I have recently returned from a few days in Phnom Penh, the first visit since I was researching my book, the Traditional Ceramics of South East Asia. That was about six years ago, and the city has changed massively. The red dirt roads that once dissected Phnom Penh have been topped with asphalt, the skyline now includes several high-rise buildings, and the population has increased dramatically with rural poor descending on the city in search of work. One of the most striking changes is the huge increase in traffic.

The streets of Phnom Penh are buzzing with swarms of motorcycles, tuk-tuks, brand new four-wheel drives, and the occasional Hummer and Ferrari.

In recent years a small percentage of the population has clearly made a lot of money very quickly, but there is an enormous divide between rich and poor.  

I spent three days exploring the city, revisiting a few sights such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and wandering around vibrant markets, and peaceful temples. Over the next few days there’ll be images on all of the aforementioned topics.