Have you ever wanted to go on a European holiday but balked at the cost? Have you felt compelled to expose your children to European culture, but shuddered at the thought of taking them on a long-haul flight? You’re in luck because some intrepid developer has created a miniature Europe (and a bit of Australia) in a Phnom Penh suburb. Best of all? It’s completely free.
Skip the long-haul flights and head to Euro Park for your next European vacation.
PH Euro Park was brought to you by the geniuses at Peng Huoth Group, a property development firm who recognized the value of having an upscale leafy suburb close to the city, and outdid themselves by adding a pint-sized Eiffel Tower, among other things. The development is located along National Road 1, about a 20-minute drive from BKK1. It’s called ‘Star Platinum Euro Ville’ and features six-bedroom villas, but the truly unique selling point is the Euro Park, which is open to the public.
Yes, that is Big Ben along the Thames? The Seine?
What’s interesting about Euro Park is that although there are some faithful, smaller, recreations of famous architectural landmarks (the aforementioned Eiffel Tower and Big Ben) there are other more general European symbols (a windmill, half-timber structure, and draw-bridge), and buildings that aren’t specific representations of actual places, but are offering European vibes. And lest you’d been considering going to Australia, no need, there’s also a mini Sydney opera house.
There’s even a Venus de Milo!
The canal snaking through the park offers multiple opportunities for European-style sightseeing, including swan-shaped pedal boats, gondolas, and a wooden water wheel. There are several restaurants along the canal including two steakhouses, which seemed like a bit much, and a Papa John’s pizza, for those looking for a proper European meal after sightseeing.
Apparently a generic European building?
The point of Euro Park, as far as I could ascertain, was to take selfies. If one positions oneself correctly, the scaled-down recreations can appear life size in photos, and the vibes buildings (and the American-style barn) are actual full-size buildings. Even for those not looking to document themselves, Euro Park does have a pleasant atmosphere, with a few canal-side coffee shops and an abundance of trees by Cambodian standards. There was obviously more sun than you’d ever find at the actual Big Ben, but nonetheless it’s a bizarre and charming place that’s worth a visit.
PH Euro Park
National Road 1, Phnom Penh (map)
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