In the heart of Phnom Penh, where the mighty Mekong River meets the Tonle Sap, the majestic Royal Palace sparkles, haunting the Riverfront area with a sense of elegance, mystery and grandeur. The landscaped lawns and gardens act as the overworked lungs of the central city – a welcome respite from the miles and miles of concrete, steel, dust, and exhaust fumes to the north, west, and south.
For centuries (802 – 1431, A.D.), the seat of power for the Khmer Empire was the ancient city of Angkor, well known today for its incredible temples (including Angkor Wat) near what is now Siem Reap. After the fall of Angkor in 1431, the seat of power briefly moved to Phnom Penh (then under a different name) before relocating to Basan, Longvek, and Oudong.
In the 1800s, Phnom Penh once again became the capital city. Cambodia’s royal family has called this beautiful place home since 1866, with the tragic exception of the period during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
Thais and I recently paid a visit. Here is our photo tour.
The Throne Room -- site of coronations, royal weddings, and diplomatic and other official meetings. The first Throne Room on this site was built in 1869-1870, but was later demolished in 1915. The current Throne Room was built in 1917. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside the Throne Room.
"Nagas" (serpents) are a symbol of prosperity. They represent the land and water of the Khmer. This naga makes its presence known from the top steps of the Throne Room. Behind it is the Moonlight Pavilion, which is a venue for the Royal Dancers and for state and royal banquets. It is also used for the King to address crowds on the Royal Palace grounds.
The Hor Samran Phirun -- a royal waiting area where the King waits before mounting an elephant for a royal procession. The porch that you see on the right side is the height of an elephant's back, allowing the King to step directly onto the elephant. (Why don't we have one of these at the White House? It does seem bigly.)
Cambodians traditionally greet one another with palms together, as though praying, and with a slight bow. This is called Som Pas. This is a statue of a kneeling woman showing the Som Pas, with the "Silver Pagoda" behind her. The Silver Pagoda is named for its 5,329 silver tiles covering the entire floor. Each tile weighs 2 & 1/2 pounds (1.125 kg) -- a total of more than 13,300 pounds of pure silver on the floor. Inside the Silver Pagoda is an Emerald Budha and a 90 kg (200 lb.) golden standing Budha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside the Silver Pagoda.
Nagas on the top of the Phocani Pavilion, which was originally constructed as a classical dance theater. Now it is used for royal receptions and meetings.
A rooftop naga on the Phochani Pavilion, with a pigeon keeping close watch.
Who is that behind the mask?
The spire of the Silver Pagoda, reflected in a pond.
Som Pas in the foreground, with the Silver Pagoda behind.