Royal Palace
Cambodia's
Royal Palace, located along Sothearos Boulevard, was built in 1866, during the
reign of King Norodom. Points of interest inside the palace include:
- Prasat Tevea Vinichhay (the Throne
Hall): The hall where Kings and Queens are crowned.
- Prasat Khemarin: The hall where the
monarchs live.
- Prasat Samran Phirum: The hall
where the monarchs ride the Royal Elephant.
- Hor Baku or Hor Preah Khan: The
hall where the throne objects and accessories are kept.
- Chan Chhaya: The hall where Royal
Dance performers train. In front of the Chan Chhaya, there is a platform
where the King can hold audiences with his subjects and all levels of
officials.
Prasat Tevea Vinichhay
Wat Preah Keo
Morakot (The Silver Pagoda)
Wat Preah Keo
Morakot is located in the southern portion of the Royal Palace complex. The
pagoda was formerly known as Wat Uborsoth Rotannaram because it is where the
King worshiped, prayed and practiced every Buddhist Silas Day. In addition, the
royal family and officials also held Buddhist ceremonies there.
This pagoda has
no monks. However, his Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk lived there for one year
when he entered the monkhood on July 31, 1947. Because the pagoda has no monks,
visitors usually refer to it as Preah Vihear Preah Keo Morakot. When the King
celebrates Buddhist ceremonies, monks from other pagodas such as Wat Unaloam
and Wat Botumvattey are invited to attend the ceremonies.