Today we start to visit Royal Palace (Silk pagoda), Royal Palace, built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda, located within the Royal Palace, the silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles, the treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Grislier, designed it in Khmer style in 1920. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art – notably sculptures – throughout the ages (although some periods are not represented). Most of the exhibits date from the Angkor period but there are several examples from the pre-Angkor era.
Lunch at Khema Restaurant. Afternoon visit, Tuol Sleng was used as S-21 prison ad interrogation facility during Pol Pot Regime. The building now serves as a museum, a memorial and a testament to the madness of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Visit Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung) Toul Tum Poung market is often referred to as the Russian market because of its popularity among Russian expatriates during the 1980s. This market is popular to collectors of genuine antiques; also, for those looking for good reproductions. Filled with stalls selling sundry souvenir items (silk scarves and bags, woodcarvings, etc.) and clothing, Toul Tum Poung is a well-frequented market among tourists. Additionally, a handful of air-conditioned “export” shops have cropped up that offer factory over-run designer clothing at hugely discounted prices.
Dinner at Topaz Restaurant and overnight in Phnom Penh at Rosewood Hotel.
