Silver Pagoda: Cambodia's Glistening Treasure

4.4 (1887)

Discover the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh: A dazzling display of Cambodia's rich history, culture, and Buddhist traditions within the Royal Palace.

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Silver Pagoda

The Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh. Its name derives from the 5,000+ silver tiles covering its floor and houses numerous bejeweled Buddha statues and other artifacts, representing a remarkable display of Cambodian cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Silver Pagoda

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

Monday 8 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-5 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully; cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the Silver Pagoda.
Photography is only allowed in the outside exhibition areas.
Combine your visit with the Royal Palace, as the ticket covers both sites.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Norodom Sihanouk Museum/Preah Reach Damnak Chan

Norodom Sihanouk Museum: A Glimpse into Cambodian History

Cambodia-Vietnam Monument

Cambodia-Vietnam Monument: A Symbol of Friendship and History

Marady tuktuk tours

Marady Tuktuk Tours: Explore Phnom Penh with a Local

Getting There

Walking

The Silver Pagoda is located within the Royal Palace complex in central Phnom Penh, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby hotels and attractions. From the riverfront area or major hotels like the Plantation Urban Resort & Spa, walk along Sothearos Boulevard, then turn towards the Royal Palace entrance. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from most central locations. Be mindful of traffic and the hot sun. No costs are involved.
Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are a readily available and convenient way to reach the Silver Pagoda from anywhere in Phnom Penh. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A short ride from areas like Wat Phnom or the Central Market should cost between 4,000-8,000 riel ($1-$2 USD). Confirm that the driver knows to take you to the Royal Palace entrance. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp to book a tuk-tuk and avoid haggling. These apps will show the fare upfront. Payment is typically in cash.
Public Transport

Phnom Penh has a public bus system that offers an affordable way to reach the Royal Palace. Several bus lines pass near the Royal Palace; check the route map for the most convenient option from your location. The fare is 1,500 riel (approximately $0.40 USD) per ride, regardless of distance. Buses operate from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM. From the bus stop, there may be a short walk to the Royal Palace entrance.

Discover more about Silver Pagoda

The Silver Pagoda, officially named Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram, is a dazzling temple located within the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Often called Wat Preah Keo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Crystal Buddha, it stands as a significant Buddhist shrine and a testament to Cambodian royalty and devotion. Originally constructed as a wooden structure in 1892 during the reign of King Norodom, the pagoda served as a place of worship and for royal Buddhist ceremonies. It was rebuilt in 1962 with reinforced concrete, and more than 5,000 silver tiles, each weighing 1 kg, were added to the floor, giving the temple its iconic name. Though most are covered to protect them, a small section of the silver tiles is visible to visitors. The Silver Pagoda houses a collection of invaluable artifacts, including a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha statue adorned with thousands of diamonds. Also within the temple is a 17th-century emerald Buddha statue, though some debate exists around its origins. The temple walls are decorated with traditional paintings depicting the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana epic, painted by 40 Cambodian artists in the early 1900s. The temple suffered damage during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s but was later restored. Today, the Silver Pagoda is more of a museum than an active temple, though it remains the official temple of the King of Cambodia. Visitors should dress respectfully, covering their knees and shoulders.