The Mysterious Charm of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

A trip to Cambodia will completely overturn your stereotypes! Phnom Penh, the "heart" city of Cambodia, hides an astonishing "time-space folding" sensation. On the left is the modern CBD with a mix of French-style clock towers and glass curtain walls; the glass towers of Diamond Island reflect rainbow halos under the sunset, the Aeon Mall is filled with international trendy brand stores, and the French bakery’s croissants rival those in Paris. On the right lies the secret realm of the Royal Palace, entwined with gilded stupas and century-old banyan trees. Built in 1866, the Royal Palace complex, with its yellow and white buildings, shimmers with pearly light; the Garuda, a golden-winged bird, spreads its wings ready to fly, and the stone steps are carved with patterns of Shiva’s dance. Arriving before 6 a.m. allows you to enjoy the golden hour without tourists; sunlight penetrates the stained glass windows, casting divine light spots on the Buddha statues, making every photo a masterpiece. Additionally, the National Museum’s red brick building is an artwork itself, housing the "blind boxes" of the Angkor dynasty. The bronze statue of the 10th-century dance god Shiva has eyes that seem to shift with the light, making you feel as if you’ve traveled through a thousand years. Come to Cambodia and experience the perfect collision of tradition and modernity!

Post by Trip.Pulse | Oct 23, 2025

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