The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Royal Palace (Khmer: ព្រះបរមរាជាវាំងនៃព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា, Preah Barum Reachea Veang Nei Preah Reacheanachak Kampuchea), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. Its full name in the Khmer language is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol (Khmer:ព្រះបរមរាជវាំងចតុមុខសិរីមង្គល). The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in 1860s, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
The palace was constructed after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century. It was gradually built atop an old citadel called Banteay Kev. It faces towards the East and is situated at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River called Chaktomuk (an allusion to Brahma). Wikipedia.
It is not allowed to take photos of the interior of the Royal Palace, or go inside, but OH MY GOD! It really is ROYAL and almost everything inside is made of gold! I have seen a couple of Palaces and Pagodas all around Asia but this one, by far, is the most grand. Outside, it doesn't look much. But take a look inside, and your jaw will surely drop! |
| A cloudy day at the Royal Palace |
There's a 5 USD entrance fee to the Royal Palace complex, which included the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Read more about the Silver Pagoda, AKA Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
A short walk (20-30 meters) was required to get to the gate of the Royal Palace because the tuk tuks and other vehicles were not allowed inside the street fronting the gate of the Royal Palace so there's a whole block blocked off.
Upon entering, there's a map on the right to see your tour trail. A map is also given upon payment of the 5 USD entrance fee.
The first step into the gates to the Royal Palace:
Detailed architecture. WOW.
Just follow the map given to you at the ticket booth to be able to see all the structures inside the compound and to cover the grounds. Just don't hesitate to explore some more :)
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