Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda★★★
Royal Palace (Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk)
The Royal Palace is the most magnificent building of modern Cambodia and the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni. Built from 1866 under King Norodom I after the capital moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, the complex combines Khmer architecture with European elements — French architect Antoine de Monteiro assisted in the design.
What You See
- Throne Hall (Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay): The most imposing building — 59 m long, with a 59 m high tower modeled after the Bayon. Coronation ceremonies, royal receptions, and official ceremonies take place here. Inside: wall paintings depicting the Ramayana.
- Moonlight Pavilion: An open hall where traditional dance performances for the king once took place. The wood carvings are exquisite.
- Napoleon III Pavilion: A cast-iron gift from the French emperor, originally built for Empress Eugénie and shipped to Cambodia in 1876.
Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morakat)
Right next to the palace, in the same complex, lies the Silver Pagoda — so named because of its floor made of 5,329 silver tiles (each 1.1 kg!). The most important treasures:
- Emerald Buddha: A Baccarat crystal statue from the 17th century on the main altar.
- Golden Buddha: Life-sized, made of 90 kg of gold, adorned with 2,086 diamonds (the largest: 25 carats).
- Wall paintings: On the surrounding wall — 642 m of Ramayana frescoes, unfortunately heavily weathered.
💡 Tipp
Arrive right at 8:00 AM when it opens — tour groups start arriving at 9:30. Knees and shoulders must be covered (strictly enforced). The lunch break (11:00–14:00) is serious — you won't get in during this time.
Achtung
Photography is NOT allowed in the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda. It is allowed in the outdoor areas and gardens. Smartphones are not checked, but respect the rule — it is an active sanctuary and residence of the king.
