Can you imagine a floor made of silver? Right here at Chraoy Bothom, also known as Praek Chrey Pagoda, within the Royal Palace compound of Phnom Penh, such a marvel exists. The Silver Pagoda, as it’s often called, shimmers with a breathtaking display of wealth and devotion. Chraoy Bothom’s official name is Wat Ubaosoth Ratanaram, but it’s also known as Wat Preah Keo Morakot, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Silver Pagoda’s name comes from its floor. It’s covered with five tons of gleaming silver tiles. You can catch a glimpse of some of the 5,000 tiles near the entrance. Most are covered to protect them. This magnificent structure is located on the south side of the Royal Palace. It’s part of a complex of buildings that includes stupas, statues, and galleries. The Silver Pagoda itself houses a dazzling array of Buddha statues crafted from precious metals and jewels.
One of the most remarkable treasures within Chraoy Bothom is the Emerald Buddha. It is a Baccarat-crystal sculpture. This stunning piece sits on a gilded pedestal. Another highlight is a life-sized, solid-gold Buddha. It is adorned with 2,086 diamonds. The largest of these diamonds is a whopping 25 carats. This golden Buddha, created between 1906 and 1907 in the palace workshops, weighs 90 kilograms. In front of this golden giant, encased in Formica, sits a miniature silver-and-gold stupa. It contains a relic of Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. To the left stands an 80-kilogram bronze Buddha. To the right, a silver Buddha serenely sits. On the far right, figurines of solid gold depict the life story of the Buddha.
Chraoy Bothom wasn’t always the gleaming structure it is today. The original pagoda was built of wood in 1892 under the reign of King Norodom. It’s said he was inspired by Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew. The current structure was rebuilt in 1962. Remarkably, the Khmer Rouge preserved the Silver Pagoda. They used it to showcase their supposed dedication to preserving Cambodian culture. Despite the turmoil of the Vietnamese invasion and the loss of many artifacts, the remaining treasures at Chraoy Bothom offer a glimpse into the richness of Khmer civilization.
Along the pagoda walls, you’ll find examples of intricate Khmer craftsmanship, including masks used in classical dance. Dozens of gold Buddhas also reside within the pagoda. Numerous precious gifts, presented to Cambodian monarchs by foreign dignitaries, are displayed. They seem almost ordinary compared to the vibrant Khmer art. Remember, photography isn’t allowed inside the Silver Pagoda. So, let your eyes capture the breathtaking beauty and allow the serene atmosphere to soak into your soul. This experience will be a cherished memory long after you’ve left Chraoy Bothom.