Phnom Penh Part 2

I really loved the murals. Unfortunately this wooden statue was in the way of this one.

Gold elephants.

Some of these royal chairs didn't look all that comfy to sit on.

More murals

After all this culture it was time to head to the Russian Market for a bit of shopping. On the way back a young girl on a bike hitched a ride on our tuk tuk.

Phnom Penh Part One

We settled into our room and then ventured out to do a bit of sightseeing. Our hotel faced the National Museum (in this photo) and the National Palace. A perfect location. And it was just one block from the riveerfront with lots of interesting cafes. We decided to go to the Royal Palace in the morning (its mostly outside) and the Museum in the afternoon (mostly inside) when it might be cooler there.

A Palace Guard. Talk about a boring job.

Most of the buildings are off limits but its fun to wander around the grounds and through the Silver Pagoda and some other interesting buildings. Here soldiers were lined up on the steps of the Throne Room.

Just outside the gates.

We couldn't figure out what they were doing there as no one came out of the building.

The Pavilion of Napoleon III which is now an art gallery on the left.

The soldiers finally left the area.

This building is without walls so the moonlight can shine in and is used as a dance pavilion.

One of the many King's chedei on the grounds.

A building under repair.

Roofing tiles awaiting installation.

More repairwork.

Inside another open building.

Royal Palace Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace has beautiful grounds and buildings but very few of them are open to the public. This is the original Throne Room.


A garment worn by the former queen.

and the former King.

There were several spirit houses in one of the main courtyards.


ANd beautiful orchids.


One of the former kings.

Isn't this a neat way to get on your elephant?
Another royal conveyance.

The silver pagoda is open...no photos allowed, with silver tiles in the floor, their version of an Emerald Buddha, and a gold buddha covered with diamonds which is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The country got a new king in 2004 when his father abdicated. He grew up in Europe and is a bachelor although he has 12 half brothers. Kings are elected by a council not by heredity.