Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

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The Royal Palace complex was begun by King Norodom in 1886 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Most buildings were completed before World War I, with support from the French administrators and Thai designers and architects. French influence can be seen in the formal gardens which surround the palace and there are a few European-style buildings on the grounds. A few of the buildings were dismantled and rebuilt in the 1960s.

Open 8 - 11am and 2- 5pm daily.

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The palace construction were set up to the Khmer Traditional architecture, which I found quite similar to Thai. But then, what do I know.

The palace compound is beautifully landscaped, providing many "Kodak moment" opportunities. A must visit at least once when you are in Phnom Penh.

The Royal Palace opens daily from 7:30 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. All or part of the palace may be closed for special events. The entry fee is USD3. You must pay an additional USD2 to use a still camera or USD5 for a video camera.

No photography is allowed inside any of the buildings. Since the palace and all the structures within face east, the best time to visit is in the early morning hours.

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Opulence is word that comes to mind when you wander through the palace. Gold is the metal of choice and it isn't short on jewels as well as other semiprecious stones! As expected you need to remove your shoes to enter and photographs are forbidden in some spots (you can be sneaky - just respect the place and don't use a flash and don't be obvious). The have a crazy system about camera prices and are horrible if you loose your ticket!!!!!!

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(last date visited: Dec. 27, 2004)

Entrance fee - 3 US $

Photo fee - 2 US $

I think it is better not to pay the photo fee coz since there are so many visitors in this huge place, they wont notice it.

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This was once a small town called Banteay Kev was built in 1813. Since King Sihanouk's return to Cambodia, visitors are only allowed to visit the palace's Silver pagoda and its surrounding compound.

The silver pagoda is often called the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Preah Kaeo after the statue housed there. King Norodom originally built the wooden temple in 1892 and inside; its floor comprised of more than 5000 silver blocks. Very cooling to walk on it.

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 11.00pm, 2.00pm - 5.00 pm. Entry Fees: US$3.00p/p, camera $2.00, video camera $5.00.
(Do not pay for the camera as you will not be able to take photo inside the palace only on the ground).

Being a king myself ;-) (king_golo, to be specific), I had to visit the Royal Palace in Cambodia's capital. It's well worth a visit - magnificent buildings full of royal character! If this is your first sight to visit in Cambodia, I think you're gonna like it as the architecture is really interesting. Having seen more of Cambodia's architecture, you might find it less extraordinary. The actual houses in which the King resides cannot be visited, but you can see them from a distance. One building I particularly liked was the former dancing hall (Chan Chaya Pavillion). The Throne Hall is also very interesting.

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El Palacio Real impresiona cuando te vas acercando desde la orilla del rio .
Es una construccion que recuerda el Gran Palacio de Bangkok y en ella destacan la Pagoda de Plata que tiene el suelo cubierto con baldosas de plata y un Buda de marmol , el Salon del Trono y los frescos que estan en los corredores alrededor del Palacio

Advertencias :
En cuanto tengas posibilidad de ver el palacio entra pues pueden cerrarlo sin avisar cuando el Rey tiene alguna ceremonia

Para las mujeres: Si no quieres comprarte una camiseta en la puerta ven al palacio con mangas

The Palace is really amazing as you reach it from the River front .
It is a construction that remembers the Bangkok Grand Palace and on it we should like to underline the Silver Pagoda , with silver tiles on the floor and a marble Buddha , The Throne Hall and the frescoes that are in the corridors that surround the Temple

Warnings :

As soon as you can, go to see the Palace because they may close it without notice when the King has any ceremony

For the women : If you do not want to buy a T-shirt in the gate wear something with sleeves

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The Royal Palace complex is less crowded -- with buildings and with people -- than Bangkok's City Palace, but its structures are no less elaborate or beautiful. The Throne Hall, is the most impressive of them. It is a relatively new building, erected only in 1919.