“The floor of Phnom Penh's Silver Pagoda is paved with more than 5,000 solid silver tiles, guarding an emerald Buddha and a life-sized gold one set with thousands of diamonds.”
About Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
The Royal Palace was built from the 1860s when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, and successive kings added its throne hall and pavilions. The Silver Pagoda was rebuilt in the twentieth century and, remarkably, kept much of its treasure through the Khmer Rouge years. It remains the official residence of the reigning monarch.
Overview The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh has been the residence of Cambodia's kings since the 1860s, a walled compound of golden-roofed throne halls and pavilions beside the river. Its most dazzling building is the Silver Pagoda, properly Wat Preah Keo, whose floor is laid with more than five thousand solid silver tiles, most kept covered to protect them.
Overview The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh has been the residence of Cambodia's kings since the 1860s, a walled compound of golden-roofed throne halls and pavilions beside the river.
Treasures Within The Silver Pagoda houses a small emerald-crystal Buddha and a life-sized gold Buddha studded with thousands of diamonds. The throne hall, used for coronations and ceremonies, anchors the public areas; the king's private residence is closed to visitors.
The Experience
You walk through manicured grounds between gilded roofs to the throne hall and then the Silver Pagoda, where a strip of the silver floor is left exposed and the jewelled Buddhas sit behind glass. Strict dress rules apply, and parts close around royal use. The blend of working monarchy and open monument gives it a particular formality.
Why It Matters
The Royal Palace is the seat of the Cambodian monarchy and the country's premier display of royal Khmer architecture and treasure, with the Silver Pagoda among the most opulent temple interiors in Southeast Asia.
Why Visit
It is the grandest sight in the capital and the place to see royal Khmer craftsmanship and the jewelled Buddhas up close. Dress modestly, go in the cooler morning, and check opening hours as areas close for ceremonies.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, or you will be turned away at the gate.
- 2
Go in the morning to beat both the heat and the midday tour crowds.
- 3
Check opening times, as parts of the complex close for royal ceremonies.
- 4
Look for the exposed strip of the 5,000-tile silver floor inside the Silver Pagoda.
