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Phnom Penh Attractions
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 | | Royal Palace | The Silver Pagoda is located within the compound of the Royal Palace. Inside the gleaming yellow walls of the palace compound are the Throne Hall and the Chanchhaya Pavilion, made specially for classical Cambodia dance performances.
Originally a wooden structure, the palace was first constructed in 1892, during the reign of King Norodom. It was rebuilt in its current grandeur by King Sihanouk (now King Father) in 1962. 5329 pieces of silver tiles, each weighing 1.125 kilograms, make up the floor of the Silver Pagoda. The silver flooring alone weighs over six tonnes. The Silver Pagoda serves as a depository for cultural treasures more so than a functioning temple. It houses the 17th century Emerald Buddha and some 1650 Buddhist artifacts made of a variety of precious metals such as gold, silver and bronze, all of which are adorned with diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Inside the main hall, stands a statue representing the Buddha Maitreya. This statue is made of solid gold and weighs 90 kilograms including the stand and parasol. The statue is also adorned with 2086 diamonds with a 25-karat jewel on its crown.
| | | | | |  | | National Museum | The National Museum can be easily recognized by its distinctive rusty-red exterior and traditional Cambodia terracotta roof. Built between 1917 and 1920, the National Museum offers a vast, stunning collection of ancient Khmer artifacts. There are more than 5,000 interesting items, including an eight-armed statue of Vishnu (7th Century), a statue of Shiva (9th Century) and a statue of the Buddha from the pre-Angkor period.
There is also a statue of King Jayavarman VII (1181), the king who was credited with establishing a network of roads in Cambodia. He used innovative building techniques to raise roads above the level of the swamps. He also built many sophisticated bridges during his time. On display are pottery and bronze artifacts dating back to the periods of Funan and Chenla (4th to 9th centuries).
Opening hours
8.00am to 11.00am
2.00pm to 5.00pm
| | | | | |  | | River Front Sisowath Quay | It is a must to take a river cruise on the Tonle Sap, the Bassac and the Mekong. These three rivers meet in the capital city and empty themselves into a lake or a Chaktomuk.
A river cruise is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the romance of Phnom Penh. There is nothing like watching the sunset while having dinner on board.
| | | | | |  | | Udong | Udong is the former capital of Cambodia and it provides the traveller with an insight to the daily life in the countryside of Cambodia.
There are also many opportunities to visit the famous silversmiths and the Muslim minority villages of the Cham while in Udong.
The picturesque views of this magnificent province from the top of the hills cannot be missed.
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