Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

What this is

Built after King Norodom moved the capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in 1866, the Royal Palace remains the official residence of Cambodia’s king. Visitors enter the ceremonial part of the compound; the private residential areas are not open.

The palace is a working royal and religious site, not a period house preserved in one moment. The present complex combines Khmer forms—tiered roofs, naga balustrades and pointed spires—with some European-era elements.

The essential stops

Throne Hall: The formal centrepiece, Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay, is crowned by a 59-metre spire with a four-faced Brahma. It is used for coronations, royal weddings and the reception of ambassadors. Admire it from the public route; access to the interior is restricted.

Silver Pagoda: Wat Preah Keo Morakot stands in the southern compound. Its name comes from the floor of more than 5,000 silver tiles. Inside are a Baccarat-crystal Emerald Buddha and a life-size gold Buddha decorated with diamonds. Much of the silver floor is protected, so look for the exposed sections rather than expecting a fully visible metal surface.

Reamker gallery: Walk the covered cloister around the pagoda for scenes from the Reamker, Cambodia’s version of the Ramayana. The murals reward a slow circuit rather than a quick photo stop.

Moonlight Pavilion and Napoleon III Pavilion: The open Moonlight Pavilion fronts the palace wall, while the cast-iron Napoleon III Pavilion provides a conspicuous French contrast among the Khmer buildings.

Visiting rhythm

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the public grounds. The palace opens daily from 08:00–11:00 and 14:00–17:00; the midday closure is firm. Go at the opening of either session for a cooler walk and clearer views of the roofs.

International admission is US$10 and includes the Silver Pagoda. Royal ceremonies can close all or part of the site at short notice, so do not build a tight schedule around a single visit window.

Entry rules and photography

Cover shoulders and knees before reaching the gate. Sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts are not suitable for entry. This is an enforced rule, not a suggestion.

Photography is restricted inside the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda. Follow posted instructions, remove shoes where required, and keep voices low in the pagoda.

Getting there

The palace occupies Samdach Sothearos Boulevard by Phnom Penh’s riverfront, between Streets 184 and 240. It is an easy walk from the riverside and National Museum area; a tuk-tuk or taxi is more practical from elsewhere in the city. Ask to be dropped at the Royal Palace visitor entrance and ticket booth, rather than at a ceremonial gate or riverfront viewpoint.