Cambodia to reopen royal palace to tourists in December

Phnom Penh: Cambodia will be opening its most popular tourist spot - the Royal Palace - to the public and tourists on December 1. It has been closed for over two years due to the pandemic.

Royal Palace Minister Kong Sam Ol said national and international tourists will be allowed to visit the Royal Palace from December 1 onwards. People can visit Throne Hall (Preah Tineang Tevea Vinichhay), where coronations and official ceremonies take place. The manicured gardens and palace grounds are popular among travellers.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the towering spires of the buildings at the Royal Palace are a great example of classic Khmer architecture found in Cambodia. Major attractions on the palace grounds include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Preah Keo Morakot), Stupas, the Royal Dining Hall, the Chan Chhaya Pavilion, and a French building that was a gift from Napoleon III.

The compound is known for housing the Khemarin Palace as well. Known as the Palace of the Khmer King, it is the official residence of current King Norodom Sihamoni. However, this is a protected part and not open to the public.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the Kingdom is lifting its target from 1 million to 2 million considering the increased rate of international tourists. "Cambodia's full reopening of its borders to all travellers, high Covid-19 vaccination rates, and tourism development strategies are key to attracting tourists to the kingdom."