Royal Palace Phnom Penh Kids T-Shirts

The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh was constructed over a century ago to serve as the residence of the King of Cambodia, his family and foreign dignitaries, as a venue for the performance of court ceremony and ritual and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It serves to this day as the Cambodian home of King Norodom Sihamoni and while his father King Norodom Sihanouk. The Palace complex and attached 'Silver Pagoda' compound consist of several buildings, structures and gardens all located within 500x800 meter walled grounds overlooking a riverfront park. Marking the approach to the Palace, the high sculpted wall and golden spired Chanchhaya Pavilion stand distinctively against the riverfront skyline.

The Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Canon 5D Mk3, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM, 30mm, f10 @ 1/400th, 100 ISO

Chan Chaya Pavillion, Royal Palace, Phnom Phen, Cambodia

It was late in the day as we arrived at the Royal Palace in Phenom Penh; it wouldn't be long before the Sunset. Our timing did give us the advantage of having the place almost to ourselves. To help us around, we hired a guide to show us the highlights. This is an image of the Throne Hall, a pavilion-like structure used for coronations and other royal events. What an incredible building, so ornate and all trimmed with yellow and gold. The roofline is remarkable with tiered gable ends and spires. I really loved the snake-like points on the gables. The lateness in the day created an almost halo-like effect around the building, with the deepest blues approaching the zenith. It was quite the scene.

Cambodia. Phnom Pehn. On the grounds of the Royal Palace. Canon EOS Rebel T1i Canon EF-S 18-200

Cambodia. Phnom Pehn. Royal Palace. The throne hall. Detail. Canon EOS Rebel T1i Canon EF-S 18-200 The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia.The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in 1860's, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge. The palace was constructed after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century. It was gradually built atop an old citadel called Banteay Kev. It faces towards the East and is situated at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River.

Cambodia. Phnom Pehn. Royal Palace. Stupas. Canon EOS Rebel T1i Canon EF-S 18-200 inspired by the beautiful site

Cambodia. Phnom Pehn. Royal Palace. Statue of Buddha. Canon EOS Rebel T1i Canon EF-S 18-200 inspired by the beautiful site

It was late afternoon when we got to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. We were almost the last to gain entrance that day, but it meant that we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We hired a guide to swiftly show us around before they closed the gates, who, recognising my love of photography, took us to the best spots. This image is of the Moonlight Pavilion (Preah Tineang Chan Chhaya), which is used for traditional dance ceremonies and banquets. What I love about this image is the remarkable architectural whimsy in the roof of the pavilion. The multi-tiered roof, the spire, the ornate and colourful roofing, and the wispy upturned pieces at the end of the roof gables, which we were told were there to represent snakes. It was all kind of...

Image by Otto Stadler Getty Images Within the Royal Palace compound is the extravagant Silver Pagoda, also known as Wat Preah Keo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is so named for its floor, which is covered with five tons of gleaming silver. You can take a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance, but most are covered to protect them. The pagoda was originally constructed of wood in 1892 during the rule of King Norodom, who was apparently inspired by Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew, and was rebuilt in 1962. It was preserved by the Khmer Rouge to demonstrate its concern for the conservation of Cambodia’s cultural riches. Although more than half of the pagoda’s contents were lost, stolen or destroyed in the turmoil that followed the...

The Kingdom of Cambodia holds a special place in my heart. An adopted home for many years that held me dear, as I hold the memories dearly from a distance. The culture and history are intriguing, and leave a lasting impression.