Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
127
Villageworks
C6
(see 97)
128
Watthan Artisans
F7
Sights
Phnom Penh is a relatively small city and easy to navigate as it is laid out in a numbered
grid. The most important cultural sights can be visited on foot and are located near the
riverfront in the most beautiful part of the city. Most other sights are also fairly central -
just a short
remork-moto
ride from the riverfront.
Royal Palace
PALACE
( Sothearos Blvd; admission incl camera/video 25,000r, guide per hr US$10; 8-11am & 2-5pm)
With
its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, the Royal Palace dominates the diminutive
skyline of Phnom Penh. It is 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. Visitors are only allowed to visit the throne hall and a clutch of
buildings surrounding it. Adjacent to the palace, the Silver Pagoda complex is also open
to the public.
Visitors need to wear shorts that reach to the knee, and T-shirts or blouses that reach to
the elbow; otherwise they will have to rent an appropriate covering. The palace gets very
busy on Sundays when countryside Khmers come to pay their respects, but this can be a
fun way to experience the place, thronging with locals.
Palace Compound
All visitors enter into the eastern portion of the palace compound near the
Chan Chaya
Pavilion
. Performances of classical Cambodian dance were once staged in this pavilion,
which is sometimes lit up at night to commemorate festivals or anniversaries.
Topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor, it was inaugurated in 1919
by King Sisowath. The Throne Hall is used for coronations and ceremonies such as the
