Royal Palace – Outstanding Masterpiece of Khmer Architecture in Cambodia

Brief Information of Royal Palace

Location: Central Phnom Penh, on Sothearos Boulevard near the riverside

Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (closed during official ceremonies)

Entrance fee: 10 USD per person. Bought at the gate, no advance booking needed

Getting there:

• Tuk-tuk from most hotels (around 2–4 USD)
• Walking if staying near Riverside or Sisowath Quay

What to See at Royal Palace

The meaning of each gate

The well-known attraction in Phnom Penh can be approach through four gates facing four cardinal points. The Victory Gate faces to the east and is symbolized the victory and happiness. Thus, it serves as the entrance for royal member and VIPs only. When the water festival is held, the highness will go out from this gate to watch the festival. The northern gate is also called the funeral gate. The body of monarch will be taken out via this gate after three month being kept in the palace. The west gate is known as the executing gate since it was only opened for the aim of bringing the prisoners out of the palace to kill. The South gate is used for welcoming commoners and leads the Silver Pagoda – an impressive temple next to Royal Palace complex.

Must Read: Top 10 Luxury Mekong Cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia

A discovery inside the palace

Do not just stop at the gate of the Palace, coming inside to discover what it has is the best recommendation for you. 9 stunning buildings cover an area of more than 6 hectares and the complex is still the residence of royal family. Thus, although the Palace is open for visiting, there is some limitation in some certain areas. For example, Khmarin Palace – the Royal residence, Villa Kantha Bopha – the guest house and Damnak Chan – the Royal administrative offices are closed to the public.

Suggested Read: Top 12 Things to See and Do in Phnom Penh

Throne Hall

It’s nice to start your discovery from Throne Hall – one of the most striking buildings in the complex. In the past, King Norodom built the first one by wood, but it was destroyed in 1915. The present Throne Hall was reconstructed and inaugurated by King Bat Sisowath in 1919.  Its roof contains seven tiers and is marked on the top with a 59m-high four-face tower which is erected in the Bayon style. Moreover, the roof was covered with tiles in three color such as orange, sapphire and green. In Khmer style these color respectively represents prosperity, nature and freedom. The building its self also remains the religious value as the golden nagas was put at the corner of each level with the aim of prevent the building from evil spirits.

Coming into the Hall from the east door, the entirely in gold thrones and beautiful ceiling paintings are what you should spend time noting. Nowadays the building is used for coronations and official meetings.

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Chanchhaya Pavillion

Like Throne Hall, Chanchhaya Pavillion is a reproduction of the wooden one which built by King Norodom. It is known with another name Moonlight Pavillion and serves as venue for Royal dancers. The Pavillion is easy to see from outside of the surrounding wall, therefore, it is chosen to be the place for King gives his speech to the crowd and hold the Royal banquet. It leaves deep impression on visitors by its stunning roof which covers with orange tiles, beautiful patterns and marks the top with the high tower. 

Napoleon III Pavillion

Among the traditional buildings with yellow gliding roof, Napoleon III Pavilion can be seen as a “stranger” since it is a European-style house. The house which is entirely made of iron is the gift from Napoleon III to the King Norodom. In 1991, with the financial support from French Government, the house was redecorated. Nowadays, it serves as a small museum for keeping the Royal photographs and items.

Taking a walk in the small roads between the gardens, you not only can relax your mind but also can meet some other buildings such as Hor Samran Phirun, Hor Samrith Phimean and Phochani Pavilion which was decorated impressively to take photo.

Tips for Visiting the Royal Palace

Best time to visit

You try to avoid visiting on major Cambodian holidays, as the palace can be mobbed, and occasionally bits are closed off to the public because there’s a royal thing going on. For a less crowded visit, consider arriving in the morning on a weekday or in the late afternoon.

Be respectful for the royal family

The King and the Royal Family are deeply revered by Cambodians. One must be polite and not get into loud discussions or indecent behavior when inside the Royal Palace. Such behavior, disgracing the symbols of the monarchy or the sacred characters of religion, can be seen as serious offenses, even for foreign visitors.

Dress modestly

You will have to put on attire to access the palace grounds. Don't wear short pants, sleeveless tops, short-skirts or see-through clothes. For men and women, cover shoulders and knees. Pack a light scarf or shawl if you’re unsure. Flip-flops are also not recommended as closed-toe shoes or those with at least a strap on the back are ideal.

Follow photography guidelines

But not all spaces inside the palace are photography-friendly. It’s always good to look for a sign, or to ask a staff member if in doubt before snapping pictures, particularly inside of temples and exhibition halls. Flash photography is not usually permitted, even in areas that are photo-friendly.

Be mindful in sacred areas 

If you go to the Silver Pagoda or other temples nearby, be respectful and quiet. Don’t hold or point at Buddha statues. These are places of reverence where locals go to pray and make offerings, so you need to behave accordingly.

Stay hydrated and protected

Phnom Penh can get very hot, especially midday. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and possibly a hand fan. There’s limited shade inside the complex. Restrooms are available near the ticket office, but may not have Western-style facilities.

Hiring a local guide

Inside the complex, signs are mostly in Khmer, and English explanations are limited, so hiring a local guide can make your visit more meaningful and easier to understand. 

Explore with TopMekong 

Want to explore more than just the palace? Combine your visit with a relaxing sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Top Mekong Cruises offers comfortable and affordable evening boat tours, which is a perfect way to unwind after a cultural day in Phnom Penh.

» Do not hesitate to find more interesting adventures with Cambodia River Cruises 

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