WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN ROYAL PALACE PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
There are many attractions in Phnom Penh and one of the most popular ones is the Royal Palace. Standing majestically by the riverbank, one cannot miss the glistening golden architecture, which also serves as the official residence for King Shihamoni — the reigning monarch of Cambodia.
What To Take Note Of
The palace closed at 5pm everyday, so be early if you are planning to head there!
If you need are pressed for time, joining a local tour might be a good idea!
If you need are pressed for time, joining a local tour might be a good idea!
No hard rules
Play smart. When we were there, we only saw one counter with a super long queue that snaked all the way to the other end of the entrance, so we joined in too.
There are 2 ticketing counters in fact and tourists can go to any one. It was only much later when we observed other tourists successfully buying tickets at the other 'empty' counter that we ' jumped' queue. There are no personnels to guide or direct so play smart.
Hydrate
Be prepared to stay up to 4 hours thereabout if you really wish to explore the grounds in depth.
Drinks lots of water if you are going to be there during the hot summer months from March to June.
Dress appropriately
for the ladies:Wear pants that's over knee length and no short shorts. Do not wear over-revealing tops such as spaghetti tops.
Exterior of the Palace
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| love the exquisite architecture |
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| another Wat (temple) located nearby the Royal Palace |
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| Moving along the exterior of the RP |
On the open grounds of the palace, before entering, many locals sat resting with children feeding and playing with Pigeons!
Chan Chaya Pavilion - Royal Palace
This was traditionally used by the royal family to view parades and performances of classical Khmer dances. Nowadays it is used for royal celebrations and may light up during special occasions. Public entry seems forbidden.
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| who are the residents on top of the ceilings? |
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| a barricade is set up after the closing hours to forbid anyone from entering. |
Interior of the Royal Palace
The Palace is built in traditional Khmer style with gilded, pitched roofs.
The Phochani Pavilion - Royal Palace
Originally constructed in 1912 as a classical dance theater, now used for Royal receptions and meetings.
Another view of the Phochani Pavillion from the Throne Hall
The Throne Hall – Royal Palace complex
First we visited the Throne Hall, a building in Bayon architectural style with a cruciform shape and triple spires. This is the main attraction sitting amidst the lush garden.
The Throne Hall is opened to visitors.
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Ascending the hall, monks will be around.
Ceiling Murals
Look up at the framed ceiling depicting The Reamker — the Khmer translation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Unfortunately the outer boundaries is all we can access.Visitors are not allowed to enter the main hall and no photography of the interior please.
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| the wonderful ceiling glit and see, so many tourists!!!! |
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| Decoration with French Influence |
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| the very friendly monks. ever ready to smile for tourists when photo taking. |
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| with my friends!! |
Hor Samran Phirun or Royal Rest House
Hor Samran Phirun or Royal Rest House lies to the right of the Throne Hall in the Royal Palace complex and is used by the king and queen on coronation day. No entry to the halls too.
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The Silver Pagoda
There are many stupas, shrines, monuments and carefully manicured plants all round the Silver Pagoda complex. laid with over 5,000 solid silver handcrafted tiles. The Silver Pagoda also contains a large collection of sacred Buddhist statues and relics, the most renowned being the Emerald Buddha.
Take a picture in front of the pagoda!
Equestrian Statue
The monument with the golden roof in the picture below, houses the Equestrian Statue of King Norodom (r.1834-1904). I didn't managed to capture the front full view of the statue.
Chedi or Royal Stupas
There are many Stupas with very detailed and intricate designs. These Stupas hold the ashes of former Kings, Queens and members of the Royal family.
Performances in another part of the Silver Pagoda
Finally Elephant Pavilion
and that's it. We have come to the end of my Royal Palace/Silver Pagoda tour!
hope you enjoy reading ^^
View from the TUK-TUK travelling down....
The Riverside
Another famous attraction - the RIVERSIDE is just within walking distance straight ahead ( against the flow of traffic)
More pictures of the RIVERSIDE in the next post!
BYE BYE and look out for my next post on this shopping and dining area
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