Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was built more than a century ago in 1866, the period of absence when Cambodia fell into turmoil during and after the reign of the Red Khmers.

The complex of royal buildings is located at the western bank of Tonle Sap Lake, serving as the home of the king and queen of Cambodia. The palace ground is open to visitors except when the king is here. Inside, street rackety is barely heard and buildings stand like decorated islands rising from the serene tropical gardens.

There are various beautiful architectures to enjoy and learn their functions: the Throne Hall is used for coronations and diplomatic meetings, the Moonlight Pavilion serves as a venue for the royal dances; the Hor Samran Phirun is where the King rests and waits to mount an elephant for royal processions; the Bronze Palace houses a collection of royal regalia and costumes; the Napoleon III Pavilion now acts as a small museum housing a photographic exhibition; the Phochani Pavilion used for royal receptions and meetings; the Damnak Chan houses the administrative offices; the Khemarin Palace is the royal residence and the Villga Kantha Bophaserves as a guest house for foreign guests, both are closed to tourists.

History buffs love this city because it has abundant historical resources to make them stay: the Independence Monuments, the National Museum and the Tuol Sleng Museum. Of a side note - It's easy to travel from Vietnam to Phnom Penh by a flight - up for grab today is a 22-Day Best of Southeast Asia!