Royal Palace Park — Attraction in Khan Daun Penh

History

The Royal Palace of Cambodia (Khmer: ព្រះបរមរាជវាំង) The establishment of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in 1866 is a comparatively recent event in the history of the Khmer and Cambodia. The seat of Khmer power in the region rested in or near Angkor north of the Great Tonle Sap Lake from 802 AD until the early 15th century. After the Khmer court moved from Angkor in the 15th century due to environmental problems and ecological imbalance, it first settled in Phnom Penh which back then named as Krong Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol (Khmer: ក្រុងចតុមុខសិរីមង្គល) in 1434 (or 1446) and stayed for some decades, but by 1494 had moved on to Basan, and later Longvek and then Oudong. The capital did not return to Phnom Penh until the 19th century and there is no record or remnants of any Royal Palace in Phnom Penh prior to the 19th century. In 1813, King Ang Chan (1796–1834) constructed Banteay Kev (the 'Crystal Citadel') on the site where the current Royal Palace stands . After Ang Chan, the capital was at Oudong, about 40 kilometers to the northwest, until in 1866 his nephew, King Norodom, returned to Phnom Penh.

Norodom lived first in a temporary wooden Palace a bit north of Wat Ounalom, while the permanent palace was being constructed. Norodom's palace was a compound containing many separate buildings, of which the most significant were the throne hall, the king's private villas (there were two of these, one on the north side of the throne hall and one on the south), the set of traditional salas, or open-sided pavilions, known as the Salle de Danse and Salle des Fetes (hall of dances and banquet hall), and the Napoleon Pavilion. These were all in the eastern, or public, courtyard. The western courtyard was for the king's women, which the French called his harem, and although this is not exactly accurate the only adult male allowed to enter was the king himself.

The whole complex was surrounded by a wall (originally a wall to the east and a moat to the west, but the moat was filled in some time after 1914) topped by decorative leaf shapes called seima; these same symbols are seen on the walls surrounding monasteries, and, as with monasteries, were used to symbolize that what lay within is holy. In addition, just outside the palace but part of it, were the Silver Pagoda to the south and the cremation ground to the north, while the park on the eastern side used for royal festivals such as the King's Birthday and the annual boat races.

King Norodom's palace was demolished and rebuilt by his successor, his half-brother King Sisowath, between 1912 and 1919, and today the only sizeable remains are the eastern section of the wall and the Napoleon Pavilion. The main elements of the public eastern courtyard of the modern palace are:

The Throne Hall, which contains the three main royal thrones and is the place kings are crowned and where foreign ambassadors are received;

The Napoleon Pavilion, which Norodom used as a reception hall and is today a museum;

The Phochani Pavilion, a banqueting hall;

The Chan Chhaya or Moonlight Pavilion on the northeast section of the wall, used for state banquets and dance performances;

The Damnak Chan behind the Napoleon Pavilion, an administrative building.

The western courtyard is still private, and it is here that the king has his private residential villa, the Khemarin, as well as the Villa Kantha Bopha to accommodate of the Queen mother ( from...

The Cambodian Royal Palace Park is a true gem in the heart of Phnom Penh. From the moment you step into this enchanting oasis, you are transported into a world of tranquility and beauty. The park's lush greenery, meticulously manicured gardens, and stunning architectural masterpieces make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The park's centerpiece, the Royal Palace, is a breathtaking sight to behold. Its intricate design, adorned with golden spires and ornate detailing, showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Cambodia. Exploring the palace grounds feels like stepping into a fairytale, with each corner revealing a new captivating view.

The park offers a serene escape from the bustling city, providing ample space for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply finding a quiet spot to relax. The shaded pathways are lined with beautiful trees and colorful flowers, creating a picturesque setting for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff within the park are always ready to assist visitors and provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the various structures. Their passion for preserving and sharing Cambodian culture is evident, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall experience.

Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Cambodian Royal Palace Park offers something for everyone. Its captivating beauty and serene ambiance make it an unforgettable destination that showcases the splendor of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. A visit to this park is truly a journey through time and a feast...

The Royal Palace Park is a 115 metres by 74 metres rectangular green space within a city with virtually no public parks, but a lot of traffic. Local people make regular use of this rare patch of green space as an escape from an oppressive city. People come here for picnics under the shade of trees around the edge of the park and for children to play on the grass. The park is also a great place to wait for the Royal Palace to open after the long lunchtime shutdown, from 11:00 to 14:00.

The Royal Palace Park is located on the opposite side of the road to Sisowath Quay, which runs alongside the Tonle Sap River as passes through Phnom Penh city centre. A popular option is to buy food from one of the vendors operating from Sisowath Quay and to bring it to eat in park. We recommend visiting the one dollar noodle vendor who sets up roadside opposite the park for a cheap and tasty vegetarian lunch that won’t give you food poisoning.

Cambodian people also come here to have their picture taken by the monument to Cambodia’s Queen Mother which is on the road by the Royal Palace Park. Most Cambodian people revere their Royal...