularly busy, so keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 115 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals in Phnom Penh, with the Royal Phnom Penh Hospital being one of the most reputable. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout Toul Tom Poung for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing shorts or tank tops in such places. Religion: Do show respect by removing your shoes when entering a temple. Don't take photos in places where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite 'sous-dey.' Don’t be overly familiar; a handshake is usually appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes from street vendors. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Toul Tom Poung like a local, visit the Russian Market early in the morning for the freshest produce and local crafts. Engage with vendors—it’s common for them to share recipes or cooking tips. Try local cafes and eateries, especially for breakfast; khmer noodles and coffee are highly recommended. If you’re interested in culture, check out local art galleries or exhibitions that frequently pop up in the area. Participating in a cooking class can also provide an immersive experience.