Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Phnom Penh Royal Palace, a symbol of Cambodia in the hearts of travelers

When talking about Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh, I, mr.hotsia, often recommend visitors not to missPhnom Penh Royal Palaceor the Royal Palace, a place considered the heart of the city. It is located by the vast Mekong River, which perfectly enhances the elegance of this beautiful palace.

From my own travel experience, Phnom Penh Royal Palace is not far from the city’s accommodation area. It’s just a short walk away, very convenient for those who enjoy exploring the surroundings on foot. This palace was the residence of King Sihanouk, who played an important role in Cambodia’s history. The architectural style here is inspired by Thailand’s Wat Phra Kaew, which anyone who has visited will immediately recognize. However, it also has its own unique beauty and character that clearly tells the story of Cambodia.

The entrance fee to Phnom Penh Royal Palace is about 6.25 US dollars or around 200 baht, which is quite affordable considering the beauty and experience offered. I usually see tourists of all nationalities and ages visiting here enthusiastically. Some choose to hire local guides to walk around and share historical stories, but this time I, mr.hotsia, chose to explore on my own to enjoy the atmosphere slowly and capture my own memorable moments.

One thing to know is that inside the palace and the temples within the same area, tourists are not allowed to take photos. This might feel disappointing to some, but I think it helps preserve the sacredness and tranquility of the place very well. Walking through each corner of the palace makes us feel like traveling back in time to experience the era when Cambodia was prosperous.

Travel and Urban Context of Phnom Penh and the Royal Palace

Phnom Penh itself is a city full of vibrant life and interesting local culture. My trips here usually start from Phnom Penh Bus Station, which is located in the city center and has bus connections to various provinces as well as neighboring countries.Phnom Penh Bus StationIt is convenient and has a ticket booking system through agencies at various hotels, so travelers like me don’t have to worry about language barriers or price bargaining.

If you have time after visiting the Royal Palace, I recommend taking a walk around this area because nearby there is Phnom Penh Fresh Market full of delicious food and a harmonious blend of Khmer lifestyle.Phnom Penh Fresh MarketIt is another spot I, mr.hotsia, like to visit to see fresh produce, spices, and local food that can be found at very cheap prices.

Khmer Food in the Phnom Penh Royal Palace Area

Speaking of traveling in Phnom Penh, if you don’t try authentic Khmer food, it’s like you haven’t really been here. I have written in an articleKhmer Foodthat Khmer cuisine is not very different from Thai food but has its own distinctive flavors and ingredients, such as using regular rice instead of sticky rice, and curries with unique fragrant aromas.

While walking from the palace to the fresh market, I stopped to try Khmer roast duck at a small roadside shop. The roast duck there is fragrant with spices and has very crispy skin. This is another experience you should not miss when visiting Phnom Penh. If you want to see the full atmosphere of eating roast duck, you can watch my video atEating Khmer Roast Duck in Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh).

Planning Continued Travel in Phnom Penh

If you plan to continue traveling after the Phnom Penh Royal Palace, I, mr.hotsia, recommend exploring routes to nearby provinces such asTa Keowhich takes about 2.5 hours by bus departing from Phnom Penh Bus Station with several trips daily. And if you have more time, visitingUdong Citythe former capital city, is also an interesting option because it has pagodas and Cambodian countryside views to enjoy. I still want to visit again to capture new photos and memories.

In summary, Phnom Penh Royal Palace is not just an ordinary tourist attraction but a starting point to learn about the history, culture, and life of the people in this city. For travelers who enjoy deep exploration and experiencing local life, I, mr.hotsia, confirm that this is one of the destinations you should visit at least once in your lifetime.