THE ROYAL GARDENS

In the center of Siem Reap

The Royal Garden is basicaly the only green oppen area you’ll find in Siem Reap and the place ispopular among locals as well as tourists. It’s the place where king Sihanouk and general Lon Nol in 1950 designed the plan that would seperate Cambodia from its France occupiers. The royal residense, which is located across the Royal Gardens is not open to the public.

What special about the Royal Gardens?

The official name the Royal Gardens is the ‘Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens’, but locals just use the name Royal Gardens. It’s one of the most favorite places in town to excerize, drink with friends or just sit, watch and do nothing. It’s the biggest open greem space and the biggest park in Siem Reap.

The Royal Palace is used for the king of Cambodia when he visits Siem Reap and is not accessable for the public. The Royal Gardens can be visited at any time and there is no entrance fee. The area surrounding the Royal Palace, especially near the riverside is often used for special events and concerts. The small temple west of the Royal residence is an important temple to al Siem Reapers and also attracts a lot of tourists.

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How to get there?

The Royal Gardens are located near the riverside at a 10 minute walk from the Pub Street area. Depending on where you are, you can walk to the Royal Gardens or take a PassApp or tuktuk. Among the locals the Royal Gardens are referred to as ‘Bunkalow’ and using this word will make it easy for you to find the location.

How much will it cost?

Access to the Royal Gardens is free of charge. There is n gate and you can enter the gardens at any time of day and night. A drive with a PassApp or tuktuk will not cost more you more than 1 or 2 dollar.

What you should do!

The Royal Gardens is a beautiful place to take pictures, so bring your camera. Don’t forget to stop under the huge trees in the middle of the park and watch the bats. There are hundreds and therefor the park is also known under the name Bat Park.

What you need to know

The park is a popular place among locals, during the day and the night. Night time you may find some local drunks or youth, but ignoring them will keep you safe.

Keep in mind that this area is under intensive police protection, even when the king is not in Siem Reap (mostly he’s in Phnom Penh)