13 December 2015. The Royal Palace

I got up early to go to the Royal Palace that opens at 08.00. I still arrived a little late and my heart slightly sank at the number of coaches parked outside. However, I breezed in, got my ticket and found the whole complex by no means crowded.

At first, one is directed to the far end of the part of the complex that is open to visitors and one can enticingly glimpse the other half of the site that is closed - justifiably, as the King lives there!

Then the main building to attract attention is the Throne Building. Unfortunately one is only able to look in and photos are banned - but it contains some impressive thrones, not surprisingly.

Next there is an open air building used for performances.

The route then goes through to the other main attraction - The Emerald Buddha Temple. One is allowed inside but photography is again banned. A pity because the buddha is very impressive, as is the larger gold buddha with encrusted diamonds that stands in front of it. All in all, the temple contains thousands of images and the floor is carpeted but beneath lies a floor made of silver.

The area around the temple contains a bell tower,

a model of Ankor Wat,

and several stupas

There is also lots of detail to enjoy.

as well as the gardens.

The courtyards have paintings that are being restored.

On the way out, there are exhibition halls.

All in all, a very worthwhile visit. Maybe not as gob-smacking as the Bangkok version but still excellent.

On the way home, various street-scenes caught my eye, including the frogs and meat ready for cooking - a common sight in Phnom Penh.