About
The Royal Palace stands in the heart of Phnom Penh, on Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, and is known in Khmer as Preah Barum Reachea Veang Nei Preah Reacheanachak Kampuchea. It has served as the royal residence since the 1860s, and it remains a working home for the Cambodian royal family rather than a museum piece.
What to expect
The complex is made up of a cluster of buildings set within its own grounds. Its most striking feature is traditional Khmer architecture, with golden spires and ornate decoration that catch the light across the site. Walking between the structures gives a clear sense of how the palace was designed as a place of ceremony as well as daily life.
Planning your visit
- Location: Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia
- Contact: +855 23 225 579
- Best suited to: visitors interested in architecture, Cambodian royal history, and the setting of the city's centre
Because the palace is still used by the royal family, parts of the complex may be closed or restricted at times, so it is worth checking with the contact number before you go. Dress modestly, as is customary at sacred and royal sites in Cambodia.
The palace sits in the riverside part of the capital, so a visit pairs naturally with a walk through the surrounding streets and a stop at the nearby riverfront, making it a good anchor for a day exploring central Phnom Penh.
