The Royal Palace of Cambodia

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Built in 1917 by King Sisowath, this Hall is used for the royal coronation ceremony, the Tveatuosmeas translated as the twelve month ceremonies, audiences granted by the Majesty, the King on national and religious holidays, the presentation of credentials by foreign envoys, and formal receptions for distinguished guests.

This Hall features some of the typical Khmer architectural details. The stairway is guarded by the five headed Naga snakes and the pillars are decorated with Garudas and Kinnoris, symbols from both Buddhism and Brahmanism. In the middle of the Hall is the throne referred to as Phnom Preah Somerureach, a hill where divinities live in the center of continents. A parasol covering this throne with 9 tiers, Preah Moha Svetrachhatr symbolizes the search of man for virtue until he reaches the top, Heaven and Peacefulness.

Constructed in 1915, this building stores the royal musical instruments and utensils used for the coronation ceremony. Now used as King Sihanouk's museum, it used to be the royal waiting room where they took a rest before mounting the elephant to bring them to the coronation.

This building houses the royal regalia and other royal court ceremonial accoutrements. Among these ancient items of the royal regalia are Preah Moha Mokot Reach (The Great Crown of Victory), Preah Moha Svetrachhatr (The Great White Umbrella), Prah Khan Reach (The Great Sword), Preah Lompeng Chey (The Victory Spear), Kris (Dagger) Preah Soporbatuka (The Slippers) and Preah Veal Vichani (The Fan). This is the pavilion where the Brahmans made dedications and offerings to the Hindu divinities and perform ritual for Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, Preah Chanti and Preah Kachayana.

Built in 1892, it has been used mostly in the past by Khmer monarchs to listen to Ubosoth sermons given by Buddhist monks, meditate, venerate the Buddha or perform Buddhist rituals. The pagoda is enclosed with galleries painted with murals depicting the Khmer epic, Reamker. The legend begins in the southern part of the eastern gallery and stretches 604 meters.

The Temple is so called because it houses the image of Buddha made in emerald. A small glass case enshrines Buddha's sacred relic brought from Sri Lanka by the Venerable monk, Loui Em who used to live in Wat Lanka. Because the floor is completely covered with 5329 silver tiles each weighing 1.125 kilograms, this temple is often called the Silver Pagoda.
Inside the temple are 1650 artefacts, mostly Buddhist statues in gold, silver and bronze inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

In front is a gold statue of the Buddha Preah Srei Arya Metreya (the Buddha of the Future) adorned with 2,086 diamonds, with the 25 carat one on the Buddha's crown.

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Originally constructed in Ismailia for Empress Eugenie during the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869, this building was given to King Norodom by the Emperor so it was reassembled here in 1876. It is currently used as an art gallery of oil paintings, royal photos and other valuable objects of art. It has been closed recently for renovation and has not been opened yet as of this writing.

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Constructed in 1913 under King Sisowath, this building has no walls to allow the moonlight to shine inside. It is used for classical dance performances or for special events such as speeches and banquets on special occasions.

Other stupas of various monarchs and royalties adorn the grounds. These hold the remains of the royals.

There are also smaller replicas of traditional Khmer houses where you can watch traditional silk weaving, perfom traditional Khmer music and play traditional instruments. Kids usually enjoy this part of the tour as they can try out their musical talent playing some of these unique instruments. Always worth a picture.