The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh - 5 things to see absolutely

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is a must-see while staying in the Cambodian capital. This superb ensemble of traditional Khmer inspiration is very elegant, with its magnificent tiered roofs and glazed tiles, sculpted pediments, balconies and columns, flower gardens, and long galleries decorated with frescoes.

History of the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh

Originally designed by a Khmer architect on the remains of an old citadel called Banteay Kev, burned by the Siamese army, and built with the help of the French protectorate in 1866, the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh has evolved in stages over the decades. After the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1863, the capital was moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh and construction of the Royal Palace began. Phnom Penh became the official capital of Cambodia and the royal court moved permanently to the new Royal Palace in 1871 while the walls surrounding it were erected in 1873. While most of the buildings in the Royal Palace were built in the traditional Khmer style, some incorporated European features, such as the Napoleon III Pavilion, a gift from France in 1876.

The Royal Palace has undergone many transformations in its recent history. Buildings have been added, modified, or demolished and rebuilt, most in the traditional Khmer style and all oriented to the East, according to the sacred rules of Buddhist construction. Since Norodom I, all the kings of Cambodia have resided in the Royal Palace and it is closed when the king is there.

What can you see at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh?

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh is made up of gardens, palaces and pagodas with golden roofs punctuated by slender spires. Visiting it is an opportunity for a very pleasant stroll through this complex divided into three enclosures where you can admire in turn:

The Silver Pagoda is one of the wonders of the royal palace. Located on the South side of the enclosure, the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo) which has the status of a royal temple is distinguished by the 500 silver paving stones of one kilo each, forming the floor covering. The Silver Pagoda houses many national treasures such as statues of Buddha in gold and precious stones including the famous and highly venerated Emerald Buddha (which is made of jade), which sits in the center of the pagoda under a luxurious canopy.

Another exceptional piece to admire is the 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with nearly 3,000 diamonds, the largest of which weighs 25 carats! Also, be sure to admire the walls surrounding the pagoda covered with frescoes depicting episodes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana and the three royal stupas from the early 20th century containing the ashes of Norodom's grandparents and great-grandparents.

The Moonlight Pavilion, is one of the most famous buildings in the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh for its superb traditional-style roof and for being visible from outside the enclosure, making it one of the most photographed. Mainly used as a stage for classical Khmer dance, the Moonlight Pavilion also serves as a tribune for the king and is used for royal banquets.

The Khemarin Palace or Palace of the Khmer King, built in 1930, is the residence of the king. The President of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle stayed in the Khemarin Palace during his visit to Cambodia in 1966 and his famous speech in Phnom Penh in front of a crowd of more than 100,000 people gathered at the Olympic stadium. Visits to this palace are prohibited. Please take note that the royal blue flag flying there indicates the presence of the king.

The throne room is the main element of the royal palace located in its center. It’s a magnificent cross-shaped building crowned with three spires whose central spire 60 meters high is surmounted by a head of Brahma with four faces, a Buddha with four faces (like the Bayon of Angkor). Built in 1917, this building hosted coronation ceremonies, and religious ceremonies and served as a meeting room for the king's confidants, generals and royal officers. Inside, you can admire the golden ceremonial throne topped with several parasols, a sacred gong and thrones with bearers. Also, you can appreciate the frescoes on the wall and ceiling relating to the Ramayana and the Khmer epic.

The Napoleon III Pavilion, located to the left of the throne room, was offered by Napoleon III to King Norodom in 1870. This pavilion with its original iron architecture was built to welcome Empress Eugenie during the inauguration of the Suez Canal.

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