Set within the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh, the Silver Pagoda is one of Cambodia’s most important religious and royal sites. Officially known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot, it sits on the southern side of the palace grounds and forms an essential part of any visit to the capital’s royal quarter. Unlike many active pagodas, it has no resident monks and is closely tied instead to royal ceremonies and the spiritual life of the Cambodian monarchy.

What makes the Silver Pagoda especially remarkable is the wealth of craftsmanship and symbolism inside. It is best known for the 5,329 silver floor tiles that give the pagoda its popular name, although only part of the floor is usually visible to visitors in order to protect it. The temple also houses some of Cambodia’s most important Buddhist treasures, including the small green crystal Emerald Buddha and an extraordinary life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha commissioned by King Sisowath, richly decorated with diamonds.

The wider compound adds to the experience, with stupas, murals and royal memorials helping create a strong sense of continuity between religion, monarchy and Cambodian heritage. In particular, the surrounding gallery murals and royal funerary monuments give the site more depth than a single temple hall alone.

For most travellers, the Silver Pagoda is best seen together with the Royal Palace, and the two visits naturally belong together. It adds sacred and artistic richness to the palace experience and remains one of the essential sights of Phnom Penh.