Throne Hall building at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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Royal Palace

Top choice in Phnom Penh


With its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, the Royal Palace once dominated the skyline of Phnom Penh. It's a striking structure near the riverfront, bearing a remarkable likeness to its counterpart in Bangkok. Being the official residence of King Sihamoni, parts of the massive palace compound are closed to the public. The adjacent Silver Pagoda is open to visitors.

Tourists are allowed to visit only the Throne Hall and a clutch of buildings surrounding it. All visitors need to wear shorts that reach to the knees, and a T-shirt or blouse that reaches to the elbows; otherwise you will have to buy an appropriate sarong as a covering at the ticket booth. The palace gets very busy on Sundays, when countryside Khmers come to pay their respects, but being among crowds of locals can be a fun way to experience the place.

Visitors enter into the eastern portion of the palace compound, not far from the Chan Chaya Pavilion. Performances of classical Cambodian dance were once staged in this pavilion, which is still sometimes lit up at night to commemorate festivals or anniversaries.

The main attraction in the palace compound is the Throne Hall, topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor. The hall is used for coronations and ceremonies such as the presentation of credentials by diplomats. Many of the items once displayed here were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

South of the Throne Hall, check out the curious iron Napoleon III Pavilion. Given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France, it was hardly designed with the Cambodian climate in mind. In fact, it was originally built for the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869, before being shipped to Cambodia in pieces.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Phnom Penh attractions

1. Royal Treasury

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This small building holds a small exhibition of royal costumes and regalia.

2. Throne Hall

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The main attraction in the palace compound is the Throne Hall. Topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor, it was inaugurated in 1919 by…

3. Building with Elephant Dock

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This small structure was used by the king and other royal family members to mount and dismount the royal elephants for ceremonies.

4. Banquet Hall

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This building was traditionally used for royal dining; today it is used for ceremonial apsara (nymph) dances and training.

5. Napoleon III Pavilion

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Check out this curious iron pavilion, located south of the Throne Hall. Given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France in 1876, it was hardly designed…

7. North Gate

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North gate of the Royal Palace compound.

8. Chan Chaya Pavilion

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Performances of classical Cambodian dance were once staged in this pavilion, which is sometimes lit up at night to commemorate festivals or anniversaries.