Royal Garden and Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham: A Sacred and Serene Oasis in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a city that is famous for its ancient temples, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. But did you know that there is also a peaceful and beautiful park in the heart of the city, where you can relax, enjoy nature, and learn about the history and religion of Cambodia.

Overview & History

The Royal Garden, also known as the Royal Independence Gardens or the Royal Crusade for Independence Gardens, is a public park that covers an area of about 12 hectares. It is located along the Siem Reap River, opposite the Royal Residence, where the King of Cambodia stays when he visits the city. The park was established in the 1950s, when King Norodom Sihanouk and General Lon Nol plotted Cambodia's independence from the French colonial rule. The park is named after the King's speech on November 9, 1953, when he declared Cambodia's sovereignty and independence.

The park is home to various attractions, such as gardens, fountains, statues, monuments, and a tourist information center. But the most sacred and popular attraction is the Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham shrine, which is located in the south of the park. The shrine is dedicated to two princesses of the ancient Angkor kingdom, who are believed to be the guardians of the city and the nation. The shrine houses two black bronze statues of the princesses, which are worshipped by countless pilgrims and locals every year. The taller and skinnier statue is Preah Ang Check, and the shorter and plumper statue is Preah Ang Cham. The statues are said to have miraculous powers, such as granting wishes, protecting from harm, and bringing good luck.

The origin and age of the statues are unknown, but they are believed to date back to the Angkorian period, between the 9th and 15th centuries. The statues were hidden and moved to different locations during the turbulent times of Cambodia's history, such as the Khmer Rouge regime and the Vietnamese occupation. In 1982, the statues were brought to the current shrine, where they are revered and respected by the Cambodian people. The shrine also contains other ancient bronze statues, some of which were found in the famous Angkor Wat temple.

What to see

The Royal Garden and Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham shrine are open to the public every day, from sunrise to sunset. There is no entrance fee, but donations are welcome. The park and the shrine offer a variety of things to see and do, such as:

Enjoying the greenery and the flowers of the park, which provide a refreshing contrast to the urban landscape of the city. The park has many trees, plants, and flowers, some of which are native to Cambodia, such as the frangipani, the lotus, and the jasmine.
Relaxing by the river, where you can sit on the grass or the benches, and watch the water flow and the boats pass by.
Visiting the monuments and the statues in the park, which commemorate the history and the culture of Cambodia. Some of the notable monuments and statues are the Independence Monument, which celebrates Cambodia's liberation from the French; the King Father Norodom Sihanouk Statue, which honors the late king who led the country to independence; and the Preah Vihear Monument, which represents the disputed temple on the border with Thailand.
Exploring the tourist information center, which provides useful information and maps about Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor. The center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the staff are friendly and helpful. You can also find some souvenirs and books for sale, or use the free wifi and the restrooms.
Praying at the Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham shrine, which is the main attraction of the park. The shrine is a small and simple building, with a red roof and a yellow facade. Inside, you can see the two bronze statues of the princesses, which are adorned with gold, silver, and jewels. You can also see other statues, such as Buddha, Vishnu, and Ganesha. The shrine is always crowded with devotees, who come to pay their respects and make offerings to the princesses. You can join them by burning three incense sticks, offering flowers or fruits, and washing the hands and feet of the statues with holy water. You can also ask the monks to bless you and sprinkle you with holy water. Many people believe that the princesses will grant their wishes, protect them from harm, and bring them good luck.

Tips

If you plan to visit the Royal Garden and Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham shrine, here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable and respectful:

Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees, especially when you enter the shrine. This is a sign of respect for the culture and the religion of Cambodia.
Remove your shoes and hat before entering the shrine. This is a common practice in Buddhist temples and shrines, as a way of showing reverence and humility.
Do not touch or point at the statues, especially the faces. This is considered rude and disrespectful, as the statues are sacred and revered by the Cambodian people.
Do not take photos inside the shrine, unless you have permission from the monks or the staff. This is to preserve the sanctity and the privacy of the shrine and the devotees.
Be quiet and polite when you are in the park and the shrine. Do not make loud noises, play music, or disturb the people who are praying or meditating.
Do not litter or damage the park and the shrine. Keep the place clean and beautiful, and respect the nature and the culture of Cambodia.

How to get there

The Royal Garden and Preah Ang Check Preah Ang Cham shrine are located in the center of Siem Reap, along the Siem Reap River. The park and the shrine are easily accessible by various means of transportation, such as:

Walking: If you are staying in the downtown area, you can walk to the park and the shrine, as they are only about 1 km away from the Old Market and Pub Street. You can follow the river or the main road, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city along the way.
Cycling: If you have a bicycle, you can cycle to the park and the shrine, as they are only about 10 minutes away from the downtown area. You can rent a bicycle from many shops or hotels in the city, for about $1 to $2 per day.
Tuk-tuk: If you prefer a faster and more comfortable ride, you can take a tuk-tuk to the park and the shrine, as they are only about 5 minutes away from the downtown area. You can find a tuk-tuk from any street or corner in the city, or ask your hotel to arrange one for you. You can expect to pay about $1 to $2 for a one-way trip, depending on your bargaining skills.