When you visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, make sure to take a stroll through Botum Park near the city center and Royal Palace to see the Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument. Built in 1979 by the communist regime following the Cambodian-Vietnamese War that overthrew the Khmer Rouge, this large concrete structure commemorates the former alliance between Vietnam and Cambodia. As you explore the monument, you will see striking heroic statues crafted in the Socialist realist artistic style, which originated in the Soviet Union during the 1930s.
Look closely at the sculpted figures, which depict both Vietnamese and Cambodian soldiers standing together, alongside poignant images of a woman and baby representing Cambodian civilians. Set right in the heart of a popular city park, the monument offers you a direct window into the region’s historic alliances. Beyond its peaceful setting, this site has occasionally served as a political focal point.
It survived damage from a mob during 1998 post-electoral protests and a 2007 bomb blast believed to be orchestrated by ultra-nationalists. Today, it stands fully repaired for your visit.
What to see at Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument
- Heroic Socialist realist style statues developed in the 1930s Soviet Union
- Sculptures depicting both Vietnamese and Cambodian soldiers
- Images of a woman and baby representing Cambodian civilians
- Location in Botum Park near Phnom Penh's Royal Palace
- Large concrete monument built in 1979 after the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown
Visiting tips
Combine your visit to this historical monument with a relaxing stroll through popular Botum Park near the Royal Palace.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Cambodia–Vietnam Friendship Monument is easy to reach on Phnom Penh’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tuol Sleng torture center and National Museum of Cambodia. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Phnom Penh travel guide.
See the full Phnom Penh travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.