Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

I guess there is no need to write much about the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.
If you hear the first time about the Royal Palace, buy a travel guide book.

Some information have changed, hence here some updates:
Admission Fee seems to have been affected by some sort of mega inflation... it is now a whopping 25'000 Riel.

Opening Hours are now 8am to 11am and 2pm to 5pm.

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Phnom Penh took over from Angkor as the capital city of Cambodia in the 1440's and is a pleasant and interesting city full of French colonial buildings. The Royal Palace is one the must see things to do here and is very impressive with its striking architecture and gold detail. It is the principal residence of the King, Queen and Royal family and has been constructed twice; first in 1434 and secondly in 1866. The compound is 435 metres long by 421 metres wide and is surrounded by a high wall. The compound was built in 1866-70 during the reign of King Norodom. Most of the buildings have magnificent sculptures, have many tiered roofs and are topped with towers which are symbols of prosperity. The previous buildings were wooden and were later made from concrete.
You can see the Throne Hall, Ho Samran Phirum (which is the King's museum housing musical instruments and utensils for the coronation procession), Ho Preah Khan (houses the Royal regalia), The Pavilion of Napoleon III, The Dancing Hall and the gardens with stupas amongst lots of other buildings. The highlight is the Silver Pagoda where you can see a jewelled gold buddha statue and over 5,000 silver tiles on the floor! (No photos allowed here).
Dress modestly with no short skirts or shorts above the knee. Shoulders should be covered and hats removed. Large bags are not allowed either.

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The Royal Palace and The Silver Pagoda are situated at the same compound and so you are bound to visit both at one go. Though most people would compare it with the Grand Palace in Bangkok, I find the architecture and culture to be different. You can literally call this place the younger twin brother of the one in Bangkok. Although pictures are not allowed in the palace itself, please remember to notice and enjoy the artwork at the ceiling and also the wall. I find it very fascinating.

As magnificent as this palace may be, I found nothing special about it since I have been to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Of course, one should not compare since they are in different countries and are of different cultures. There are many places of interests such as the Silver Pagoda, Royal Residence, Chan Chaya Pavillion, etc.
Admission Fee: 3USD/person; 2USD/camera; 5USD/camcorder

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Royal Palace is very much located near the river front. the stuckture look like building from Bangkok.
it's looks out on to Samdech Sothearos Blvd betwwen Ph 184 and Ph 240.

**reminder: no singlet, no shorts or short skirt are allow to enter the palace.

the big compaund consist of Chan Chaya Pavilion (performace of classical Combodian dance), Throne Hall (topped by 59cm high tower inspired by Bayon from Angkor) and Silver Pagoda (floor is covered with over 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each). Silver Pagoda also known as Wat Preah Keo (Pagoda of Emerald Buddha) was preserved by Khmer Rouge to show to the world that they concern for the conservation of Combodia's cultural riches. some relic buddha were brought from Sri Lanka and Myanmar. if you were interested with the structures and richness of Khmer civilisation, where they came from, i think this place is aptly for you. what impressed me was this artificial hill with a structure containing a bronze footprint of the buddha from Sri Lanka.

Admission: USD3
Opening hours: 7.30am - 11am & 2.30pm - 5pm

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The Royal Residence (Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng Chaktomuk) is one of the favorite attractions with visitors to Phnom Penh. The palace was built in 1866 and is home to many valuable objects. The King of Cambodia still uses this as his official residence to date. Several buildings cover the grounds and are open and available for exploration during visiting hours. The grounds are beautiful and it is worth a visit. The grounds are small enough to cover in an hour or two, but more time could be spent in the serene surroundings.

Be aware there is a dress code while visiting the Royal Residence and Silver Pagoda: No hats, no short skirts or shorts and no tank tops. A good rule of thumb is shoulders and knees should be covered. They will provide shirts as a cover up to wear while touring the structures.

Admission is $3US and there is an additional $2US charge if you wish to use your camera during your visit. Hours: 7:30 – 11:00 am and 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

i didn't go inside the royal palace, the ticket just rocketed into US$6 for entrance fee.
many people refused to go after realising the expensive ticket.
well they put some seats outside for people who just want to be outside while waiting for their friend inside.

We visited this as part of our day tour by rented taxi in Phnom Penh. Right in the city centre, so you obviously do not need a cab. Royal palace is nice and so is the silver pagoda. However, if you have been to the royal premises in Bangkok, this looks quite small.