Linked by bridges, the man-made island is connected to downtown Phnom Penh.
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.[1]
History
Toponymy
Koh Pich (Khmer: កោះពេជ្រ, Kaôh Péch[kɑhpeic]) translates as Diamond Island in English.
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]
Early developments
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, 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.[2]
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.
Parks and green spaces
Koh Pich features green spaces and parks such as Coconut Park [5], Treellion Park [6] and Elysée Garden.
Koh Pich is home to Aquation Office Park, a green complex of workspaces, stores, arts and entertainment, located in Treellion Park. [7]
Gallery
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.