Phnom Penh Riverside Walk: Mapping Culture, Food & Community One Step at a Time
On the evening of June 15, 2025, I had the pleasure of organizing a meaningful Local Guides meetup right in the vibrant heart of Cambodia — a community walk from the Royal Palace to the Phnom Penh Night Market. While it was a small gathering, it was full of heart. I was joined by @JetlyChan, his daughter, and my partner — a group of passionate locals committed to mapping our city while enjoying its energy.
We began our walk in front of the Royal Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in Cambodia, set right by the Tonle Chaktomuk — the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers. This location is not only a symbol of Cambodia’s monarchy and architecture, but also a central gathering point for locals and tourists to rest and enjoy the riverside view.
As we started our journey, the sky was cloudy and the wind hinted at a light rain. But nothing stopped us. This area becomes a walking-only street every Saturday and Sunday evening, allowing people to stroll, exercise, and enjoy street food freely without the presence of vehicles. The atmosphere was electric, filled with families, photographers, musicians, and street vendors that brought life to every corner of the path.
The Journey Begins: From Culture to Clicks
We walked slowly, taking time to update locations on Google Maps, snapping photos of landmarks and streets, and reviewing accessibility conditions. We contributed real-time updates — capturing everything from pathway conditions to shop hours and food stalls.
The Royal Palace Park was buzzing with visitors. We took photos of the historic architecture and observed vendors selling snacks and toys — a true display of Cambodian life. From there, we continued down the lively riverside — a beautiful stretch filled with energy, music, and stories waiting to be told.
A Taste of Cambodia: Street Food Along the Way
No Local Guides walk in Cambodia is complete without street food — and we were not disappointed.
We stopped by a vendor selling grilled squid on skewers, served with lime, herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. The smoke from her tiny grill, the fresh herbs in her basket, and her hand-prepared dishes added so much texture to our story. These vendors, many of them women, carry their kitchens with them, balanced between baskets, bags, and coolers, ready to serve a perfect local meal right by the sidewalk.
One of the highlights was នំបញ្ចុក (Num Banh Chok) — Cambodia’s beloved rice noodle dish. We watched as it was prepared street-side, featuring fresh banana flower, long beans, purple water lily flower, herbs, shredded cabbage, and a green curry-like fish gravy. Each ingredient was displayed beautifully, showcasing the freshness and vibrant colors of Khmer cuisine. You’ll rarely find a dish that captures the soul of Cambodia like នំបញ្ចុក.
We captured photos of ingredients and vendors and shared new photos for these places on Maps, adding details for travelers who may never have tried Cambodian food before.
Mapping Through Photography & Accessibility
As we walked, we made real contributions to Google Maps:
- Updated street photos
- Reviewed and rated eateries and vendor spots
- Checked accessibility (ramps, stairs, surfaces)
- Suggested edits to business listings
- Highlighted seasonal features like the Walking Street (open only weekends)
One small detail we added was showing that the weekend walking street is a car-free zone — a vital note for accessibility and family-friendly visits.
A Community Effort That Felt Personal
Even though we were only three people walking, it felt like a true celebration. We laughed, took selfies, talked about food, shared our love for our country, and reminded ourselves why we’re Local Guides. This wasn’t just about data or reviews — it was about preserving moments, culture, and joy.
From the golden light over the Royal Palace to the buzzing energy of the night market, to the scent of fresh herbs and grilled meat — this meetup reminded us why our contributions matter. Every photo and review is a piece of Cambodia shared with the world.
We may be small contributors, but our efforts help travelers discover hidden gems, support local vendors, and gain a deeper understanding of cultures. Whether it’s through a bowl of noodles, a picture of the Royal Palace, or a kind review of a street vendor — we help map the human experience.
Thank you to everyone who joined me and to those who support the Local Guides community. Let’s keep mapping Cambodia, one street and one story at a time. 
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m happy you enjoyed the post — Cambodia truly is a beautiful place, and I’m happy to share a bit of it with you and our Local Guides family. Welcome to the community — looking forward to seeing your stories too! 
but through your post and sharing it makes me …
Thanks to show us those awesome pics and all these informations we learnt from this event..
. Unfortunately, I cannot join this photo walk.