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Silver Pagoda: Cambodia's Royal Treasure

Discover Cambodia's glittering past at the Silver Pagoda, home to priceless treasures and stunning Khmer architecture in the heart of Phnom Penh.

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The Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo Morokat, is located within the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh. Its floor is covered with over 5,000 silver tiles, and it houses numerous national treasures, including a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha adorned with thousands of diamonds. It is a significant cultural and religious symbol, drawing visitors for its spiritual and artistic value.

A brief summary to Silver Pagoda

  • HW6J+XMV, Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh, Khan Doun Penh, KH

Local tips

  • Remember to dress modestly when visiting the Silver Pagoda; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Photography is only allowed in the outside exhibition areas.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Royal Palace, as the Silver Pagoda is located within the palace complex.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the riverside area along Sisowath Quay, walk south along the riverfront. Turn left (east) onto Oknha Chhun Street (Street 240). The entrance to the Royal Palace, where the Silver Pagoda is located, will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Phnom Penh has a public bus system. Check the bus routes for options that stop near the Royal Palace. From the bus stop, walk a short distance to the palace entrance. A single bus fare is approximately 1,500 Riel (USD 0.36).

  • Taxi/Tuk-tuk

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Phnom Penh. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short tuk-tuk ride from the city center to the Royal Palace should cost between 8,000 to 12,000 Riel (USD 2-3). Taxis may cost slightly more.

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Discover more about Silver Pagoda

The Silver Pagoda, officially named Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram and also known as Wat Preah Keo Morokat (Temple of the Emerald-Crystal Buddha), is a dazzling testament to Cambodian royalty and Buddhist heritage. Located within the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh, it offers a glimpse into the kingdom's rich cultural and spiritual life. Construction of the Silver Pagoda began in 1892 during the reign of King Norodom. Originally a wooden structure, it was rebuilt in 1962 with reinforced concrete, with more than 5,000 silver tiles imported to cover the floor, each weighing 1.125 kilograms. Though only a portion of the tiles are visible to visitors today, they contribute to the temple's namesake and splendor. The pagoda houses a collection of invaluable treasures, most notably a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha crafted in 1907 and adorned with thousands of diamonds. Another significant statue is the Emerald Buddha, believed to be made of Baccarat crystal, hence the alternative name Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The walls surrounding the Emerald Buddha are decorated with murals depicting the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana epic, painted by Cambodian artists in the early 20th century. The Silver Pagoda has served as a place of worship for the royal family and a venue for important Buddhist ceremonies. Despite Cambodia's tumultuous history, the pagoda remained largely intact during the Khmer Rouge regime, preserving its cultural and religious significance. Today, it stands as a symbol of Cambodia's devotion to Buddhism and a major attraction for tourists seeking to understand the country's rich heritage.

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