The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia was built over hundreds of years ago as the royal residences of the Cambodian kings, the royal family and foreign ambassadors as well as a place for the performance of rituals and other court ceremonies of the country. The palace was chosen to be build on a particular site in the old city of Phnom Penh for its geographical importance.
Glistening in bright gold the Royal Palace is one of the top attractions in Phnom Penh, Cambodia not only for its cultural importance but also because of its architectural value. The roof of the Royal Palace which has a slight resemblance to traditional Thai architecture is ornately designed and is the most striking feature of the complex.
This breathtaking attraction in Cambodia has certain impressive traditionally designed buildings. Throne Hall, the Napoleon II villa, the royal treasury, Silver Pagoda are some of these extraordinary buildings inside the complex of the Royal Palace. Out of these numerous places, the Silver Pagoda which enshrines the Emerald Buddha Statue is one of the remarkable attractions in the Royal Palace complex. On the walls, encircling the Silver Pagoda, are covered with hundreds of meters of frescos portraying segments from the Indian mythological story, Ramayan. These beautifully painted frescos are regarded as the largest frescos in the whole of South East Asia.
Except for few sections, most of the buildings located within the Royal Palace complex are open to public visits and observation. The Khemarin Palace which is considered the true Royal Palace is not open for the general public as it is under great protection. If you visit Phnom Penh city, the sight of the magnificent roof of the Royal Palace which dominates the city skyline is sure to capture your attention. With its walls running high, this palace is protected from the disturbances and noises from the outside world. It is a hidden paradise in the ancient city of Phnom Penh which is decorated with lush green gardens and well pruned hedges. If you are planning to visit the Royal Palace in Cambodia, and looking for a Phnom Penh hotel, do not forget to check on Raffles Hotel Le Royal which is a 5 Star luxury hotel Phnom Penh.
