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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Preah Sisowath Quay, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Overlooking the Mekong River and Tonle Sap, The Quay Boutique Hotel is located in Phnom Penh. Boasting modern décor, it offers spacious accommodation, a rooftop terrace and free Wi-Fi.
The stylish rooms at Hotel The Quay are well-furnished with a flat-screen cable TV and DVD player. Standard amenities like bathrobes, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities ensure a pleasant stay.
Guests can indulge in pampering spa treatments or relax at the rooftop spa pool. The Quay also provides tour arrangements and car rentals at the 24-hour front desk.
Chow Restaurant serves delicious South-east Asian dishes with sunset and river views. Refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the rooftop bar.
The Quay Boutique Hotel is a 30-minute drive from Phnom Penh International Airport. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are within walking distance from the hotel.
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 9.5 for a two-person trip.
We
sangkat phsar thmey 3 #7 street 174 ,, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Featuring a shared lounge, Lebou Boutique Hostel is set in Phnom Penh, less than 1 km from Royal Palace Phnom Penh. Built in 2004, the property is within a 13-minute walk of Sisowath Quay. The hostel features a restaurant, and Riverfront Park is 1.2 km away.
Every room includes a shared bathroom with a shower. The units will provide guests with a dishwasher.
Chaktomouk Hall is 1.5 km from the hostel, while Vattanac Capital is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, 11 km from the property.
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 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. 1, Street 92, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Enjoying a scenic location amidst greenery and colonial buildings, Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh offers comfortable rooms with dining options and a spa. Wat Phnom, Mekong River, Central market and Sorya Shopping Mall are within a 10-minute walk away.
Modern non-smoking rooms come with a flat-screen TV and large bay windows. All rooms are equipped with a seating area and private bathroom with a bathtub.
Sunway Phnom Penh is a 10-minute walk from Phnom Penh Railway Station. Phnom Penh International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Royal Palace and National Museum are 10-minute drive by Tuk Tuk or taxi.
Guests can work out at the fitness centre or relax in the men only spa pool. Traditional massages are also available. The hotel provides car rental services and free parking.
Featuring an open kitchen, The Sun Café and Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet. Cambodian and international dishes are available for lunch and dinner.
Daun Penh is a great choice for travellers interested in street markets, temples and markets.
This is our guests' favourite part of Phnom Penh, according to independent reviews.
We speak your language!
egency Square, 296 Blvd Mao Tse Tuong, Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
The Great Duke Phnom Penh Hotel offers accommodation in the heart of Phnom Penh. It boasts an outdoor swimming pool lined with lounge chairs and a spa centre. Guests can enjoy meals from 3 dining options or a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
The Great Duke Phnom Penh Hotel is located 3 km from Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Sovanna Phum Khmer Art Association's Theatre is only 2 km away. Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 is 4.6 km from InterContinental Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh International Airport is 8.4 km away. Airport transfers and shuttle services are available at additional charges.
Featuring neutral and earthy tones, guestrooms are fitted with large windows that open up to views. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen satellite TV, minibar and a desk. The en suite bathrooms include a bathtub, separate shower facilities and free toiletries.
The 24-hour front desk can assist with currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. The business centre is also open 24 hours, where guests can arrange for indoor meetings, outdoor functions as well as banquet and secretarial services. Guests can work out at the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Alternatively, visit the sauna or spa centre.
For meals, Regency Cafe offers varieties of local and international dishes. Buffet breakfast can be enjoyed every morning. Authentic Cantonese dishes can be sampled at Xiang Place restaurant. Guests can also relax with a glass of your favourite drink and snack at Lobby Bar & Lounge. 24-hour room service is provided.
Chamkar Mon is a great choice for travellers interested in restaurants, foodand culture.
We speak your language!
Street 19z, Behind National Musuem, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
Situated in a quiet alley just behind the National Museum and the Royal Palace, The Blue Lime Hotel offers accommodations in Phnom Penh. It features a salt water swimming pool lined with lounge chairs and pavilions. Guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
It is 350 m to Wat Ounalom and 450 m to Kandal Market. Chaktomouk Conference Hall 2 is 1 km away. The nearest airport, Phnom Penh International Airport is 10.3 km from the property. Airport transfers are available at an additional charge.
The rooms are fully air conditioned and boast spacious interiors. They are fitted with handcrafted furniture, modern facilities and a cable TV. Each room has a mini fridge, a safe and a private bathroom.
Staff can assist with ticketing services and luggage storage.
The all-day dining restaurant serves up Cambodian street food and international cuisine. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guest’s rooms. The specialty drink, Blue Khmer Cantaloupe Melon Margarita, can be enjoyed at the lounge.
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 9.1 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!
No 18, Street 258, Sang Kat Chak Tomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
King Grand Boutique Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Royal Palace and National Museum. It features 2 swimming pools and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the poolside bar. Free WiFi is available in public areas.
It is 450 m to Chaktomouk Conference Hall, while Aeon Mall is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport, Phnom Penh Airport is 11.6 km from the property. Airport transfers and shuttle services are available at additional charges.
Air-conditioned rooms open up to views of the city or a landmark. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and safety deposit box. A minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities are provided. En suite bathrooms include hot shower facilities and a hairdryer.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, luggage storage and ticketing services. Fax and photocopying facilities are also available.
Situated on the ground floor beside the swimming pool, King Grand Restaurant serves up a selection of Asian and European cuisine.
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!
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. Julie Kjær
Country: Denmark
City: Copenhagen
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date: 2025-02-25
Booked: Discover Trekking Tour from Angkor Complex to Sihanoukville
Tour Style: Trekking Tours
Duration: 8 Days
