A week in Cambodia -11/18/2023-11/24/2023

Phnom Penh -11/20/2023

Day 3-Royal Palace continuation

There is a large model of Angkor Wat in the first 12th century on display next to various buildings.

 Angkor Wat scale model in the 12th century

Angkor Wat is a temple complex at Angkor near Siem Reap that was built in the 12th century.

In the center is the Stupa of HM King Suramarit and HM Queen Kossomak (father and mother of former King Sihanouk), and grandfather and grandmother to King Sihamoni. On the right is the Stupa of Princess Kantha Bopha. The memorial sanctuary of the beloved daughter of the former King Sihanouk. Princess Kantha Bopha passed in 1952 at the age of four, succumbing to leukemia. The stupa was built in 1960.

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 View of both Stupas.

 Closer look at Princess Kantha Bopha Stupa

Stupa of HM King Norodom Stupa containing the ashes of the King Norodom (1834-1904). Constructed in 1908..

Closer view of the Stupa

The Silver Pagoda official name is Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram also known as the 'Silver Pagoda' for the 5 tonnes of silver tiles that cover the floor.  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 to the outside world 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 Vietnamese invasion, what remains is spectacular. This is one of the few places in Cambodia where bejeweled objects embodying some of the brilliance and richness of Khmer civilization can still be seen.

Not open to the public so we only got to see the exterior.

On the right is Keong Preah Bath Shrine containing Buddha footprints.
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Inside there are a lots of Buddha statues.

All types of Buddha are stored in this temple

Painting of a young King Sihanouk as a monk.

Sanskrit inscriptions

More Buddha statues.

On the left, under renovation is the canopy with a statue of HM King Norodom.  It was added by King Sihanouk in 1953 to honor King Norodom in light of Cambodia's new independence. The stupa north of the statue contains the ashes of King Norodom.

Behind the green screen you can see the statue of HM King Norodom Equestrian statue of the King Norodom (1834-1904).  Completed by French artist Eude in 1875 in Paris and placed on the pagoda grounds in 1892.

Beautiful Khmer golden roof inside the complex.

We are headed to the Napoleon III Pavilion

Napoleon III Pavilion is under renovation.

At first glance the Napoleon III Pavilion seems almost out-of-place.  In the center is a dome in a  European-style amongst the imposing and distinctly Khmer-style buildings that surround it. The Pavilion was in fact the first permanent structure on the site of the Royal Palace. It was originally built for Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III, in 1869 for use in the inauguration of the Suez Canal. In 1876 Emperor Napoleon III made a gift of the building to King Norodom of Cambodia. By fortunate happenstance, the royal emblem "N" emblazed on the doors and other parts of the building to honor the name of 'Napoleon' did not need to be altered when the pavilion was transferred to King "Norodom". The Pavilion was refurbished in 1991 with financial assistance from the French government. The Pavilion now serves as a small museum housing Royal memorabilia and a photographic exhibition.

We are now leaving the Royal Palace.

Just before leaving the complex there is an area full of souvenirs shops and museum.

Reclining Buddha under a tree.

More Buddha surrounding the tree.

White Elephant place

Statue of a large white Elephant which is the sacred and the most auspicious and revered symbol of royal beneficence within Cambodia.

The entrance/exit of the Royal Palace.

We are now on the Preah Sisowath Quay.

Next..Sunset Cruise