Situated in the heart of the capital, the extravagant Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are home to fabulous murals and a treasure-trove of statues, including a famous emerald Buddha.
Royal Palace
Royal Palace (ព្រះបរមរាជាវាំងនៃរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា, Preah Barum Reachea Veang Nei Preah Reacheanachak Kampuchea) surrounded by over a kilometre of crenelated walls behind which graceful pagodas gleam in the tropical glare. The complex is built in traditional Khmer style, with religious symbolism playing an important part; the surrounding wall is printed pale yellow and white, the two colour representing respectively the Buddhist and Hindu faith. Little is visible from outside the walls, other that the vividly coloured, multi-tiered roofs edged with soaring golden nagas and spires that glint enticingly against the sky. Most of the building having been reconstructed in concrete in the early part of the twentieth century.
did you know?
î The site was once that of the palace of King Norodom who moves his capital here from Oudong in 1863; originally, it was also the site of the palace of King Ponhea Yat in 1434, of which nothing now remains.
Throne Hall (Preah Tineang Tevea Vinicchay) — the most impressive building in the royal compound, topped by a much-photographed four-faced, five-tiered tower. The roof has seven tiers, tiled in orange, sapphire and green to represent prosperity, nature and freedom respectively; golden nagas are placed at the corners of each level to afford protection against evil spirits.
Banqueting Hall (Preah Tineang Phohani) — a rather plain pavilion used to host banquets and royal orations, as well as performances of classical dance and music.
Silver Pagoda
Silver Pagoda is also known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot or “the pagoda of the Emerald Buddha”. It houses the sacred symbol of the nation, the Emerald Buddha, which dates from the 17th century and is made of crystal. There is also much larger Buddha figure here, comprised of a total of 90kg of pure gold, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats.
This structure, so named because its floor is lined with more than 5000 silver tiles weighing more than 1kg each or 5 tonnes in total.
A carriage-like structure at the exit of the Royal Palace.
The Equestrian Statue of King Norodom.
Stupa of HM King Norodom.
Stupa of HRH Princess Kantha Bopha.
A carriage-like structure at the exit of the Royal Palace.
travel tips
þ Photography is not allowed inside the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda.
It's a Small World: Cambodia Chapter 