Private Phnom Penh Museum & Royal Palace Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the National Museum's Khmer artifacts
- Marvel at the Royal Palace's stunning architecture
- Visit the Silver Pagoda with its golden Buddha
- Learn about Cambodia's rich history and culture
- Enjoy personalized attention from a private guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided tour of the National Museum
- Visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phnom Penh
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are two of the most striking buildings in the capital and considered as some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture. They were initially constructed in 1866 by the French. The Royal Palace is home to the current King Sihamoni. The neighboring Silver Pagoda stands out in its own distinctive way. The floor consists of 5,329 solid silver tiles to which the building owes its name. The building houses many gold and jeweled Buddha statues including the highly prized 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha. Other important buildings that can be found within the compound include Wat Preah Keo Morokat, where Royal ceremonies are performed, and stupas such as King Ang Doung Stupa – the burial site of former King Norodom. (Open from 8.00am to 10:30am and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Women should cover their shoulders and both men and women should cover their knees).
The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of Khmer art, including sculptural, Khmer ceramics, bronzes, and ethnographic objects. Its collection includes over 14,000 items, from prehistoric times to periods before, during and after the Khmer Empire, which at its height stretched from Thailand, across present-day Cambodia, to southern Vietnam. The National Museum of Cambodia is next to the Royal University of Fine Arts is located on the west side of the museum. The museum buildings, inspired by Khmer temple architecture, were constructed between 1917 and 1924, the museum was officially inaugurated in 1920, and it was renovated in 1968.
We will drop back to your hotel after tour ends and drop of at your requested location. Tour ends!
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the price is per group, not per person
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire for temple visits
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture and artifacts
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Wonderful 4 hour tour
Wonderful tour. I went to the royal palace and National museum The guide and driver were early for pick up but that was fine as I was ready. The guide certainly knew Cambodias history which was great
Fab Historical Journey through Royal Palace and National Museum
Siphat was an awesome tour guide, taking me on a historical journey through the Royal Palace grounds and National Museum. His detailed historical and cultural knowledge helped me to make many connections and insights along the way. Highly recommend this tour!
To visit absolutely
The Royal Palace obviously does not enter the part of the palace where the current king resides. In addition, the Silver Pagoda is always open to visitors. The present palace dates from the 20th century. Several places to visit , such as the Throne Hall, the Kemarin Palace , the Hor Samritvimean Pavilion , the Napoleon III Pavilion, the Chan Chaya Pavilion , in the center of the courtyard , the famous silver pagoda paved with 5329 silver tiles of 1.125 , then the famous Emerald Buddha which is in jade , then a life-sized gold Buddha weighing 90 kg, it is inlaid with 2086 diamonds, the largest in the center of the tiara represents 25 carats. For the National Museum, huge red building, built by the French in the 1920s , a winged Garuda of 2 meters in stone, many stelae engraved in Sanskrit and ancient Khmer , many Buddhas lying, standing, sitting. Many jewels, many reliefs and lintels. Very nice visit.
Royal Palace Insights
The Royal Palace and surrounding grounds were beautiful and our tour guide was fantastic- enlightening first hand experiences of important recent events In Cambodia’s history.
Wonderful half-day private city tour.
Wonderful morning tour. My guide, Syphat was very nice and considerate with my needs. As the Palace is still closed, Genocide museum was the initial alternative...which I was reluctant to go. I told that Syphat and he immediately came up another plan, which worked out perfect for me. He was punctual every step of the way. He even went extra effort to help me get SIM card in the middle of tour...and still managed to drop me off at the hotel on the dot at the end of the tour!