The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh has been chosen as the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia since 1434 A.C, even-though the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was just built in the 1866-67 a few year after the colony of French. The last capital was in Oudong, as it was not a good strategy point for the economic, French decided to move the capital to Phnom Penh, just 40Km from the previous capital; and also the intersection of the four main rivers in Cambodia.

Monarchy has an important role in this ancient country for more than 20 centuries. The royal palaces also change from time to time, and always situated in the capital of the country. From the first capital in Ba Phnom, Prey Veng Province, following by Sambor Preykok in kampong Thom and then the capital of the golden age of Angkor in Siemreap. After attacking frequently by Thai, the capital always moved southward to Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Longvek and Oudong.

Most of the main buildings in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh were built during the early of 20th century during the reign of King Sisowath, Those building were built to replace the wood building built during the King Norodom since the 2nd half of 19th century. The only iron building in the royal palace is the Napoleon Pavilion, which was the present from Napoleon III of France to King Norodom. The pavilion was built for the inauguration of Suez canal in Egypt in the late of 19th century. Beside the royal palace, there is a pagoda called Emerald Pagoda. Why it is called Emerald Pagoda? Because inside the main building of the pagoda, there is an Emerald statue of Buddha, which is one of the most sacred Buddha statue in Cambodia. For foreigners, the pagoda is known by the title of silver pagoda, why? Because the floor of the main building of the pagoda is cover by the silver tiles.

I always visit the Royal Palace 5 to 6 times a year while I was in my country. Each month I always switch the National Museum or the Royal Palace; but sometime I also make the consideration to visit Angkor or Oudong or the other province. I like traveling, I have been to most province in Cambodia, except Uddor Meanchey and Mundulkiri.

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