NiceGuyLou wrote: ↑Thu Jan 21, 2021 6:35 pm Are the coffin shops still open? That business is probably recession proof.

They certainly are. Those shops have been there for many decades, since when most of the riverside was a port.

John Bingham wrote: ↑Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:06 pm

NiceGuyLou wrote: ↑Thu Jan 21, 2021 6:35 pm Are the coffin shops still open? That business is probably recession proof.

They certainly are. Those shops have been there for many decades, since when most of the riverside was a port.

Yes, two coffin shops survive. Also one motor parts shop and one bulk rice and salt shop (in the stretch from 108 to 154).
Two mini marts have closed but two new Circle Ks have opened.
Several Indian restaurants have closed but there are still two, next door to each other!
Some units have been closed so long you can't see (or remember) what used to be there.
Construction continues of the Soma Hotel, on the southern corner of 130 where the Kiwi restaurant used to be.
There is a mock-up photo on the company's website but no info on completion date or number of rooms. It will be big.

https://www.somagroup.com.kh/industries-new#estate

The company states:
With a focus on property development and management, we have lofty intentions of reshaping Cambodia’s hospitality sector, with a chain of Soma hotels boutiques, resorts and hostels that will cater for the needs of residents and visitors through business, shopping, food & beverage, and tourism services.

Our goal is to become a premium player in this exciting and dynamic area, and drive the development of Cambodian cities in a professional, sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner.

There used to be 2 or 3 motor parts shops.
Marine engine parts were a part of their biz - also a carry over from the port days.
You can probably still replace your propeller somewhere along the riverside.

Sunday afternoon many countries are in lockdown Cambodia seems isolated from covid why, I still take precautions

I've been down the riverside for a stroll the last couple of Saturday evenings, very few barangs anymore but all quite lively and pleasant on the quay side.

chiltern wrote: ↑Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:38 pm When l first came to Phnom Penh to work in 2002 the Riverside was dead by 2100 and l remember Mike's was the only bar open late apart from DV8 which was just off Sisowath Quay. Apart from the many street vendors there was a delightful girl festooned with flashing lights selling what must have been some of the first LED lights available. The actual riverside was showing its age by then and looked a little threatening with the only lighting coming from the street (when there wasn't a power cut). I remember walking along there one night and being aware of a lady walking behind me and her quickening pace, l thought l knew what would follow. When she caught up she told me it was dangerous for me to walk alone there and insisted she escort me to the road where she told me to be carefull then retaced her steps and continued along the riverside.

HAHA, can you believe it, back in those days, Siem Reap was more happening than PP. How things have change. Being in PP back in 2002 you could see the potential, but it seemed like a wasteland. I met many an expat that lived there during the late 90's and never left. I have no idea what they saw in the place back then, but kudos to them!

armchairlawyer wrote: ↑Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:35 pm

John Bingham wrote: ↑Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:06 pm

NiceGuyLou wrote: ↑Thu Jan 21, 2021 6:35 pm Are the coffin shops still open? That business is probably recession proof.

They certainly are. Those shops have been there for many decades, since when most of the riverside was a port.

Yes, two coffin shops survive. Also one motor parts shop and one bulk rice and salt shop (in the stretch from 108 to 154).
Two mini marts have closed but two new Circle Ks have opened.
Several Indian restaurants have closed but there are still two, next door to each other!
Some units have been closed so long you can't see (or remember) what used to be there.
Construction continues of the Soma Hotel, on the southern corner of 130 where the Kiwi restaurant used to be.
There is a mock-up photo on the company's website but no info on completion date or number of rooms. It will be big.

https://www.somagroup.com.kh/industries-new#estate

The company states:
With a focus on property development and management, we have lofty intentions of reshaping Cambodia’s hospitality sector, with a chain of Soma hotels boutiques, resorts and hostels that will cater for the needs of residents and visitors through business, shopping, food & beverage, and tourism services.

Our goal is to become a premium player in this exciting and dynamic area, and drive the development of Cambodian cities in a professional, sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner.

"Lofty". Hmm, what a way to describe yourself. Maybe their PR person is having a very subtle laugh at their expense.

The river has changed direction. Now there is a slight northerly flow.
That affects the colour of the water too. The blue of the Mekong on the eastern side changes to brown on the western side.
Because the water is slow-moving, the surface of the river shimmers and shines in the late afternoon light.
Most of the trees along the western bank are in flower. Soft lilac petals blanket the ground underneath. Children skid around on them.

I haven't seen the Filipino scammers for a while on Riverside. Where have they gone?

Playing cards