Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh: Cambodia's Glittering Royal Treasure House

The floor is made of silver. Over five tons of it, cast into 5,239 individual tiles, each one handmade and laid by artisans across the full expanse of the pagoda. Above the silver floor stands a life-sized gold Buddha studded with 9,584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats. Nearby sits a 17th-century crystal Buddha so fine it earned the name "Emerald Buddha of Cambodia." The Silver Pagoda is not subtle about its purpose - this is where the Cambodian monarchy stored its most precious religious treasures, and the concentration of wealth and artistry inside this single building is staggering.

Officially known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Silver Pagoda sits within the Royal Palace compound in central Phnom Penh. The palace complex has been the residence of Cambodia's kings since 1866, and visiting the Silver Pagoda means walking through one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in Southeast Asia - golden spires, manicured gardens, and ornate throne halls set against the Tonle Sap riverfront.

The Silver Pagoda survived the Khmer Rouge era largely intact, though many of the smaller treasures within were looted or destroyed. What remains is still extraordinary - roughly 1,650 Buddha figures in gold, silver, bronze, and crystal, plus the massive Ramayana murals that wrap around the entire compound. For travelers in Phnom Penh, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda together form the city's single most important cultural site.

What to See Inside the Silver Pagoda

The Silver Floor

The pagoda's most famous feature is hidden underfoot. The entire floor is covered with 5,239 silver tiles weighing more than one kilogram each, totaling over five tons of silver. Most of the floor is covered by carpet to protect it from foot traffic, but a small section near the entrance is left exposed so visitors can see the gleaming tiles. The floor was installed during renovations in the early 20th century and represents an extraordinary display of royal wealth and devotion.

The Gold Maitreya Buddha

The centerpiece of the pagoda is a life-sized standing Buddha made of solid gold, weighing approximately 90 kilograms. This Maitreya (future) Buddha is decorated with 9,584 diamonds set into the gold surface, with the largest diamond at 25 carats positioned on the crown. The statue was commissioned by King Sisowath and is one of the most valuable single objects in Cambodia. It stands on a raised platform at the center of the pagoda, illuminated and flanked by smaller Buddha figures.

The Emerald Buddha

Despite its name, the Emerald Buddha is actually made of baccarat crystal, giving it a deep green translucence that resembles emerald. The small but exquisite statue dates to the 17th century and is Cambodia's most sacred Buddhist image. It sits on a gilded pedestal in front of the gold Maitreya Buddha and is the object that gives the pagoda its official name, Wat Preah Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

The Buddha Collection

Approximately 1,650 Buddha figures fill the pagoda, arranged on shelves and platforms around the central statues. They are made from gold, silver, bronze, wood, and crystal, and range from tiny palm-sized figures to substantial sculptures. Many were gifts from foreign monarchs, diplomats, and wealthy devotees over the centuries. Before the Khmer Rouge era, the collection was even larger - a significant number of pieces were stolen or melted down during the regime's four-year rule.

The Ramayana Murals

The inner walls of the compound surrounding the Silver Pagoda are covered with a massive fresco depicting the Reamker, the Cambodian version of the Indian Ramayana epic. The mural stretches nearly 642 meters in length and stands about 3 meters high, making it one of the largest mural paintings in Southeast Asia. The scenes depict battles, love stories, divine interventions, and the adventures of Prince Rama in vivid color and detail. Weather exposure has faded and damaged portions of the mural, and restoration work is ongoing, but large sections remain impressive.

The Royal Palace Complex

The Silver Pagoda is part of the larger Royal Palace complex, and your entrance ticket covers both. The palace grounds contain several notable buildings and spaces worth exploring.

The Throne Hall (Preah Tineang Tevea Vinnichay)

The most imposing building in the complex, the Throne Hall is used for coronations, royal weddings, and state ceremonies. Its soaring central spire rises to 59 meters, crowned with a four-faced Brahma head. The interior is opulent, though visitors can only view it from the outside unless a ceremony is in progress. The Khmer classical architectural style blends with Thai and French colonial influences, reflecting the complex cultural history of the Cambodian monarchy.

The Moonlight Pavilion (Chan Chhaya)

This open-air pavilion along the palace's eastern wall was traditionally the stage for Khmer classical dance performances. Its distinctive design makes it one of the most recognizable structures in the palace, visible from the street outside. The pavilion is still used for performances on special occasions.

The Palace Gardens

Beautifully maintained tropical gardens fill the spaces between buildings, with flowering trees, ornamental plants, and manicured lawns. The gardens provide welcome shade in the midday heat and offer peaceful spots for rest between the more intense cultural experiences inside the buildings. Several smaller structures, including a model of Angkor Wat made of bronze, are scattered through the grounds.

Practical Information

Dress Code

The Royal Palace enforces a strict dress code that is taken seriously. You will be turned away at the entrance if your clothing does not meet the requirements.

• Shoulders must be covered. No sleeveless tops, tank tops, or spaghetti straps. T-shirts with sleeves are fine.
• Knees must be covered. No shorts above the knee, short skirts, or cut-off trousers. Long trousers, long skirts, or knee-length shorts are acceptable.
• No exposed backs or midriffs. Crop tops, backless tops, and see-through clothing are not permitted.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the Silver Pagoda itself.

If you arrive improperly dressed, vendors outside the entrance sell lightweight scarves and trousers for a few dollars. Carrying a scarf in your day bag is the easiest solution - it works as a shoulder cover and can be wrapped as a sarong if needed.

Getting There

The Royal Palace is located on Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, along the riverfront in central Phnom Penh. It is within walking distance of the riverside promenade, the National Museum, and many hotels and guesthouses in the city center.

• Tuk-tuk: $2 to $4 from most central locations in Phnom Penh. Drivers all know the Royal Palace.
• Grab/PassApp: Ride-hailing apps are widely used in Phnom Penh. A ride from most hotels costs $1 to $3.
• Walking: If you are staying near the riverfront or Wat Phnom area, the palace is an easy walk along Sisowath Quay.

Nearby Attractions

The Royal Palace sits in the cultural heart of Phnom Penh, and several other significant sites are within easy walking distance.

• National Museum of Cambodia: Directly north of the palace, this terracotta-colored museum houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture and artifacts. Admission is $10. Allow one to two hours.
• Sisowath Quay: The riverfront promenade stretches north along the Tonle Sap River, lined with restaurants, cafes, and street vendors. An excellent place for an evening stroll after visiting the palace.
• Wat Ounalom: About 500 meters north, this is the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism and one of the oldest pagodas in the city. Free to visit.
• Royal Palace Park: The large park fronting the palace and river is especially popular in the evenings, when locals gather to exercise, socialize, and enjoy street food. The palace is beautifully illuminated at night and makes for excellent photographs from this park.

Tips for Visiting the Silver Pagoda

• Go early in the morning. Arrive close to the 8:00 AM opening to beat the heat and the tour bus crowds. The palace grounds are exposed to the sun, and midday visits in the Cambodian heat can be exhausting.
• Visit the morning session. The palace closes from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch. If you arrive at 10:30 AM, you will feel rushed. The morning session (8:00 to 11:00 AM) gives you more time than the afternoon session (2:00 to 5:00 PM).
• Hire a guide. Licensed guides available at the entrance charge about $10 and provide context that transforms the visit. Without a guide, you are looking at beautiful buildings and objects without understanding their significance. The stories behind the gold Buddha, the Emerald Buddha, and the murals are fascinating and not available from signage alone.
• Bring your own water. Vendors inside the compound charge premium prices. Fill a bottle before you arrive. There is limited shade on the walkways between buildings.
• Check if the palace is open before visiting. The complex occasionally closes without advance notice for royal ceremonies and state events. Your hotel can usually confirm whether it is open on a given day.
• Combine with the National Museum. The museum is next door and shares the same cultural focus. Doing both in one morning is efficient and gives you a comprehensive understanding of Cambodian art and royal history. Budget $20 total for both entrances.
• Do not photograph inside the Silver Pagoda. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the pagoda building itself, though photos are allowed in the outdoor areas and gardens. Guards enforce this rule and will ask you to delete images taken inside.

The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace together tell the story of Cambodian monarchy, Buddhist devotion, and artistic achievement spanning centuries. Paired with the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, they complete the picture of Phnom Penh as a city defined by both extraordinary beauty and unimaginable loss. For more on Phnom Penh's attractions and travel across Cambodia, GoAsia.cc has guides to help plan your journey.