Silver Pagoda
Wat Preah Keo Morakot — an opulent royal temple within the Royal Palace housing Cambodia's most sacred treasures, from a silver-tiled floor to a crystal Emerald Buddha.
The Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morakot — Temple of the Emerald-Crystal Buddha) is a spectacular royal sanctuary in the southern grounds of the Royal Palace complex. Built in 1962 to replace an earlier wooden structure, it preserves Cambodia's most sacred cultural artifacts and hosts grand royal ceremonies. Unlike ordinary wats, monks do not permanently reside here — it functions as a royal house of worship.
Interior treasures. 5,329 silver tiles (over 5 tonnes) give the temple its English name — a small section near the entrance remains uncovered. The Emerald Buddha (17th-century Baccarat crystal) crowns the central pedestal. A life-sized 90 kg solid 18K gold Maitreya (1906–1907) bears 2,000+ diamonds, including a 25-carat stone on the chest. A ceremonial staircase of Italian marble leads into the hall.
Grounds. Covered galleries display Reamker murals (1903–1904, Cambodian Ramayana). White royal stupas hold ashes of Kings Ang Duong and Norodom and Princess Kantha Bopha. A detailed stone model of Angkor Wat stands on the lawn.
Practical. Included in the $10 USD Royal Palace ticket (cash at the gate on Samdach Sothearos Blvd). Daily 8:00–11:00 AM & 2:00–5:00 PM — visit the morning session to avoid heat. Strict dress code: shoulders and knees covered. Photos allowed in the courtyard; no photography inside the sanctuary.
The glimpse of silver tiles at the doorway, then the crystal Buddha and the gold Maitreya — overwhelming in the best way. We went at 8 AM with the Palace ticket and had the courtyard almost to ourselves.
Géraldine & Jean-Pierre
Visit & tips
- Included in Royal Palace admission — cash at main gate
- Hours: 8–11 AM & 2–5 PM daily · go early
- Dress: shoulders & knees covered (strict)
- Courtyard photos OK · no photos inside sanctuary
- Reamker murals, royal stupas & Angkor Wat model