Royal Palace — Attraction in Khan Daun Penh

Nestled amidst the bustling heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the Royal Palace stands as a majestic testament to the nation's rich history and cultural heritage. Built in 1866, this opulent complex serves as the official residence of the Cambodian monarch and remains a beacon of national pride. Stepping through the palace gates, visitors are instantly transported into a realm of grandeur and elegance, where intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and gleaming pagodas whisper tales of Cambodia's glorious past.

The Royal Palace is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, showcasing the intricate details and harmonious balance that characterize this style. Each structure within the palace complex is a work of art in its own right, adorned with delicate carvings, shimmering mosaics, and vibrant murals that depict scenes from Cambodian mythology and folklore.

The Silver Pagoda, with its shimmering exterior and floor, is a prime example of Khmer craftsmanship. As you step inside, you'll be awestruck by the sheer opulence of the interior. The pagoda's namesake silver floor gleams under the soft glow of the chandeliers, while intricate murals adorn the walls, depicting scenes from the Buddha's life.

The Throne Hall, the heart of the palace complex, exudes an air of regal opulence. Adorned with delicate mother-of-pearl inlays and intricate carvings, the hall served as the setting for coronations, royal ceremonies, and important gatherings. As you stand beneath its soaring ceiling, you can almost imagine the grandeur of past events that have unfolded within these walls.

Beyond the architectural marvels, the Royal Palace grounds themselves are a delight to explore. Manicured gardens, serene courtyards, and tranquil ponds provide a welcome respite from the bustling city outside. Stroll along the shaded pathways, taking in the vibrant colors of the bougainvillea and the gentle sounds of water trickling from fountains. As you wander through the gardens, keep an eye out for the resident peacocks, their iridescent plumage adding a touch of magic to the surroundings.

A visit to the Royal Palace is not complete without experiencing some of Cambodia's rich cultural traditions. Witness a traditional dance performance within the palace grounds, and be captivated by the graceful movements of the dancers, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of Khmer music. The performance will transport you to a realm of storytelling and cultural expression, offering a glimpse into the heart of...

An absolute must when in Phnom Penh, beautiful palace with a wonderful garden surrounding it.

I was one of the first to get here after the midday opening at 2 pm. No queue or anything. This meant that at first glance I couldn’t see a lot of people, but after 15 minutes there were large crowds covering a lot of the open spaces. And it got harder to look around. As the main building is closed for walking in. This meant there became queues by every window to look inside the throne room.

Important to know when going here is that it’s not open all day. The opening hours differ and it’s best to ask the guards by the gate. Don’t ask or listen to the tuktuk drivers outside, some of them lie and try to scam you with giving you a trip to another place in town.

When I was here (Jan 2024) the opening hours were 8-11 am and then open again 2-5 pm.

When going here you have to dress appropriately, cover knees, shoulders and elbows. I had an t-shirt and long trousers. A scarf is not enough to cover, and they will check your clothes before entering, (and after buying the ticket). If you don’t follow the dress code there is a small clothes vendor who will sell you trousers and shirt for $3 a piece.

The entrance fee was $10(good to know, this is the price to enter the palace grounds which also includes the silver pagoda). But I do think it’s a little bit too much.

Why isn’t it 5 stars? I don’t know if it was just when I was visiting or it usually is this way. But a lot of the palace garden and grounds were closed for tourists. Looking at one of their maps and comparing it to the map we got when going in. About a quarter of the palace grounds was open for tourists to see. The rest was closed off. Good to note that when going here they were renovating some buildings. This may be affecting the rest of the area. But it was closed off far from the renovations. This made it less worth the $10, but there is still a lot to see and learn. I would still recommend it when...

This is a big complex of the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Smile. Yes, it is said so because Cambodian people naturally very kind, very polite, open minded, warm hearted, helpful and welcoming to foreigners and full of smile.

Everywhere in the Kingdom, you would likely to expect to meet Cambodian people smiling when you greet them or you are greeted by them. Even when you meet a tall, hard-face looking people, with a no-smile appearance - you may still bet that he or she is very kind and sometimes soft-spoken - beyond your expectation. That's why - I guess - people usually say the Kingdom as the Kingdom of Smile.

Of course that will happen if you also show your friendly attitude to them.

Back to the Royal Palace, there are several buildings. Inside the complex, the landscape is beautiful. There is Silver Pagoda (or Silver Buddha (?), please correct me if I'm wrong). There is also a section that shows you several human efficacy wearing different color of clothes. Green, yellow, blue, etc. That would certainly telling us that Cambodia's culture is great and colorful, even what color is suitable to wear in a certain day.

For example, Red is said to be ideally suitable to wear on Sunday, Purple is for Tuesday, while Green is for Wednesday, Yellowish Green for Thursday, Blue is for Friday. You can see all of the colors inside the Royal Palace Museum.

Be sure not to wear your shoes when a certain regulation prohibit you wear your shoes if you would like to enter a certain place.

There are several buildings along with the story that come along with it. It is better for you to come and visit the grandeur of the Royal Palace, and enjoy your beautiful days in...