Royal Palace of Cambodia

Palace in Phnom Penh

Royal Palace Of Cambodia
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Francisco Anzola

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a magnificent symbol of the nation’s monarchy and cultural heritage. Built in 1866 during King Norodom’s reign, the complex serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia and hosts significant royal ceremonies and events. The palace’s golden spires and traditional Khmer architecture dominate Phnom Penh’s skyline, making it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

A brief history of the Royal Palace of Cambodia

Known as Krong Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol, around 1434 (or 1446). However, the capital soon moved on to Basan, Longvek, and later Oudong, with Phnom Penh not regaining its status as the capital until the 19th century. There are no records or remnants of a royal palace in Phnom Penh prior to this period. In 1813, King Ang Chan (1796–1834) constructed Banteay Kev (“Crystal Citadel”) on the site where the current Royal Palace stands, but it wasn’t until 1866 that King Norodom, Ang Chan’s nephew, re-established the capital in Phnom Penh.

Initially, King Norodom resided in a temporary wooden palace near Wat Ounalom, while the permanent Royal Palace was being built. Norodom’s palace complex consisted of several structures, including the Throne Hall, two private royal villas on either side of the Throne Hall, and traditional open-sided pavilions such as the Salle de Danse (Hall of Dances) and Salle des Fêtes (Banquet Hall). These were located in the eastern public courtyard, while the western courtyard housed the king’s women, referred to as a harem by the French—though only the king himself was permitted entry. The entire complex was enclosed by a wall, originally complemented by a moat to the west. The wall was adorned with seima, sacred leaf-shaped motifs also seen in monasteries, symbolizing the sanctity of the grounds. Outside the palace stood the Silver Pagoda to the south and the royal cremation ground to the north, while the park to the east hosted royal festivals such as the King’s Birthday and the annual boat races.

The original palace was largely demolished and reconstructed by King Sisowath, Norodom’s half-brother, between 1912 and 1919. Today, the only significant remnants of Norodom’s palace are the eastern section of the wall and the Napoleon Pavilion, a rare survivor of the early royal compound.

What is there to see at the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh?

Upon entering the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh, the similarity to the Thai Royal Palace in Bangkok is striking. Here are the key highlights to explore during your visit:

Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat)

Known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Silver Pagoda is one of the most renowned structures within the palace. Originally a wooden building, the current structure dates back to 1962. Its name derives from its floor, which is covered with over 5,000 silver tiles, though these are largely protected by rugs and carpets. The pagoda houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts, including a life-sized gold Buddha encrusted with thousands of diamonds, the revered emerald Buddha, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. Photography is not allowed inside, and visitors must leave their shoes outside.

Throne Hall (Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay)

The Throne Hall, with its gleaming gold-tiled roof, symbolizes royal power and continues to host official ceremonies such as coronations, royal weddings, and state receptions. Rebuilt in 1917, its towering 59-meter stupa-like spire dominates the palace skyline. The hall’s ceiling frescos, painted by French artists, add a touch of European artistry.

Moonlight Pavilion (Preah Thineang Chan Chhaya)

This elegant open-air pavilion, visible from the square outside the palace, features a balcony overlooking the palace walls, used by the royal family to view parades and processions. Traditionally a venue for royal dances and performances, it has more recently hosted events such as the 2004 coronation banquet of King Norodom Sihamoni.

Napoleon III Pavilion

The Napoleon III Pavilion, constructed almost entirely of cast iron, is an architectural anomaly. It is said to have been either gifted by Napoleon III or purchased from the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle. Blending Khmer and European styles, the structure is fascinating yet ill-suited to Cambodia’s humid climate.

Gardens and Courtyards

The palace grounds feature exquisitely landscaped gardens, courtyards, and statues, surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Visitors can wander the French-style paths and admire the serene atmosphere. The walls of the Silver Pagoda courtyard are adorned with vast frescos depicting the Reamker, Cambodia’s traditional epic based on the Ramayana.

The King’s Residence

The Prasat Khemarin, the king’s official residence in the western courtyard, is not open to the public. If a blue flag is raised, it signals that His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is in residence. The king’s remarkable life includes studying classical dance, music, and theatre in Prague, surviving house arrest under the Khmer Rouge, and founding a dance troupe in France before ascending the throne in 2004 after his father’s abdication.

Tips on Visitng the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

  1. Dress Modestly: The Royal Palace is a sacred site, so respectful attire is essential. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. While it’s often stated that arms must be covered to the elbows, many visitors wear t-shirts. To be safe, bring a long-sleeve shirt to layer over your outfit if needed.
  2. Respect Photography Rules: Photography is restricted in certain areas, particularly inside the Silver Pagoda and Throne Room. Be mindful of signage and adhere to these guidelines to show respect for the cultural and religious significance of the palace.
  3. Plan Your Visit Strategically: To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning when the palace opens or later in the afternoon before it closes at 5 PM. Be aware that the palace may close for royal events or ceremonies, so check the schedule in advance. Sundays tend to be particularly busy, as many Cambodians visit to pay their respects.
  4. Maintain Respect and Silence: As a royal residence and a significant place of worship, the Royal Palace requires visitors to behave respectfully. Speak quietly, avoid disruptive behavior, and remain mindful of others, especially those engaged in prayer or meditation. Treat the palace with the same reverence as you would a temple or church.
  5. Hire a Guide: Visitors can hire English-speaking guides for a fixed price from the ticket counters at the main entrance.

The Royal Palace of Cambodia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Phnom Penh!

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Visiting Royal Palace of Cambodia

Hours:

8–10:30am & 2–5pm daily

Price:

$10

Address: Royal Palace, Samdach Sothearos Boulevard (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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