The Royal Palace: A Visitor's Guide

WHAT

Official residence of the King of Cambodia.

LOCATION

Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh Riverfront.

BUILT

1860s (French/Khmer Style)

TICKET

~$10.00 USD (Includes Silver Pagoda)

No visit to Phnom Penh is complete without exploring the dazzling Royal Palace. This magnificent complex has served as the seat of the Kingdom since the 1860s. With its classic Khmer architecture, glittering golden roofs, and serene gardens, it offers a breathtaking glimpse into the nation's royal history.

⚠️ Essential Visitor Tips

• Strict Dress Code: This is a sacred site. You must cover your shoulders and knees. No tank tops or short shorts. If you forget, you will be forced to buy an oversized t-shirt at the entrance!
• Photography: Photos are allowed in the gardens, but strictly forbidden inside the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda buildings.
• The Lunch Gap: The palace closes for a long lunch break, usually from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Plan your visit for early morning (8:00 AM) or late afternoon to avoid getting stuck outside.

Highlights of the Complex

The Throne Hall

This is the most impressive building in the complex. While you cannot enter, you can look through the open windows to see the magnificent golden thrones and ceiling murals depicting the Reamker (Cambodian Ramayana). This is where coronations and official ceremonies take place.

Insider Tip: Look at the flagpole near the riverfront entrance. If the blue Royal Standard flag is flying, it means the King is currently at home!

The Silver Pagoda

Named for its floor, which is covered with over 5,000 solid silver tiles, this temple is a national treasure trove. It houses the "Emerald Buddha" (made of Baccarat crystal) and a life-sized solid gold Buddha adorned with over 2,000 diamonds.

Make sure to walk around the compound walls to see the ancient, though fading, murals that tell epic stories of Khmer mythology.

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