The full name of the Royal Palace in Khmer is the Preah Barom Reacheaveang Chaktomuk Serey Mongkol. The Cambodian monarchs have occupied it since it was built in the 1866s, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
The palace was constructed between 1866 and 1870, after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh. It was built atop an old citadel called Banteay Keo. It faces approximately 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).
The perfect fusion of Khmer architecture and outstanding French style gave birth to the scintillating Royal Palace Phnom Penh. Spread in the area of 174,870 square metres, this palace’s eminent highlights are the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, Silver Pagoda, Khemarin Palace and the lush green incredible gardens.
Throne Hall: Famed as the Preah Tineang Tevea Vinnichay Mohai Moha Prasat, Throne hall means the Sacred Seat Of Judgement. Used today as the centre where royal ceremonies and rituals take place, the Throne hall in the past was used as the place where king’s confidants, generals, royal officials used to carry out their duties. The traditional throne or The Preah Tineang Bossabok is placed in this hall and the hall is well known for this stunning throne.
Moonlight Pavilion: An open-air pavilion where the Khmer classical dance was organised in the past and even today the dance is held in the Moonlight Pavilion. Recently this marvellous pavilion was used for tribune for the new king in 2004.
Silver Pagoda: Located at the South entrance of the Royal Palace Phnom Penh, the beautiful compound is a place where the popular Wat Preah Keo is situated. The main building consists of Buddha statues and precious ornaments.
The Khemarin Palace: The royal residence of the King, the Khemarin palace has an amazingly designed single spired prang which adds to the beauty of the palace.
The palace has always been a popular tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. Visitors are able to wander around the Silver Pagoda compound and the central compound containing the Throne Hall and Chan Chhaya Pavilion. The King's living area, which actually takes up half of the total palace ground area, including Khemarin Palace, Villa Kantha Bopha, Serey Mongkol Pavilion, royal gardens, and a number of other buildings and pavilions, is closed to the public.
Coordinates are from the Throne Hall.
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