The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh can easily described by one word, stunning. The colors of the Royal Palace are simply not seen elsewhere in Cambodia - pristine whites and lavish golds - it is as if the entire wealth of the country is adorned to the walls, roofs and floors of the palace buildings.

The whole complex is a testament to the popularity and respect shown to the Cambodian King's but it is still remarkable that the Royal Palace exists today having survived the 1970s upheaval and horrific self-destruction of the country.

The description of Royal Palace indicates only one building but Cambodia's Royal Palace is a collection of stunning state rooms, pagodas and pavilions that are spread over a wide green expanse and courtyard. With the administration ticket allowing access to all of the complexes buildings.

The colourful skyline of Phnom Penh

The two most significant religious buildings contained within the Royal Palace are the silver pagoda and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Contained within in the courtyard that surrounds the Temple dedicated to the Emerald Buddha are magnificent stupas dedicated to previous kings of Cambodia stupa.

Royal Palace has strange opening hours with a 3 1/2 hour lunch break stretching from 11:00 until 14:30. It is best to view the Palace in the morning session which starts from 7:30 before for the heat of the day. Don't arrive mid-morning otherwise your experience will feel rushed as the Phnom Penh Royal Palace needs a good two hours to fully explore.