Royal Palace of Phnom Penh

The place in a few words

Construction of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace began in 1866, and it remains the official residence of Cambodia’s king. Behind its yellow walls, you’ll find traditional Khmer architecture, golden roofs, richly decorated pavilions and beautifully maintained gardens. The visit also includes the famous Silver Pagoda, home to several Buddhist treasures. Its name comes from the thousands of silver tiles covering its floor.

What we loved

We were lucky enough to visit the Royal Palace during Pchum Ben, an important Buddhist festival, and practically had the place to ourselves! We spent ages wandering through the courtyards, admiring the golden roofs and all the little architectural details. Our favourite was the Napoleon III Pavilion, an unexpected European-style metal building that stands in striking contrast to the Khmer architecture. We really didn’t expect to find something like that in the middle of the palace!

Our tip

Allow around two hours to explore the buildings and gardens without rushing. We recommend arriving when it opens to avoid the worst of the heat. Your shoulders and knees need to be covered to enter. Check the opening hours before you go, too: the palace usually closes between 11 am and 2 pm, and certain areas may be off-limits during official ceremonies.