Koh Pich

Koh Pich
កោះពេជ្រ
Aerial view of Koh Pich looking west
Interactive map of Koh Pich
CountryCambodia
CityPhnom Penh
DistrictChamkar Mon
Area
 • Total
100 ha (250 acres)
Websitewww.ocic.com.kh

Koh Pich (Khmer: កោះពេជ្រ, Kaôh Péch [kɑh peic]; English: Diamond Island) is one of Phnom Penh's central business district. The district is developed by Cambodian group OCIC since 2006.

Koh Pich is situated between the Mekong and Bassac rivers and forms part of Chamkarmon District, bordering Koh Norea.

History

First settlements

Koh Pich was formed due to the buildup of slit from the changing river flows of the Bassac and Mekong river, creating a 800-meter wide island.[1]

In the early 2000s, the area was a swamp land with a small community of fishing families settled on the island.[2]

By 2004, the Government of Cambodia gave permission to a local conglomerate, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC Group), to develop the island into a commercial and residential hub.[3]

Commercial and residential developments

Since 2006, Koh Pich hosts high-rise projects, including apartment complexes, residential homes, office buildings, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, entertainment areas, parks, wedding halls, a theater, and convention halls.[4]

A neighborhood named "Elysée" has a style inspired by Paris.[5]

Pedestrian Zone

Koh Pich features a riverside promenade, as well as traffic signs, sidewalks, and roads.

Education

The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh has its main campus in Koh Pich; this campus opened in 2015.[6]

The EFI (Ecole Française Internationale) is a French international school that opened in 2016. It is located in Koh Pich, where it shares a campus with the Canadian International School of Phnom Penh.

De Montfort University is the first British university to open its campus in Cambodia, it opened its doors in 2024, with its main campus in Koh Pich.[7]

Skyline

Today, Koh Pich hosts some of Phnom Penh’s tallest buildings such as the GIA tower, Diamond Bay Garden, Diamond Twin Tower, Morgan tower and Casa By Meridian.[8]

Parks and Green Spaces

Koh Pich features green spaces and parks such as Coconut Park, Treellion Park and Elysée Garden.

Koh Pich is home to Aquation Office Park, a green complex of workspaces, stores, arts and entertainment, located in Treellion Park.[9]

The 2010 accident

The Phnom Penh stampede was a deadly stampede that occurred during the Water Festival at Diamond Island in Cambodia. It resulted in 347 people being killed and at least 755 being injured.

References

  1. ^ https://www.heath.tw/nml-article/koh-pichs-abcs/?lang=en
  2. ^ https://camrealtyservice.com/phnom-penh-area-guide-diamond-island-koh-pich/
  3. ^ https://cambodianess.com/article/recreating-paris-in-phnom-penh-for-the-rich
  4. ^ https://kiripost.com/stories/developing-koh-pich-into-a-desirable-destination
  5. ^ "Little Paris comes to Koh Pich | Phnom Penh Post".
  6. ^ "The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh expands its operations". Phnom Penh Post. 2018-10-31. Retrieved 2020-05-13.
  7. ^ "De Montfort University Opens First British Campus in Cambodia, Showcasing Investment in Education Sector - Cambodia Investment Review". 2024-08-10. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
  8. ^ List of tallest buildings in Cambodia
  9. ^ https://cbre.com.kh/properties/aquation-office-park-grade-c-office-for-lease-rent-koh-pich-sangkat-tonle-basak-khan-chamkar-mon-phnom-penh-cambodia/#:~:text=Aquation%20Office%20Park%20is%20a,C%20office%20space%20for%20lease.&text=Aquation%20is%20a%20green%20complex,the%20centre%20of%20the%20city.