Cambodia's Royal Palace is the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni built in 1886, when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh from Oudong. It was gradually built atop an old citadel called Banteay Kev. The Royal Palace faces towards the East and is situated at the Western bank of the Tonle Sap River in central Phnom Penh.

The palace ground comprises a complex of buildings consists including the magnificent Throne Hall, where coronations and official ceremonies take place, the Silver Pagoda (the Pagoda's floor is covered with over 5000 silver tiles), an iron house given to King of Cambodia by Napoleon III of France, shrines, libraries dedicated to the past kings of Cambodia and several royal offices. However, a number of precious items once exhibited in the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Like all of Cambodia, the Royal Palace is undergoing a rebirth and has become a prime tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. Visitors are able to walk around the Silver Pagoda and the central compound housing the Throne Hall, however, they may not enter the Khemarin Palace compound where the King resides.

Note: The Royal Palace opens daily but closes from 11:00-14:00. Entrance fee is US$6.25. No photography is allowed inside the Silver Pagoda and some of the Palace buildings.

Dress Code: Dress appropriately (no bare legs or shoulders), but you can rent sarongs and oversized T-shirts for a token 1000 riel (plus US$1 deposit) at the palace entrance.