On the eastern side of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, stands a magnificent complex of golden buildings — the Royal Palace of Cambodia, a symbol of the nation’s monarchy and the official residence of the royal family. Due to its location at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac Rivers, forming what is known as the “Four Arms Bay,” it is also referred to as the “Grand Palace of the Four Arms Bay.”
The Royal Palace of Cambodia not only embodies the majesty of the Cambodian monarchy but also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Cambodian artisans.
The beautifully designed and resplendent Royal Palace of Cambodia is a prime example of traditional Khmer architecture. Its style is rich with elements of Cambodian tradition and royal artistry. The central spire soars into the sky, while the roof ridges curve gracefully upward at both ends. Intricate carvings and ornate decorations adorn every corner of the palace complex.
The architecture of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh primarily features yellow and white tones—yellow symbolizing Buddhism and white representing Brahmanism. At the eaves of the buildings, there are distinctive decorative elements shaped like the tail of the Naga, a serpent deity, unique to Khmer architecture, believed to embody protection and blessings.
The interior layout of the Royal Palace is meticulously organized, with more than twenty large and small halls, each serving a distinct purpose. Among them, the Throne Hall, Silver Pagoda, the garden inside the Silver Pagoda, Napoleon III Pavilion, the Viewing Platform, and the Front Garden are open to visitors. These sites allow travelers to step into this grand architectural complex, experience the splendor of the Cambodian royal family, and gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history and culture.
Throne Hall: Inside the hall stands a throne adorned with gold and diamonds. It is the venue for royal coronation ceremonies and other important state occasions, such as the king receiving officials, meeting foreign dignitaries, and accepting credentials from foreign ambassadors. Visitors are not allowed to enter the hall and may only view it from the outside.
Throne Hall Annexes: On the north and south sides of the Throne Hall are two annex buildings. The northern annex serves as the king’s waiting room and is not open to visitors. The southern annex, which functions as the royal storeroom, is open to the public. Inside, various items used by the Cambodian royal court are displayed, among which the seven sets of maid uniforms in different colors are particularly eye-catching. In the Cambodian Royal Palace, maid uniforms are color-coded according to the days of the week: red for Monday, orange for Tuesday, blue-violet for Wednesday, emerald green for Thursday, green for Friday, blue for Saturday, and purple for Sunday. By observing the color of the maids’ attire, one can tell which day of the week it is.
Banquet Hall: The architecture of the Banquet Hall is generally consistent with that of the other buildings, but it stands out for its open design—on the side where banquets are held, there are no walls, allowing for a three-sided open space. During banquets, the king sits at the place of honor while others sit on the ground, sharing a meal together in a beautiful natural setting.
Silver Pagoda: The Silver Pagoda serves as a venue for religious ceremonies and houses numerous precious Buddha statues, including a notable one carved from a single block of emerald, standing about 60 centimeters tall. The pagoda gets its name from its floor, which is paved with nearly 5,000 intricately engraved silver tiles.
Elephant House: This building was formerly used to house the royal elephants.
Apart from the palace buildings, the mural paintings along the galleries within the Royal Palace are also well worth seeing. Meticulously created by skilled artists, these vivid works replicate the style of Angkorian bas-reliefs and depict ancient myths and legends as well as historical tales of Cambodia.
