The Royal Palace, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. Its full name in the Khmer language is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol. The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in 1860s, with a period of absence when the country came ...
The palace was constructed after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century. It was built atop an old citadel called Banteay Kev. It faces towards the East and is situated at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River called Chaktomuk (an allusion to Brahma).
The establishment of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in 1866 is a comparatively recent event in the history of the Khmer and Cambodia. The seat of Khmer power in the region rested in or near Angkor north of the Great Tonle Sap Lake from 802 AD until the early 15th century. After the Khmer court moved from Angkor in the 15th century after destroyed by Siam, it first settled in Phnom Penh which back then named as Krong Chatomok Serei Mongkol (Khmer: ក្រុងចតុមុខសិរីមង្គល) in 1434 (or 1446) and stayed for some decades, but by 1494 had moved on to Basan, and later Longvek and then Oudong.The capital did not return to Phnom Penh until the 19th century and there is no record or remnants of any Royal Palace in Phnom Penh prior to the 19th century. In 1813, King Ang Chan (1796–1834) constructed Banteay Kev (the 'Crystal Citadel') on the site of the current Royal Palace and stayed there very briefly before moving to Oudong. Banteay Kev was burned in 1834 when the retreating Siamese army razed Phnom Penh. It was not until after the implementation of the French Protectorate in Cambodia in 1863 that the capital was moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh, and the current Royal Palace was founded and constructed.
At the time that King Norodom (1860–1904) the eldest son of King Ang Duong, who ruled on behalf of Siam, signed the Treaty of Protection with France in 1863, the capital of Cambodia resided at Oudong, about 45 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Earlier in 1863 a temporary wooden Palace was constructed a bit north of the current Palace site in Phnom Penh. The first Royal Palace to be built at the present location was designed by architect Neak Okhna Tepnimith Mak and constructed by the French Protectorate in 1866. On the year of 1865, year of the cow, at nine o'clock in the morning, King Norodom moved the Royal court from Oudong to the new Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the city became the official capital of Cambodia the following year. Over the next decade several buildings and houses were added, many of which have since been demolished and replaced, including an early Chanchhaya Pavilion and Throne Hall (1870). The Royal court was installed permanently at the new Royal Palace in 1871 and the walls surrounding the grounds were raised in 1873. Many of the buildings of the Royal Palace, particularly of this period, were constructed using combination of traditional Khmer architectural and Thai architecture but also incorporating significant European features and design as well. One of the most unusual surviving structures from this period is the Napoleon iron Pavilion which was a gift from France in 1876, (it is now closed to the public because of its poor state of conservation).
King Sisowath (1904–1927) made several major contributions to the current Royal Palace, adding the Phochani Hall in 1907 (inaugurated in 1912), and from 1913-1919 demolishing several old buildings, and replacing and expanding the old Chanchhaya Pavilion and the Throne Hall with the current structures. These buildings employ traditional Khmer artistic style and Angkorian inspired design, particularly in the Throne Hall, though some European elements remain. The next major construction came in the 1930s under King Monivong with the addition of the Royal Chapel, Vihear Suor (1930), and the demolition and replacement of the old Royal residence with the Khemarin Palace (1931), which serves as the official Royal residence to this day. To the reign of King Sihanouk other significant additions are the 1956 addition of the Villa Kantha Bopha to accommodate foreign guests and the 1953 construction of the Damnak Chan originally installed to house the High Council of the Throne.
The Royal Palace has had some major modifications to its buildings over time; nearly all of the King Norodom era buildings have been demolished completely. The King's living area (closed to public) has also undergone big changes. In the 1960s at Queen Kossamak's command the Silver Pagoda was rebuilt due to the original aging structure being too weak to stand.
The palace has always been a popular tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. Visitors are able to wander around the Silver Pagoda compound[2] and the central compound containing the Throne Hall[3] and Chan Chhaya Pavilion. The King's living area, which actually takes up half of the total palace ground area, including Khemarin Palace, Villa Kantha Bopha, Serey Mongkol Pavilion, royal gardens, and a number of other buildings and pavilions, is closed to the public.
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No. 2-6, Street 41, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Set in Phnom Penh and with Royal Palace Phnom Penh reachable within 2.5 km, Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh offers an outdoor swimming pool, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a fitness centre. The property is around 3.4 km from Sisowath Quay, 2.1 km from Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center and 1.1 km from Aeon Mall. All rooms are equipped with a balcony with city views.
At the hotel, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. At Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh, the rooms have a seating area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast.
Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is 1.9 km from the hotel, while Chaktomouk Hall is 3 km away. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International, 13 km from Somerset Norodom Phnom Penh, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Chamkar Mon is a great choice for travellers interested in restaurants, foodand culture.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
No.67, Street 105, Sangkat Beong Prolet, Khan 7 Makara, Prampir Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Location!
Strategically located in Phnom Penh, The Litz Hotel & Suites offers modern and luxurious accommodation with free WiFi access in the entire property. It operates a 24-hour front desk and provides complimentary parking on site.
The property is just a 5-minute drive from Naga World Shopping Centre, while Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is 800 m away. The iconic Royal Palace and Riverfront Park are within 2 km away, while Phnom Penh International Airport is accessible with a 20-minute drive.
Offering city views, air-conditioned rooms come with tiled flooring, a personal safe, wardrobe and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are also included. The en suite bathroom has shower facility, slippers, hairdryer and free toiletries.
The Litz Hotel & Suites features a business centre where fax/photocopying services are available. Friendly staff can assist with luggage storage and currency exchange, while airport transfers can be arranged at a surcharge.
Guests can enjoy a wide selection of drinks at the lobby bar.
Prampir Makara is a great choice for travellers interested in street markets, local food and sightseeing.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
No.37, St.172, Sangkat Chey Chumneas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Deal!
Overlooking the historic Wat Ounaloum Pagoda, Silver River Hotel offers Cambodian-style accommodation in Phnom Penh. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
It is 260 m to Independence Monument, while the National Museum is 290 m away. Wat Botum Park is 1 km from Silver River Hotel. The Royal Palace and Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 are 1.8 km away. Phnom Penh International Airport is 11.4 km from the property. Airport transfers and shuttle services are available at additional charges.
Unique rooms offer a blend of modern furnishings and Cambodian accents. Guests have the use of a safe, fridge and free tea/coffee making amenities. Hairdryers are provided in private bathrooms.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, luggage storage, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services.
The in-house restaurant serves up an array of cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. Meals can be served in the privacy of rooms.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.0 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
#68-69 Tonle Sab Street, Chroy Changvar, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Price!
Bellevue Serviced Apartments offers free airport pick-ups and free city shuttles, as well as spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi. A sky garden, an outdoor pool and tennis courts are also available. The property also has a fitness center and kids playhouse.
Large windows and a private balcony overlook the Mekong River, Tonle Sab River or city. Featuring air conditioning, all apartments also have a kitchen, flat-screen TV and DVD player.
Bellevue Serviced Apartments is a 10-minute drive from Wat Phnom and Phnom Penh City Center. Calmette Hospital Hospital is also a 10-minute drive away. Parking is free.
We speak your language!
14, Street 282, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Overlooking historic Wat Langka Pagoda, Villa Langka offers classic and Cambodian-style rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Featuring a large outdoor pool, it provides massage service and free parking.
Unique rooms offer a blend of modern furnishings and Cambodian accents. Guests have the use of a safe, fridge and free tea/coffee making amenities. Bathrobes and hairdryers are provided in private bathrooms.
Surrounded by palms and leafy trees, enjoy lazy afternoons lounging by the pool. Phnom Penh can be easily explored with the tour, transport and ticketing services provided.
Local specialities and Western dishes are on offer at Villa Langka’s restaurant. Meals can be served in the privacy of rooms.
Villa Langka & Restaurant is about 20 km from Phnom Penh International Airport. It is within walking distance of the Independence Monument and numerous dining options.
Chamkar Mon is a great choice for travellers interested in restaurants, foodand culture.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Phnom Penh! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
#2c & 3c, Street 53 , Group 24 Sangkat Phsar Thmey3 , Khan Daun Penh, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Deal!
Attractively set in the Daun Penh district of Phnom Penh, The Panda Hotel is situated 3.4 km from Aeon Mall, 1.4 km from Sisowath Quay and 1.3 km from Wat Phnom. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge service, ticket service and currency exchange for guests.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bath, a hair dryer and a desk. At the hotel rooms are fitted with a private bathroom.
THE PANDA HOTEL offers a buffet or American breakfast.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Riverfront Park, Vattanac Capital and Royal Palace Phnom Penh. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International, 10 km from The Panda Hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in temples, museums and local food.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Phnom Penh! Guests are getting more for their money when
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Mrs. Tri Agustin
Country: Indonesia
City: Tangerang Selatan
N.of Person: 4 pax
Travel date: 1983-08-12
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
