PHOTOS BY ERIC WANG

Koh Pich - With bright green grass and gardens full of just about every kind of flower, Koh Pich makes people feel fresh and forget all their sadness and sorrow. People can relax and take beautiful photographs with trees in the background and the cool breeze of the Tonle Bassac blowing over them. Although Koh Pich was created only last year, is is already one of Phnom Penh’s most popular places for families and friends to take walks.

San Sothea, 34, a credit agent with the Amrit microfinancial institution, said he comes to Koh Pich to relax and do exercises with his family. “The attractiveness of the environment depends on people, so people should throw trash into public rubbish bins rather than throwing them away wherever they want,” he said.

Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) - Besides being one of the country’s best universities, RUPP also has a pond with beautiful trees and colourful flowers that seem to blossom on a daily basis. The trees cast a shadow over the campus that allows students and visitors to avoid the scorching sun, relax and discuss lessons, or whatever they please. The green grass floor becomes a cool carpet in the evening when people from various universities and workplaces come to visit.

Chhim Rotanak, a 22-year-old first-year student at Khemarak University, said, “I always come here to take rest after my studies because this place is very natural and it has good conditions for studying, discussing or relaxing.”

Wat Phnom – Although the landmark has only recently been cleaned up to encourage Cambodians and tourists to visit more frequently, Wat Phnom has been standing since the 13th century. As one of the most recognisable landmarks in Phnom Penh, the wat during evening hours usually sees waves of people come to visit for a wide range of activities. Among the favorites are sitting, chatting and exercising.

Un Sokla, a 21-year-old second-year accounting major at the National University of Management, said she usually comes to Wat Phnom because it has tall and big trees that allow people to breathe in and kick back in the comfort of the nature surrounding Wat Phnom. “I visit here after studying because it is a good place to get fresh air,” Un Sokla added.