The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace is the gleaming heart of Phnom Penh, a beautiful complex of classic Khmer architecture that has been the residence of the kings of Cambodia since the 1860s, set in gardens near the riverfront. Its golden-spired throne hall, pavilions and the dazzling Silver Pagoda, so named for its floor of thousands of silver tiles and home to an emerald Buddha and a life-sized gold one, make it the finest sight in the capital.

History

The Khmer court left Angkor in the 15th century and first settled at Phnom Penh, then called Krong Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol, in 1434 or 1446, before moving on by 1494 to Basan, then Longvek and Oudong; in 1813 King Ang Chan built the Banteay Kev, the Crystal Citadel, on the site of today's palace. In 1866 his nephew King Norodom brought the capital back to Phnom Penh and built the palace between 1866 and 1870, with a throne hall, private villas, dance and banquet pavilions and the Napoleon Pavilion, and most of it was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932 (Wikipedia, Royal Palace of Cambodia).

The main sights

• The Throne Hall - the golden-spired ceremonial hall.
• The Silver Pagoda - the temple with its silver-tiled floor and precious Buddhas.
• The pavilions and gardens - the ornate buildings and manicured grounds.
• The riverside setting - the palace near the confluence of the rivers.

When to go

November to February, the cool dry season, for the most comfortable weather; go early to avoid the midday heat. A strict modest dress code is enforced, so cover shoulders and knees or you will be turned away or made to cover up.

Practical notes

A strict modest dress code is enforced, with shoulders and knees covered for all. As the king's residence, parts are closed to visitors, and it may close for events. It is hot, so go early. It is the highlight of Phnom Penh.

Nearby

The National Museum, the riverfront and the genocide memorial sites are in the city.

Key facts