Being one of the most interesting Cambodia tour site, Phnom Penh Royal Palace is offering the experiences to witness the ancient architect as well as delightful royal incredible stuffs.
Phnom Penh Royal Palace which is the masterpiece of architecture, the inheritor of splendor and the torchbearer of the glory of Phnom Penh stands as the symbol of magnificence and brilliance. It was built about a century ago in order to serve as the royal palace for the King of Cambodia. It was the center of all the state affairs and activities and served the state as it’s headquarter for making decisions, the court to dispense justice, the place to meet the foreign delegations, the center of cultural ceremonies and rituals and as the home for king and his family.
The palace was built by His majesty King Preah Bat Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town. The location for the palace was chosen by a commission of Royal ministers and astrologers who believed in the divine right of the king to rule as a direct descended of the God. This royal palace is resided today by His Majesty Preah Bat Smdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Her Majesty Preah Reach Akka-Mohesey Norodom Monineath. His Majesty Preah Bat Smdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk is the great grandson of His majesty King Preah Bat Norodom who built this palace.
Royal palace complex consists of several remarkable buildings which are unique in their architectural design and construction. These buildings include Throne Hall, Royal al Treasury, Coronation Hall, Napoleon II villa, open-air pavilion, Silver Pagoda enclosure or the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, open-air theater for the royal dance band, terrace for royal family appearance and the personal residence of the king.
The throne hall serves as the building for high official meetings, festivals, national celebrations and reception of foreign delegates. Open-air Moonlight pavilion serves as a place of Aspara dance where often banquet are performed. The royal palace displays an excellent outlook of the magnificence of Cambodian architectural style and pattern and the creative artwork of the adept artisans. Thus the palace preserves the art, culture and civilization of the country in a glorious and marvelous way.
The royal palace is situated between the streets 184 and 240. The Samdech Sothearos Boulevard provides the main entrance to the royal palace through the pavilion of dancers and is situated about 100 meters north of the street 240. The Royal residence is situated exactly opposite to this main entrance of the royal palace. The white sacred elephant is the main attribute of this royal residence which is considered a sanctified and blessed symbol of royal benevolence and magnanimity in Cambodia.
This masterwork of architecture is open to general masses all the time; however, the visit to royal residence is not allowed. The royal gardens and grounds are also closed for general public on the occasions of official functions. You can enter the palace from the main Sothearos Boulevard entrance. In order to facilitate your visit to the royal palace multi-lingual expert and courteous tour guides and informative pamphlets or booklets are also available at the main entrance. It is recommended to hire the services of a Cambodia tour guide if you want to have a detailed and informative visit of the palace in a short span of time.
Royal Palace is open daily but sometime the palace is close for visitors if there is some royal occasions. Opening hours from 7:30am till 11am in the morning and afternoon from two to five o’clock. You should check first with your Cambodia holiday maker to make sure the gate is open on your planned travel date. Make your Cambodia holidays perfect by visiting Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
TNK Travel Team
