Located on the south side of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot or the Silver Pagoda is a Buddhist place of worship with a long and volatile history.
A Horde of Treasures
The vihara or temple is home to many treasures from all over the Buddhist world that was collected during the long history of the temple. Some of the more famous pieces of treasured items include the Emerald Buddha from Cambodia and a lifelike golden statue of the next reincarnation of Buddha encrusted with 9584 diamonds.
Pre-Khmer Rouge Renovations
During the pre-Khmer Rouge era, King Norodom Sihanouk commissioned the temple to be inlaid with silver tiles numbering five thousand as well as remodelling on the outside.
An Architect’s Dream
The temple is decorated throughout by architects and artists like the 19th century Lalique who designed the green crystal Emerald Buddha, or the 1900s murals painted under the guidance of architect Oknha Tep Nimit Mak.
A Must-See when in Phnom Penh
If you are looking for Phnom Penh accommodation for your next holiday and hope to stay in a hotel the likes of Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh, make sure you add the Silver Temple to your list of things to see and do in Phnom Penh.
