City tour of Charming Phnom Penh

Begin at Wat Phnom, set on top of a tree-covered knoll, on the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four Buddha statues that washed ashore by the waters of the Mekong River and were discovered by a woman named Mrs Penh. West of the vihara is an enormous stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (reigned 1405 - 1463). Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success then return to make offerings (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond), when their prayers have been answered.

The next stop, is the Royal Palace, one of Phnom Penh's most splendid architectural achievements. Gleaming in gold, the Royal Palace was built in 1866 by His Majesty Preah Bat Norodom, great grandfather to the current King, on the site of the old town. The site was specifically chosen by a Commission of Royal Ministers and Astrologers because it had great geographical significance concerning the King, regarded as a direct descendant of the gods and whose role it was to live and govern on earth under the influence of heaven.

Explore the spectacular buildings including the Throne Hall with a 59-metre tower, The Royal Treasury, the Napoleon III Villa and the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha with steps crafted from Italian marble and the regal floor made of more than 500 solid silver blocks. The magnificent 17th century emerald Buddha statue is made of jade. Another treasure is the life-sized solid gold Maitreya Buddha which weighs 90 kilograms and is adorned with 9,584 diamonds.

Continue to the Royal Palace, an exceptional example of traditional architecture, which is exclusively devoted to preserving and displaying Khmer art and sculptures. Hundreds of pieces are housed here including both pre-and post-Angkorian pieces.

Note: National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace are open every day. However, the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace may be closed without prior notice while H.M. the King is in the residence.