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Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country renowned for its rich cultural history and ancient ruins. The country is home to several significant cultural sites that attract tourists and scholars from around the world. Here are five of the largest and most impressive cultural sites in Cambodia:
- Angkor Wat: Located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most iconic landmarks of Cambodia. Built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple. The complex consists of several temples, towers, galleries, and courtyards, spreading over an area of more than 400 acres. Angkor Wat is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology and Cambodian history.
- Bayon Temple: Also located in Angkor Archaeological Park, Bayon Temple is known for its distinctive smiling faces carved on its towers. Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, the temple was dedicated to the Mahayana Buddhist sect. Bayon Temple is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and Cambodian history.
- Banteay Srei Temple: Located about 25 kilometers from Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei Temple is often referred to as “the jewel of Khmer art.” Built in the 10th century, the temple is made of pink sandstone and is known for its delicate carvings and sculptures. Banteay Srei Temple is a popular tourist destination due to its intricate and well-preserved artwork.
- Koh Ker Temple: Located in the northern province of Preah Vihear, Koh Ker Temple was the capital of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. The site consists of several temples, including the main pyramid temple, Prasat Thom, which is the tallest ancient structure in Cambodia. Koh Ker Temple is known for its unique architectural style and carvings, which are different from those found at Angkor.
- Preah Vihear Temple: Located on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear Temple is a stunning Hindu temple perched atop a cliff overlooking the Cambodian plains. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the temple complex consists of several temples, towers, and galleries. Preah Vihear Temple is known for its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The 7 Biggest Cultural Site near Phnom Penh
Royal Palace
a month ago
What a magnificent piece of architecture
Love the very long fresque
You also get to see some ancient collections of pottery, artifacts, clothing etc… the gardens are beautiful too. Worth the $10 entry fee
The Silver Pagoda is amazing
3 months ago
I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace today, and I was truly awestruck by its grandeur and historical significance. The fact that the entrance ticket for foreigners is only $10 is incredibly affordable given the richness of the experience it offers. The Palace’s visiting hours from 8 to 11 and 14:00 to 17:00 are well-suited for exploring, but I imagine it would be even more enchanting in the evening, with the palace illuminated. I highly recommend a visit to the Royal Palace, and if you have the chance, consider coming in the evening for a truly magical experience.
2 months ago
How anyone can say there’s almost nothing to see here… is beyond me?? This is a priceless collection of gorgeous architecture, several small museums, the amazing Silver Pagoda and so much more. I was here almost two hours! I highly recommend seeing this historic and cultural highlight in PP. Fantastic!
Also, I’m posting a photo below of the hours. I found it often difficult to get accurate open hours in Vietnam and am already experiencing that again in Cambodia. Google maps “claims” to have double checked the hours three weeks ago by phone, but has something different than at the Palace. Go early as it gets very hot quickly, and you’ll beat some of the tour groups.
2 months ago
It’s beautiful. I can understand that for people who have affection for the Royal family of Cambodia this is an important place to visit but to me it is more like a tourist trap. There are other very beautiful and much more quiet temples throughout the city you can visit for free or a small fee. $10 seems very pricey for an entrance ticket. Also covering your shoulders is insufficient, you need to wear a shirt or similar, otherwise your obliged to buy a T-shirt provided at the entrance. Elbows and knees don’t need to be covered but dress appropriately.
At the time we went we could see The Throne room, dancing hall and Silver Pagoda. Sadly enough we missed the dancing hall because they decided to close down 30minutes before actual closing time.
You’re not allowed to enter the Throne room, it’s beautiful but not particularly decorated in Khmer cultural style, it resembles more a European 18th century throne room.
No pictures from the inside because not allowed.
I would recommend to see the palace from outside the grounds and not bother with entering it.
- Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (9899)
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM - Reviews:
a month agoWhat a magnificent piece of architecture Love the very long fresque You also get to see some ancient collections of pottery, artifacts, clothing etc… the gardens are beautiful too. Worth the $10 entry fee The Silver Pagoda is amazing3 months agoI had the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace today, and I was truly awestruck by its grandeur and historical significance. The fact that the entrance ticket for foreigners is only $10 is incredibly affordable given the richness of the experience it offers. The Palace’s visiting hours from 8 to 11 and 14:00 to 17:00 are well-suited for exploring, but I imagine it would be even more enchanting in the evening, with the palace illuminated. I highly recommend a visit to the Royal Palace, and if you have the chance, consider coming in the evening for a truly magical experience.2 months agoHow anyone can say there’s almost nothing to see here… is beyond me?? This is a priceless collection of gorgeous architecture, several small museums, the amazing Silver Pagoda and so much more. I was here almost two hours! I highly recommend seeing this historic and cultural highlight in PP. Fantastic!Also, I’m posting a photo below of the hours. I found it often difficult to get accurate open hours in Vietnam and am already experiencing that again in Cambodia. Google maps “claims” to have double checked the hours three weeks ago by phone, but has something different than at the Palace. Go early as it gets very hot quickly, and you’ll beat some of the tour groups.
2 months agoIt’s beautiful. I can understand that for people who have affection for the Royal family of Cambodia this is an important place to visit but to me it is more like a tourist trap. There are other very beautiful and much more quiet temples throughout the city you can visit for free or a small fee. $10 seems very pricey for an entrance ticket. Also covering your shoulders is insufficient, you need to wear a shirt or similar, otherwise your obliged to buy a T-shirt provided at the entrance. Elbows and knees don’t need to be covered but dress appropriately. At the time we went we could see The Throne room, dancing hall and Silver Pagoda. Sadly enough we missed the dancing hall because they decided to close down 30minutes before actual closing time. You’re not allowed to enter the Throne room, it’s beautiful but not particularly decorated in Khmer cultural style, it resembles more a European 18th century throne room. No pictures from the inside because not allowed. I would recommend to see the palace from outside the grounds and not bother with entering it.Related articles:- Discover the Biggest Zoo in Battambang
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