A living royal residence and Cambodia's most sacred cultural landmark, where Khmer tradition meets French colonial elegance on the banks of the Four Rivers.
Phnom Penh · Cambodia
The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh was founded in 1866 by King Norodom I, who moved the capital back to Phnom Penh from Oudong. He chose this site at the confluence of the Four Rivers — the Tonlé Sap, the Upper Mekong, the Lower Mekong and the Bassac — a place Khmer geomancy regards as a protective, prosperity-bringing heart of the kingdom.
More than a museum, the palace remains the official residence of the Cambodian royal family and the stage for coronations, royal weddings and state ceremonies. Its layout blends traditional Khmer architecture with the French colonial influences introduced during the protectorate.
Did you know? When the golden royal flag flies above the palace's tallest spire, it means the reigning monarch — King Norodom Sihamoni — is inside.
Heritage
From a royal vision to a living heritage
King Norodom I relocates the court from Oudong and begins building the palace complex.
The central ceremonial hall rises with its 59-metre gilded tower.
A wooden sanctuary for royal relics is built; later reclad in solid silver.
Artists cover the cloister walls with 600 m of the Khmer Ramayana.
After turbulent decades, the monarchy is reinstated and the palace reopens to the public.
Design
Centuries of craftsmanship, faith and royal spectacle — here are the treasures you should not miss.
ព្រះទីនាំងទេវវិនិច្ឆ័យ
Topped by a 59-metre golden tower blending Khmer prasat form with Brahmin symbolism. Used for coronations, receptions of foreign heads of state and royal audiences. Photography inside is strictly forbidden.
✨ 59 m golden spire
វត្តព្រះកែវមរកត
The floor is laid with 5,329 solid silver tiles (about 1 kg each). Inside stands a life-size 90 kg solid-gold Buddha encrusted with 9,586 diamonds — the largest a 25-carat stone at the crown — and a 17th-century crystal (Emerald) Buddha said to bring peace and harvest.
✨ 5,329 silver tiles · 9,586 diamonds
ចម្លាក់រាមកេរ្តិ៍
A 600-metre gallery of murals (painted 1903–1904) narrating the Reamker, Cambodia's version of the Ramayana — battles of gods and demons, apsara dancers and the loyal monkey-god Hanuman.
✨ 600 m of murals
ព្រះរាជបន្ទំចន្ទឆាយា
An elegant open-air pavilion facing the avenue, historically the royal grandstand for classical Apsara dance performances and ceremonial parades.
✨ Royal dance stage
ឧទ្យានព្រះរាជវាំង
Shady lawns, topiary and a small iron pavilion gifted by France — a calm place to rest between sights.
✨ French gift
Plan your trip
08:00–11:00 and 14:00–17:00. Closed for lunch (11:00–14:00). May close temporarily for royal ceremonies or state events.
1.5–2 hours
Go early (08:00) or after 14:30 to beat the heat and the crowds.
Admission
$10 USD (cash, paid on-site)
Notes
Includes the palace grounds, Throne Hall exterior and the Silver Pagoda. Photos are NOT allowed inside the Throne Hall or the Silver Pagoda. Bring your passport; the dress code is enforced.
Etiquette
The palace is an active royal and religious site. Visitors in sleeveless tops, shorts or skirts above the knee are regularly turned away — even a scarf over the shoulders may not be accepted.
Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans, crop tops, see-through fabrics.
Shoulders and knees fully covered — a T-shirt with sleeves and long trousers or a long skirt.
Modest, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes; you will walk outdoors in the heat.
The palace sits on Samdach Sothearos Blvd, facing the Tonlé Sap river in central Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh International Airport is about 30 min by taxi to the palace.
The easiest way across town; ask for 'Royal Palace' (preah ba-rom rea-chh veang).
Walkable from the Riverside, the National Museum and Wat Phnom in 10–20 min.
From the airport
Take an official taxi from the airport rank (flagfall ~$12–15 USD, 30–40 min). Show the driver 'Royal Palace, Samdach Sothearos Blvd'.
From downtown / Riverside
Hail a tuk-tuk or passapp (ride-hailing app); the fare is usually $2–4 USD. Ask for 'Preah Barom Reachea Vaeng'.
By tuk-tuk to the gate
Ask to be dropped at the main entrance on Samdach Sothearos Blvd, facing the river — the ticket booth is just inside.
On foot
If you are along Sisowath Quay, walk north ~3 min; the palace walls and golden spires are unmistakable.
Glimpses of the gilded spires, silver floors and tranquil gardens of the Royal Palace.
Make a day of the riverside quarter.
Taste the place
Refuel along the river after your visit.
Try amok, lok lak and beef salad at riverside restaurants.
Shaded spots for iced coffee, fresh coconut and people-watching.
Evening stalls for grilled skewers, noodles and tropical fruit.
Rating: 4.4 / 5 · 13,632 reviews
For photographers
The grounds are a dream for photographers — just respect the no-flash, no-interior rules.
Morning (08:00–10:00)
Soft light and fewer crowds; cool before the heat.
Late afternoon (15:00–17:00)
Warm gold light on the spires; long shadows in the gardens.
Phnom Penh is hot year-round; plan around the heat and the rains.
Most comfortable; peak season, arrive early.
Very hot; visit at opening or late afternoon.
Afternoon showers; mornings are clear and green.
Avoid the 11:00–14:00 midday closure.
About $10 USD, paid in cash on-site at the entrance. Cards are generally not accepted, so bring US-dollar bills.
Strongly recommended. Official multilingual guides (including Chinese) at the entrance cost about $10–$15 and unlock royal history and hidden details.
Shoulders and knees must be fully covered. Sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts are not allowed, and a scarf over the shoulders may be refused.
08:00–11:00 and 14:00–17:00, with a midday closure from 11:00 to 14:00. The palace may also close for royal ceremonies.
You may photograph the gardens and exteriors, but photography and video are strictly forbidden inside the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda.
About 1.5–2 hours for the highlights: Throne Hall exterior, Silver Pagoda, the Reamker cloister and the royal regalia exhibition.