Cambodia Royal Palace: A Glorious Sanctuary Of Royal Splendor

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh has many elegant halls and exquisite gardens along with an extensive historical background, providing visitors with an outstanding view of Cambodia’s Royal heritage and customs.

Introduction To the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh can easily be said to rank among the top tourist attractions and icons of Cambodia’s rich history and architecture because of its golden roofs and Khmer style that resonate strongly with Cambodia’s cultural foundations and traditions. The Royal Palace dates back to the 19th century and still serves to date as the Cambodian monarchy’s residence and spiritual center. It was built to express Cambodia’s love for monarchy traditions and culture.

The Royal Palace would provide an insightful perspective into Cambodia’s history, arts, and religion. The Royal Palace compound houses the legendary Silver Pagoda with precious national relics like emerald and diamond-studded Buddha figures inside it. Whatever your affinity – architecture, royal traditions, or finding solace in an oasis amidst Phnom Penh’s hustle and bustle – the Royal Palace is indeed an important part of your Phnom Penh tour itinerary.

History Of the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Cambodia was constructed from 1866 until shortly after the king, King Norodom I, moved the country’s capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. It took until 1871 for the palace itself to be finished, but two more years for the defensive walls to be constructed. It was only after this that the palace was finally considered complete. After this, a number of buildings within the compound were added, rebuilt, or redesigned.

Among the most prominent architectural works of this site are the Chanchaya Pavilion and Throne Hall, which exquisitely exemplify Khmer architectural skills. Despite being nearly 200 years old, the Royal Palace remains remarkably preserved, and is now one of the most cherished cultural landmarks of Cambodia.

Top 4 Iconic Attractions In the Royal Palace

A trip to The Royal Palace requires entrance into one of Cambodia’s most historical and culturally revered sites, with magnificent structures that reflect the age-old tradition of royalty. Below are attractions to visit within the Royal Palace that best represent its beauty and significance.

Throne Hall

The Throne Hall is among the most magnificent halls at the Royal Palace, where there is an assortment of precious items that were owned by the royal families of Cambodia; other items consist of works of art that express Cambodia’s rich heritage. There are well-carved sculptures and statues showing the Cambodian kings of different dynasties.

In addition to its aesthetic magnificence and beauty, this hall holds significance as it serves as the site where Cambodia welcomes foreign dignitaries and hosts state occasions. It is also at this site where the pomp-filled ceremonies of crownings and other royal traditions occur; hence, it can succinctly be said to represent Cambodia’s monarchy. Unveiling the Throne Hall reveals how singular it is to access the aesthetic and ceremonial world of Cambodia’s monarchy.

Napoleon III Pavilion

The pavilion dates back to the 19th century and was a gift from Emperor Napoleon III of France to King Norodom of Cambodia. It is unique because all the materials used to build the pavilion originated from France, and its European architectural styles make it impressive. The pavilion’s magnificent color tones showcase the luxurious living of the royal family. The pavilion is currently utilized for official royal functions. It is a historic, diplomatic, and architectural marvel for tourists to enjoy.

Chanchhaya Pavilion

The Moonlight or Chanchhaya Pavilion is conventionally utilized for hosting official events, giving public speeches, or welcoming honored guests. Architecturally, this structure is a perfect blend of Khmer and minute French touches. This makes its design both historically significant and stunning. The spacious roof of this structure serves as a shading area for hosting functions outdoors, thus enhancing the magnificent form of the pavilion. It was designed to be a platform for royal events, thus its significance to the palace premises. It is especially camera-friendly because of its open structure.

Silver Pagoda

The Silver Pagoda, situated on the southern side of the Royal Palace, is one of the most revered places in Cambodia. It is also known as Wat Ubosoth Ratanaram, a place where over 1,050 priceless objects made of gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones are preserved. It is called the Silver Pagoda because of the presence of 5,000 silver tiles that weigh about a kilogram each, placed on the temple floor. These tiles give this revered place a unique ambiance.

Moreover, this pagoda is where the renowned 90-kilogram gold statue of the Buddha, encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, can be found, making this place a national treasure. Not only is this place a sensation to the eyes, but it is also a religious destination for prayer, meditation, and admiration of its pristine beauty.

5 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

When paying a visit to the Royal Palace, you get to enjoy it much more than the architectural brilliance. You get to experience the royal culture of Cambodia. These are the experiences that make your trip a memorable one.

Be Awed by Grand Architecture

The palace is known for its stunning Khmer architectural design, complete with high spires, curved roofs, and glimmering golden tiles that sparkle under the sun. It is a pleasure to walk through this property because you can enjoy the elegant French architectural touches that blend impeccably well with Buddhist symbolism. Every structure is a storytelling experience, from royal functions to a heritage that dates back through the ages.

stunning Khmer architectural design of royal palace

Visit the Silver Pagoda

One of the fascinating parts of this complex is the Silver Pagoda, where some of the most revered artifacts of Cambodia can be found. The interior of this pagoda is paved with over 5,000 tiles made of solid silver, combined with golden statues of Buddha, which shimmer with emeralds and precious gems. This is a peaceful place to get a glimpse of the religious heritage of this country. You can feel the respect that the people of this country have for this heritage.

Explore Royal History & Culture

The palace premises have numerous works of art, such as paintings, statues, and stone carvings that depict the history of the Cambodian monarchy. When you tour, you get to learn about various occurrences that have shaped the country’s history, myths, and even practices that can be traced back to the day of its founding. Most of these works of art depict scenes from the Ramayana and the Khmer myths.

Visit the Phochani Pavilion

The Phochani Pavilion is recognized for housing royal performances, traditional dances, and official ceremonies. The pavilion’s architectural style elegantly combines Khmer and modern tastes, with carved pillars and arched doors. The spacious room demonstrates the country’s longstanding admiration for the arts. It is almost possible to picture the numerous celebrations that have occurred here.

Admire the Beautiful Palace Gardens

The gardens of the Royal Palace feature vibrant flowers that bring a feeling of serenity to your tour experience. Vibrant flowers, well-maintained hedges, and peaceful walkways provide a much-needed break from the busy streets of the city. The gardens provide a magnificent setting for the palace buildings, making each corner of this place a perfect setting for clicking photos. It is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy this paradise of tranquility.

Entrance Fee

The Royal Palace in Cambodia has an entry fee of approximately $3 per person that is charged at the time of entry. An additional charge of about $2 will also be levied if you want to take pictures on the inside of the Palace.

Opening Hours

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh operates daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM and then from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. It was important for visitors to remember that occasionally, this attraction closes because of royal occasions; hence, if you’re planning your trip around national holidays, it’s wise to contact them before your visit.

It would be ideal to visit the Royal Palace when it’s cool and dry from November to February if you can withstand lower temperatures when exploring the site on foot. It would be ideal to visit early when it’s relatively cool, and fewer visitors will be present to disrupt your shots or your relaxation experience at the site.

How To Get To the Royal Palace

It’s easy to get to the Royal Palace in Cambodia if you’re traveling from Vietnam or if you’re already in Phnom Penh. The following are just some of the ways to get to this place:

By Air

Taking an air transport is the quickest means to Phnom Penh if you’re traveling from Vietnam. For your air transport from either Noi Bai International Airport, located in Hanoi, or Tan Son Nhat International Airport, found at Ho Chi Minh City, to Phnom Penh International Airport, you can opt for either Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Airlines, or Cambodia Angkor Airlines. Flight tickets cost between VND 2,000,000 to VND 3,000,000.

By Bus

For those traveling to southern Vietnam, taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh can be an ideal solution that fits your budget nicely. The cost of tickets starts at 400,000 VND and can go up to 500,000 VND. It takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to cover this distance.

In Phnom Penh city, once you arrive, the Royal Palace is about 5 km away from the city center. If you would like to enjoy the scenery while traveling, you can opt to walk or engage in local transport like tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, or taxis. It’s especially fun to ride the tuk-tuks if you would like to get a feel of local culture. Irrespective of which transport you choose to take, don’t forget to discuss the cost before getting into it, and feel free to negotiate if need be.

Things To Know Before Traveling To the Royal Palace

A visit to the Royal Palace can prove to be an important part of your cultural experience; hence, having basic knowledge about the guidelines would assist you in touring the site with ease and comfort.

Dress modestly with your shoulders and knees covered, and avoid wearing lightweight clothing or flip-flop sandals because your entrance into the mosque can be denied if your clothing is not appropriate.
Be respectful of the Cambodian Royal Family and conduct oneself with proper manners at all times throughout the palace compound.
Do not take photos of restricted areas or sensitive relics because certain areas of the palace ban camera use.
Do not touch Buddha figures and never joke or make gestures that could be taken as disrespecting the Royal Family or religion.
Speak in low tones because speaking loudly can lead to warnings or even ejections at some locations.
Note that bringing cameras or video recorders might entail an extra cost of approximately USD 2 to 5.
Do not miss important highlights inside the complex, which include Moonlight Pavilion, Silver Pagoda, Ramayana murals, King Norodom I stupa, and traditional Ramayana masks.

Final Thoughts: Is the Royal Palace Worth Visiting?

The Royal Palace is definitely a tourist spot not to be missed because it offers visitors an unusual combination of history, culture, and beautiful Khmer architecture inside Phnom Penh itself. The gilded spires and sanctum of this palace exude an aura at once majestic and reverent. It could well provide visitors with access to Cambodia beyond Phnom Penh’s streets because it offers insights into Cambodia’s royal traditions that tourists would find difficult to tap into themselves while traveling alone. Book your Cambodia tour with Seni World to make your experience more memorable.

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