The Royal Palace is the symbol of Phnom Penh and the first stop for most visitors. Rising above the riverfront, its yellow and white walls and tiered golden roofs, topped with slender spires, are built in the classic Khmer style and remain the home of the reigning king, which is why parts of the compound are always closed to visitors. You enter the public side and walk between pavilions, gardens and the great Throne Hall, where coronations and royal ceremonies are held. The compound’s second half holds the Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Its floor is laid with more than five thousand solid silver tiles, and inside are a small Emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal and a life-size gold Maitreya Buddha of roughly ninety kilograms set with thousands of diamonds. Murals of the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana, run along the cloister walls. It is a calm, beautiful complex, and an hour or two inside is time well spent.
How to visit
The palace sits on the riverfront next to the Sisowath Quay promenade, an easy walk or short tuk-tuk ride from most central hotels. Entry for foreign visitors is a modest fee, normally paid in US dollars at the ticket window, and the compound usually keeps morning and afternoon hours with a break in the middle of the day, so check current times before you go. The palace can also close to visitors at short notice during royal ceremonies, so it is worth confirming on the day, and it is a good idea to arrive early, when the light is soft and the courtyards are quiet.
What to wear
The dress code is enforced strictly. Shoulders and knees must be covered for men and women alike, and visitors who arrive in shorts or vests may be refused entry or asked to buy a covering at the gate. Photography is not allowed inside the Silver Pagoda or the Throne Hall, although the exteriors and gardens are fair game. Keep your voice low, remove hats and do not point your feet at Buddha images.
Making the most of it
There is no dedicated palace ticket product to book ahead, and the best way to see it is simply to turn up with covered shoulders and a little time. A local guide, hired at the gate or through your hotel, adds a great deal to the murals and the stories of the royal family. Pair the palace with the National Museum, a few minutes’ walk north, and finish with a river walk toward the sunset cruise piers.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced walk through the public courtyards, pavilions and Throne Hall exteriors, followed by the Silver Pagoda and the painted cloister.
Best time
Go early in the morning, before the heat and the tour groups, and avoid the middle of the day, when the compound may be closed.
How long
Allow about an hour and a half to two hours, longer if you enjoy reading the murals.
Tips
Cover shoulders and knees, carry small US dollar notes for the ticket, leave your camera in the bag inside the Silver Pagoda and check for ceremony closures on the day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors, architecture lovers and anyone who wants a sense of Cambodia’s royal tradition in the centre of the capital.
- Families
- Children enjoy the golden roofs and the shining silver floor, but the dress code applies to every age and the walk is hot and shadeless in places.
- Couples
- The gardens and the soft early-morning light make it a pleasant, unhurried visit for two.
- Pair with
- The National Museum, a few minutes north on foot, and a sunset river cruise in the evening.
- Time needed
- Two hours for the palace and Silver Pagoda, and half a day if you add the museum.
Good questions
What is the dress code at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh?+
Shoulders and knees must be covered for everyone, and the rule is enforced at the entrance. Visitors in shorts or sleeveless tops may be refused entry or asked to buy a cover-up.
Can I take photos inside the Silver Pagoda?+
No, photography is not allowed inside the Silver Pagoda or the Throne Hall. You can photograph the gardens, courtyards and building exteriors.
Why does the Silver Pagoda have that name?+
Its floor is laid with more than five thousand solid silver tiles. The pagoda also holds a small Emerald Buddha made of baccarat crystal and a gold Maitreya Buddha set with diamonds.
Can the Royal Palace be closed to visitors?+
Yes, it can close at short notice during royal ceremonies, and the private quarters are always closed because the king lives there. Check opening hours on the day you plan to go.
Do I need to book Royal Palace tickets in advance?+
No, tickets are normally bought on arrival at the palace in US dollars or riel. Arrive early to avoid the busiest tour-group hours.
