architecture Archives - Asian Itinerary https://asianitinerary.com/tag/architecture/ Travel, Holiday, Adventure Fri, 30 Aug 2024 05:11:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses https://asianitinerary.com/origin-of-sino-portuguese-houses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=origin-of-sino-portuguese-houses Tue, 11 Apr 2023 20:18:24 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=52975

Sino-Portuguese houses are a unique architectural style found in Southeast Asia. These houses have an interesting history and a cultural significance, which makes them an important part of the region’s heritage. The Sino-Portuguese house style began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders started trading in Southeast Asian countries. The prolonged contact between the two different cultures led the locals to be inspired by the construction techniques of their new visitors, incorporating many elements into their designs and creating a unique hybrid between Asian and European styles, which is still seen today . Today these houses are highly sought-after for their historic value and aesthetic appeal; they often serve both residential purposes and commercial activities such as shops or restaurants within their premises, and in some cases they can be preserved through maintenance efforts which help to keep this distinctive aspect of regional culture alive for future generations to appreciate. Sino-Portuguese houses are one of the icons of Southeast Asian cultural and historical heritage, with a significant presence in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These houses are characterised by their unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, as their name suggests, and represent a synthesis of the two cultures that have contributed to their design and development. On the one hand we find the Chinese influence which is evident in the traditional elements of the southern Chinese style, such as the layout of the interior spaces and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. On the other hand, the Portuguese influence is visible in the use of Baroque elements, such as interior decorations, stained glass windows and carved wooden doors. These houses are much more than just homes: they represent a bridge between two cultures and a testimony of the past, offering a unique experience to visitors who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this fusion of different cultural traditions and influences. With their charm and historical significance, these Sino-Portuguese houses have become real treasures for local communities, who continue to care for them and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations. The origins of Sino-Portuguese architecture can be traced back to the 16th century, when merchants from East Asia and Europe began trading with each other along what was then known as the Spice Route. Over time, their interactions became more frequent and they began to incorporate aspects of each culture into their designs, thus creating an entirely new architectural style that combined features such as curved gables or decorative columns associated with European Baroque styles with ornate tiles similar to those used by southern Chinese buildings during that period. Today Sino-Portuguese houses are very popular throughout Southeast Asia. This is not only because they represent a practical testimony of the encounter between East and West, an encounter that left something that is still worth admiring, but also because of the beauty, practicality and originality of the buildings that have left us, which highlight local craft traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and enriched during the colonial era. Although the style of Sino-Portuguese houses basically represents a unique architectural style, that is to say that concept of home and shop typical of that culture that is easy to find in predominantly Chinese cities such as Phuket or George Town, there may be differences from city to city. In Singapore, for example, Sino-Portuguese style houses are predominantly found in Chinatown. They are typically two or three stories high and feature intricate details such as red brick walls, ornate window frames, ornate balconies, and colourful tile roofs. These features give these buildings a distinctive look from other types of housing in Singapore. Inside these homes one can find spacious living areas with large windows that allow natural light to enter the rooms, while offering spectacular views of the nearby streets or gardens below, depending on where they are located within the city. In Malaysia, UNESCO has named Malacca and above all George Town, the latter being the capital of the island of Penang, as a World Heritage Site, also and perhaps above all thanks to the neighbourhoods where Sino-Portuguese architecture stands out. In these cities the most obvious features of these houses are the large windows, often equipped with decorative grilles or shutters to keep out the sunlight and at the same time allow air to pass through; the large verandas that offer shade; the brightly coloured walls decorated with painted ceramic tiles; the wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings; the high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden posts or beams; the sloping roofs made of red clay tiles arranged in elaborate patterns reminiscent of those of temples throughout Southeast Asia. Inside these dwellings can be found large courtyards surrounded by galleries filled with antiques collected over the generations, as well as luxurious furniture made from local hardwoods such as teak and rosewood which further enhance the value of the dwelling. The historic center of Malacca is a unique testimony to the history and culture of this region. Sino-Portuguese buildings with centuries of history are still standing, but they are threatened by urban development projects and it is precisely to preserve this cultural heritage that the government and UNESCO are working together to restore some of these structures and preserve the original ones. Restoration work has been carried out on some structures so that they can once again be appreciated in all their former glory, while others have remained intact, giving visitors an idea of what life was like when settlers arrived here centuries ago . Sino-Portuguese style houses began to be built in Thailand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There too it was an architectural synthesis resulting from the meeting of the distinctive traditional styles of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, whose traders found their meeting point mainly in Phuket Town. Here they are still part of the local landscape, and you can walk in the shade of their arcades wandering back in time between Thalang road, Dibuk road, PhangNga...

The post Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>

Sino-Portuguese houses are a unique architectural style found in Southeast Asia. These houses have an interesting history and a cultural significance, which makes them an important part of the region’s heritage.

The Sino-Portuguese house style began in the 16th century when Portuguese traders started trading in Southeast Asian countries. The prolonged contact between the two different cultures led the locals to be inspired by the construction techniques of their new visitors, incorporating many elements into their designs and creating a unique hybrid between Asian and European styles, which is still seen today .

Today these houses are highly sought-after for their historic value and aesthetic appeal; they often serve both residential purposes and commercial activities such as shops or restaurants within their premises, and in some cases they can be preserved through maintenance efforts which help to keep this distinctive aspect of regional culture alive for future generations to appreciate.

Sino-Portuguese houses are one of the icons of Southeast Asian cultural and historical heritage, with a significant presence in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. These houses are characterised by their unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influences, as their name suggests, and represent a synthesis of the two cultures that have contributed to their design and development.

On the one hand we find the Chinese influence which is evident in the traditional elements of the southern Chinese style, such as the layout of the interior spaces and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. On the other hand, the Portuguese influence is visible in the use of Baroque elements, such as interior decorations, stained glass windows and carved wooden doors.

These houses are much more than just homes: they represent a bridge between two cultures and a testimony of the past, offering a unique experience to visitors who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this fusion of different cultural traditions and influences. With their charm and historical significance, these Sino-Portuguese houses have become real treasures for local communities, who continue to care for them and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.

The origins of Sino-Portuguese architecture can be traced back to the 16th century, when merchants from East Asia and Europe began trading with each other along what was then known as the Spice Route. Over time, their interactions became more frequent and they began to incorporate aspects of each culture into their designs, thus creating an entirely new architectural style that combined features such as curved gables or decorative columns associated with European Baroque styles with ornate tiles similar to those used by southern Chinese buildings during that period.

Today Sino-Portuguese houses are very popular throughout Southeast Asia. This is not only because they represent a practical testimony of the encounter between East and West, an encounter that left something that is still worth admiring, but also because of the beauty, practicality and originality of the buildings that have left us, which highlight local craft traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation and enriched during the colonial era.

Although the style of Sino-Portuguese houses basically represents a unique architectural style, that is to say that concept of home and shop typical of that culture that is easy to find in predominantly Chinese cities such as Phuket or George Town, there may be differences from city to city.

In Singapore, for example, Sino-Portuguese style houses are predominantly found in Chinatown. They are typically two or three stories high and feature intricate details such as red brick walls, ornate window frames, ornate balconies, and colourful tile roofs. These features give these buildings a distinctive look from other types of housing in Singapore. Inside these homes one can find spacious living areas with large windows that allow natural light to enter the rooms, while offering spectacular views of the nearby streets or gardens below, depending on where they are located within the city.

In Malaysia, UNESCO has named Malacca and above all George Town, the latter being the capital of the island of Penang, as a World Heritage Site, also and perhaps above all thanks to the neighbourhoods where Sino-Portuguese architecture stands out.

In these cities the most obvious features of these houses are the large windows, often equipped with decorative grilles or shutters to keep out the sunlight and at the same time allow air to pass through; the large verandas that offer shade; the brightly coloured walls decorated with painted ceramic tiles; the wooden balconies adorned with intricate carvings; the high ceilings supported by intricately carved wooden posts or beams; the sloping roofs made of red clay tiles arranged in elaborate patterns reminiscent of those of temples throughout Southeast Asia. Inside these dwellings can be found large courtyards surrounded by galleries filled with antiques collected over the generations, as well as luxurious furniture made from local hardwoods such as teak and rosewood which further enhance the value of the dwelling.

The historic center of Malacca is a unique testimony to the history and culture of this region. Sino-Portuguese buildings with centuries of history are still standing, but they are threatened by urban development projects and it is precisely to preserve this cultural heritage that the government and UNESCO are working together to restore some of these structures and preserve the original ones. Restoration work has been carried out on some structures so that they can once again be appreciated in all their former glory, while others have remained intact, giving visitors an idea of what life was like when settlers arrived here centuries ago .

Sino-Portuguese style houses began to be built in Thailand in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. There too it was an architectural synthesis resulting from the meeting of the distinctive traditional styles of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, whose traders found their meeting point mainly in Phuket Town. Here they are still part of the local landscape, and you can walk in the shade of their arcades wandering back in time between Thalang road, Dibuk road, PhangNga road, Yaowarat road and Krabi road.

Sino-Portuguese buildings were designed to fit the tropical environment, but also to ensure comfort within their walls; features such as large shuttered verandahs allowed for ventilation, while keeping out heat and humidity. The structures themselves were typically two or three stories high, with ornate balconies on each level and decorative columns that could be viewed from outside the house itself. Inside these homes were large courtyards surrounded by rooms filled with intricate wood carvings and colourful paintings depicting scenes of daily life of the time, all for a one-of-a-kind architectural experience unlike any other in the world!

Today these houses remain popular tourist attractions in all South-East Asian countries where they are present, thanks to the contribution of two cultures that have let themselves go to a certain form of permeability, leaving us with the testimony of a unique architecture which, as far as I know, has no equal in the rest of the world.

Images by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

The post Origin of Sino-Portuguese houses appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> The ‘OOAK Niseko’ Holiday Dream Home https://asianitinerary.com/the-ooak-niseko-holiday-dream-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ooak-niseko-holiday-dream-home Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:21:30 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=51886

Steve Leung, the founder of internationally renowned and award-winning Steve Leung Design Group, is proud to present OOAK Niseko, his family’s holiday dream home in Niseko, Japan’s ski capital in Hokkaido. Starting off as an architect, to developing his professional business of architecture and interior design in parallel, Steve has become one of the most influential leaders in design. As a personal passion project in recent years, Steve has taken the lead to drive the architectural, interior design and art display of the dedicated family residence OOAK Niseko. Lauded as the ‘crown jewel’ of Japanese ski resorts and holiday homes, and favoured for its abundance of space and privacy, Niseko is notorious for its mesmerising seasons. Often referred as one of the world’s top 10 ski destinations and the ‘Aspen of Asia’, Niseko is beautifully snow-blanketed with light fluffy powder snow throughout winter; in blissful summer months, it offers an array of outdoor activities including lake boating, lavender fields touring and golfing, to name a few. The destination also witnessed a distinctive cross-cultural phenomenon otherwise unseen in Japan over the past decade, evolving into an international melting pot, and uniquely positioned to celebrate the confluence of Japanese and international architectural design occurring in this special environment, making it the perfect base for OOAK Niseko to unfold in its majesty. An acronym for ‘one of a kind’, the OOAK brand is the brainchild of Steve Leung and his family. Fuelled by Steve’s personal motto, “Enjoy Life, Enjoy Design”, OOAK offers a rare experience to enjoy not just exceptional and unique architecture and design, but also beautiful vignettes of his various life inspirations. Steve sought after architect Makoto Nakayama for a collaborative effort further to the successful debut of OOAK Lamma, celebrating the meeting of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Steve’s own design language. Following the similar design ethos between Steve and Nakayama, OOAK Niseko brilliantly showcases a timeless style characterised by clean lines and simple forms, paying homage to the long-established Japanese architecture through liveable spaces that embraces nature through the contemporary space. Tucked on a hillside with two hinged structures, the two-storey OOAK Niseko is designed in consideration of the natural topography, showcasing the magnificent surrounding of the lush forest and panoramic views of the undulating countryside, whilst applied practical approaches minimise environmental impacts. Seamless transitions define OOAK Niseko, with the exterior and interior harmonious and fluid throughout the 600 square meters space. Three-sided floor-to-ceiling windows sit on the upper floor where the splendid vista of Mount Yotei is available at the alpine sanctuary. Apart from the spacious living and dining areas, the space shows off three large bedrooms, the 94 square meters master suite, – with each room being an ensuite with huge Japanese-style baths. Catering to the residents’ maximum enjoyment and private relaxation, OOAK Niseko has a dedicated entertainment room for karaoke and cigars, as well as a spa room for massage which cultivate more opportunities for quality time with family and friends. The architect Makoto Nakayama shared his feelings of gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Steve. Nakayama says:  “it has been my pleasure to work on such a rare passion project with Steve. At first I was a bit wary about working with another architect with a clear vision and opinions about design, but the collaboration was a wonderful and educational experience, and resulted in a more personal work that had a feeling of completeness to it. Steve Leung is a highly sensitive designer who goes through iterative stages, exploring the design from all directions. He makes decisions by considering over and over again with the scale ruler and sketches. This manual style is more disciplined than how I work, and I remain deeply impressed.” Steve Leung says: “I am thrilled to share my design journey and legacy from a very intimate perspective. Working on my dream home with Nakayama-san, a prominent architect and one of the best, and throughout this meaningful journey, I have learned so much from him and I hope I have returned this great favour. OOAK Niseko is a labour of love and a family home deeply rooted in design and in one of my most favourite locations in Japan.”

The post The ‘OOAK Niseko’ Holiday Dream Home appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>

Steve Leung, the founder of internationally renowned and award-winning Steve Leung Design Group, is proud to present OOAK Niseko, his family’s holiday dream home in Niseko, Japan’s ski capital in Hokkaido. Starting off as an architect, to developing his professional business of architecture and interior design in parallel, Steve has become one of the most influential leaders in design. As a personal passion project in recent years, Steve has taken the lead to drive the architectural, interior design and art display of the dedicated family residence OOAK Niseko.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Guest Room

Lauded as the ‘crown jewel’ of Japanese ski resorts and holiday homes, and favoured for its abundance of space and privacy, Niseko is notorious for its mesmerising seasons. Often referred as one of the world’s top 10 ski destinations and the ‘Aspen of Asia’, Niseko is beautifully snow-blanketed with light fluffy powder snow throughout winter; in blissful summer months, it offers an array of outdoor activities including lake boating, lavender fields touring and golfing, to name a few. The destination also witnessed a distinctive cross-cultural phenomenon otherwise unseen in Japan over the past decade, evolving into an international melting pot, and uniquely positioned to celebrate the confluence of Japanese and international architectural design occurring in this special environment, making it the perfect base for OOAK Niseko to unfold in its majesty.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Massage Room

An acronym for ‘one of a kind’, the OOAK brand is the brainchild of Steve Leung and his family. Fuelled by Steve’s personal motto, “Enjoy Life, Enjoy Design”, OOAK offers a rare experience to enjoy not just exceptional and unique architecture and design, but also beautiful vignettes of his various life inspirations. Steve sought after architect Makoto Nakayama for a collaborative effort further to the successful debut of OOAK Lamma, celebrating the meeting of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Steve’s own design language. Following the similar design ethos between Steve and Nakayama, OOAK Niseko brilliantly showcases a timeless style characterised by clean lines and simple forms, paying homage to the long-established Japanese architecture through liveable spaces that embraces nature through the contemporary space.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Living Room

Tucked on a hillside with two hinged structures, the two-storey OOAK Niseko is designed in consideration of the natural topography, showcasing the magnificent surrounding of the lush forest and panoramic views of the undulating countryside, whilst applied practical approaches minimise environmental impacts. Seamless transitions define OOAK Niseko, with the exterior and interior harmonious and fluid throughout the 600 square meters space. Three-sided floor-to-ceiling windows sit on the upper floor where the splendid vista of Mount Yotei is available at the alpine sanctuary. Apart from the spacious living and dining areas, the space shows off three large bedrooms, the 94 square meters master suite, – with each room being an ensuite with huge Japanese-style baths. Catering to the residents’ maximum enjoyment and private relaxation, OOAK Niseko has a dedicated entertainment room for karaoke and cigars, as well as a spa room for massage which cultivate more opportunities for quality time with family and friends.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Guest Room

The architect Makoto Nakayama shared his feelings of gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Steve. Nakayama says:  “it has been my pleasure to work on such a rare passion project with Steve. At first I was a bit wary about working with another architect with a clear vision and opinions about design, but the collaboration was a wonderful and educational experience, and resulted in a more personal work that had a feeling of completeness to it. Steve Leung is a highly sensitive designer who goes through iterative stages, exploring the design from all directions. He makes decisions by considering over and over again with the scale ruler and sketches. This manual style is more disciplined than how I work, and I remain deeply impressed.”

Steve Leung says: “I am thrilled to share my design journey and legacy from a very intimate perspective. Working on my dream home with Nakayama-san, a prominent architect and one of the best, and throughout this meaningful journey, I have learned so much from him and I hope I have returned this great favour. OOAK Niseko is a labour of love and a family home deeply rooted in design and in one of my most favourite locations in Japan.”

The post The ‘OOAK Niseko’ Holiday Dream Home appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> The Imam mosque in Isfahan https://asianitinerary.com/the-imam-mosque-in-isfahan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-imam-mosque-in-isfahan Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:35:22 +0000 https://asianitinerary.com/?p=40381

The history This spectacular mosque is located on the southern side of the large Naqsh-e Jaham square in Isfahan, Iran, and was commissioned in the Safavid era by Abbas the Great, who ordered the start of works in 1611. The Shah by that time was already 52 years old; to allow him to see his work completed, the technique of pre-painted tiles then assembled according to the pre-established models was introduced for the first time in Iran. The traditional techniques available were complex mosaics made with millions of individual tiles, or by directly painting the decorations on the walls, which took a very long time. This choice was decisive and allowed the completion of the structure already in 1629, 18 years after the beginning of the works. The builders of the Imam mosque had been chosen among the best architects, engineers, designers and artists of the Safavid era. Until 1979 the Imam mosque was called Shah’s Mosque (or Royal Mosque); after the Islamic revolution it became the Imam’s Mosque but you can call it either way. It is a masterpiece of Persian and Islamic architecture that has witnessed some historical events and has a kind of royal harmony. Together with the monumental Naqsh-e Jaham square on which it overlooks, it has been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The architecture The asymmetrical plan of the mosque is due to a double alignment: the facade is oriented towards the square in the opposite direction to the entrance door of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, while the mosque is instead facing towards the Mecca. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the mosque are the splendid mosaic decorations with tiles of seven different colours. One could spend days walking through the courtyards and in the buildings of the complex, simply following the geometric or floral patterns found on the walls, but remembering once in a while to look up as well, as some of the more elaborate mosaics decorate the domes. The portal of the building, decorated with mosaics depicting geometric, floral and calligraphic motifs, is 30 meters high and is flanked by two 42-metre minarets. All the walls of the building are decorated with mosaic tiles of seven colours which allow a remarkable optical effect. In the internal courtyard the arcades have refined blue and yellow mosaics, and in the center there is a tub for ablutions. The southern side leads to the main sanctuary with a large dome. In this space the echo effect reproduced by the structure is famous. According to scientists, there are 49 echo tones produced, even though the human ear perceives only 12. Ultimately the Imam mosque, with its magnificent minarets and its various architectural marvels, is undoubtedly among the unrivalled masterpieces of Isfahan. A mosque which in its time was among the marvels of the age, and indeed, for the beauty of its design, the grandeur, the solemn dimensions and the magnificence of its majolica, is the shining star of the art of the Safavid period. Photo Gallery by Thomas Gennaro 2022

The post The Imam mosque in Isfahan appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>

The history

This spectacular mosque is located on the southern side of the large Naqsh-e Jaham square in Isfahan, Iran, and was commissioned in the Safavid era by Abbas the Great, who ordered the start of works in 1611. The Shah by that time was already 52 years old; to allow him to see his work completed, the technique of pre-painted tiles then assembled according to the pre-established models was introduced for the first time in Iran. The traditional techniques available were complex mosaics made with millions of individual tiles, or by directly painting the decorations on the walls, which took a very long time. This choice was decisive and allowed the completion of the structure already in 1629, 18 years after the beginning of the works. The builders of the Imam mosque had been chosen among the best architects, engineers, designers and artists of the Safavid era.

Until 1979 the Imam mosque was called Shah’s Mosque (or Royal Mosque); after the Islamic revolution it became the Imam’s Mosque but you can call it either way. It is a masterpiece of Persian and Islamic architecture that has witnessed some historical events and has a kind of royal harmony. Together with the monumental Naqsh-e Jaham square on which it overlooks, it has been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The architecture

The asymmetrical plan of the mosque is due to a double alignment: the facade is oriented towards the square in the opposite direction to the entrance door of the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, while the mosque is instead facing towards the Mecca. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the mosque are the splendid mosaic decorations with tiles of seven different colours.

One could spend days walking through the courtyards and in the buildings of the complex, simply following the geometric or floral patterns found on the walls, but remembering once in a while to look up as well, as some of the more elaborate mosaics decorate the domes.

The portal of the building, decorated with mosaics depicting geometric, floral and calligraphic motifs, is 30 meters high and is flanked by two 42-metre minarets. All the walls of the building are decorated with mosaic tiles of seven colours which allow a remarkable optical effect.

In the internal courtyard the arcades have refined blue and yellow mosaics, and in the center there is a tub for ablutions. The southern side leads to the main sanctuary with a large dome. In this space the echo effect reproduced by the structure is famous. According to scientists, there are 49 echo tones produced, even though the human ear perceives only 12.

Ultimately the Imam mosque, with its magnificent minarets and its various architectural marvels, is undoubtedly among the unrivalled masterpieces of Isfahan. A mosque which in its time was among the marvels of the age, and indeed, for the beauty of its design, the grandeur, the solemn dimensions and the magnificence of its majolica, is the shining star of the art of the Safavid period.

Photo Gallery by Thomas Gennaro 2022

The post The Imam mosque in Isfahan appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]> Phnom Penh Royal Palace https://asianitinerary.com/phnom-penh-royal-palace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=phnom-penh-royal-palace Thu, 02 Jul 2015 14:29:44 +0000 http://asianitinerary.com/?p=20976

The marvels of the complex of buildings called Phnom Penh Royal Palace has served as the royal residence of the kings of Cambodia since it was built in the 1860s, with the only period of absence during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge. King Norodom had it built atop an old citadel after relocating the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century – though most of King Norodom era buildings have been completely demolished. Phnom Penh Royal Palace (its full name in Khmer language is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol) is located at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River, facing east. It is a great example of Khmer architecture and features a layout of the defensive wall, stupas, towering spires, mural paintings, the throne hall and the impressive Silver Pagoda, with a floor made up of 5329 silver tiles, weighing 1.125 kilograms each. This is one of the highlights of a visit to this palace. Most of the palace buildings including the King’s living area (which is closed to public) have had some major modifications to its buildings over time, with the Silver Pagoda having to be rebuilt completely as the original structure was aging and was too weak to stand. The palace has always been a popular tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. Visitors are able to wander around the Silver Pagoda compound and the central compound – though most of the buildings, including the King’s living area, is closed to the public. Sure, if you have been to other palaces in Asia, you come here with high expectations which are a bit dashed once inside the compound: no explanation boards, some buildings closed or roped off, and if you do not hire a guide it is hard to get anything out of a visit. Another highlight of Phnom Penh Royal Palace is the manicured gardens, yet, with temperature soaring to 40 degrees Celcius and not much shelter in the palace grounds, an umbrella and lots of water are advised especially for a visit during afternoon hours. One of the clear advantages of a visit to Phnom Penh Royal Palace is that you can enjoy similar architectural style to, say, Bangkok Royal Palace but without the crowds and the frustrations. A peaceful visit after all, as the palace is hardly ever crowded. That said, the experience was worth it, very educational and with interesting architecture, and since there is little to visit in Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Royal Palace is quite an attraction. If you don’t start making comparisons to other royal palaces in Asia, you will, like me, enjoy the visit… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh Accommodation in Phnom Penh: http://asianitinerary.com/pandan-boutique-hotel/ http://asianitinerary.com/the-kabiki/ While in Phnom Penh, do not miss the new season of Cambodian Living Arts shows at the National Theatre COME ON TOUR WITH US Join us for a unique adventure! Discover these fascinating places and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of the world with our travel branch FANTASIA ASIA – click on the following programs to know more: https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/offbeat-siem-reap-6-days-5-night/ https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/the-wonders-of-angkor-7days-6ights/ https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/angkor-heritage/ https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-battambang-phnom-penh-7-days-6-nights/ https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-phnom-penh-tour-6-days-5-nights/ Watch here for our VIDEO on Siem Reap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SvjBjyWfc 

The post Phnom Penh Royal Palace appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>
Entrance ticket at Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Entrance ticket at Phnom Penh Royal Palace

The marvels of the complex of buildings called Phnom Penh Royal Palace has served as the royal residence of the kings of Cambodia since it was built in the 1860s, with the only period of absence during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge. King Norodom had it built atop an old citadel after relocating the royal capital from Oudong to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century – though most of King Norodom era buildings have been completely demolished.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace (its full name in Khmer language is Preah Barum Reachea Veang Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol) is located at the Western bank of the cross division of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River, facing east. It is a great example of Khmer architecture and features a layout of the defensive wall, stupas, towering spires, mural paintings, the throne hall and the impressive Silver Pagoda, with a floor made up of 5329 silver tiles, weighing 1.125 kilograms each. This is one of the highlights of a visit to this palace.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Most of the palace buildings including the King’s living area (which is closed to public) have had some major modifications to its buildings over time, with the Silver Pagoda having to be rebuilt completely as the original structure was aging and was too weak to stand.

The palace has always been a popular tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. Visitors are able to wander around the Silver Pagoda compound and the central compound – though most of the buildings, including the King’s living area, is closed to the public. Sure, if you have been to other palaces in Asia, you come here with high expectations which are a bit dashed once inside the compound: no explanation boards, some buildings closed or roped off, and if you do not hire a guide it is hard to get anything out of a visit.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Another highlight of Phnom Penh Royal Palace is the manicured gardens, yet, with temperature soaring to 40 degrees Celcius and not much shelter in the palace grounds, an umbrella and lots of water are advised especially for a visit during afternoon hours.

One of the clear advantages of a visit to Phnom Penh Royal Palace is that you can enjoy similar architectural style to, say, Bangkok Royal Palace but without the crowds and the frustrations. A peaceful visit after all, as the palace is hardly ever crowded.

Monks at Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Monks at Phnom Penh Royal Palace

That said, the experience was worth it, very educational and with interesting architecture, and since there is little to visit in Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Royal Palace is quite an attraction. If you don’t start making comparisons to other royal palaces in Asia, you will, like me, enjoy the visit…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace,_Phnom_Penh

Accommodation in Phnom Penh:

http://asianitinerary.com/pandan-boutique-hotel/

http://asianitinerary.com/the-kabiki/

While in Phnom Penh, do not miss the new season of Cambodian Living Arts shows at the National Theatre

COME ON TOUR WITH US

Join us for a unique adventure! Discover these fascinating places and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of the world with our travel branch FANTASIA ASIA – click on the following programs to know more:

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/offbeat-siem-reap-6-days-5-night/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/the-wonders-of-angkor-7days-6ights/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/angkor-heritage/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-battambang-phnom-penh-7-days-6-nights/

https://www.fantasiaasia.com/tour/siem-reap-phnom-penh-tour-6-days-5-nights/

Watch here for our VIDEO on Siem Reap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SvjBjyWfc 

The post Phnom Penh Royal Palace appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

]]>