Silver Pagoda | Phnom Penh

Information

Landmark: Silver Pagoda
City: Phnom Penh
Country: Cambodia
Continent: Asia

Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Asia

The Silver Pagoda, officially Wat Preah Keo Morakot, is a royal temple located within the grounds of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It is distinguished by its floor, which is paved with over 5,000 silver tiles, and houses numerous national treasures, including a gold Buddha statue encrusted with diamonds.

Visual Characteristics

The temple complex consists of several structures, primarily built with brick and concrete, then covered with plaster and painted. The roofs are tiled with glazed ceramic tiles, often in yellow and blue. The main temple building features a multi-tiered roof topped with ornate finials. The exterior walls are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The floor inside the main sanctuary is composed of approximately 5,000 solid silver tiles, each weighing 1kg. The interior houses a collection of Buddha statues, including a life-sized emerald Buddha and a solid gold Maitreya Buddha weighing 90kg, adorned with 9,584 diamonds.

Location & Access Logistics

The Silver Pagoda is situated within the Royal Palace complex, on the southern side of the palace grounds. The Royal Palace is located on the Sisowath Quay, adjacent to the Tonle Sap River, in Phnom Penh. Access is via the main entrance to the Royal Palace. The nearest major intersection is Norodom Boulevard and Sisowath Quay. Public transport options include local tuk-tuks and taxis. There is a designated visitor entrance and ticket booth for the Royal Palace complex. Parking is available within the vicinity of the Royal Palace, though it can be limited during peak hours.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current structures of the Silver Pagoda were largely constructed between 1917 and 1919, replacing an earlier wooden temple built in 1892. The original temple was commissioned by King Norodom. The complex was rebuilt and renovated in 1962 under the patronage of King Sihanouk. The primary purpose of the Silver Pagoda is to house sacred Buddhist relics and serve as a ceremonial site for the Cambodian monarchy.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the 5,000 silver tiles that form the floor of the main sanctuary. The collection of Buddha statues, including the Emerald Buddha and the Diamond Buddha, are key exhibits. The detailed bas-reliefs on the exterior walls depicting the Ramayana are also a significant feature. Photography is permitted in the outer courtyards but not inside the main temple building. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the Royal Palace complex. Shaded areas are provided by the architecture of the buildings and surrounding trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the complex. Food vendors are not located directly within the Silver Pagoda or Royal Palace grounds, but are available along Sisowath Quay outside the complex.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day to visit for lighting conditions on the exterior architecture is generally in the late morning or mid-afternoon, avoiding the harshest midday sun. The dry season, from November to April, offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The temple is open daily, but specific opening hours should be confirmed as they can vary.

Facts & Legends

A notable legend states that the Silver Pagoda was built to house a life-sized solid gold statue of Buddha, which was later replaced by the current Maitreya Buddha statue. The floor is said to be made of 5,000 solid silver tiles, each weighing one kilogram, though the exact number and weight are subject to historical accounts.