Wat Phnom

Overview

Wat Phnom (វត្តភ្នំ, "Temple on the Hill") is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh, sitting atop a 27-meter artificial hill in a leafy roundabout at the northern end of the city center. Despite its modest size compared to Angkor's temples, Wat Phnom holds enormous symbolic importance — it is the founding site and namesake of Cambodia's capital city.

The temple was first built in 1372 and has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1926. Today it serves as an active Buddhist place of worship where locals come to pray, make offerings, and seek blessings. The surrounding park is a popular gathering spot for families, joggers, and anyone seeking shade from the relentless Phnom Penh sun.

History & Legend

According to Cambodian legend, in 1372, a wealthy widow named Daun Penh (Lady Penh) found a large koki tree floating in the Mekong River after heavy rains. Inside the hollow trunk she discovered four bronze Buddha statues and a stone Vishnu statue. She had a hill constructed on the riverbank and built a small temple to house the sacred images.

The hill became known as "Phnom Daun Penh" (Hill of Lady Penh), and the growing settlement around it eventually became "Phnom Penh." When King Ponhea Yat moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to the area in 1434, Wat Phnom's significance as a sacred site was firmly established.

Over the centuries, the temple was damaged by wars and rebuilt multiple times. The current structure dates primarily from 1926, though elements of older construction remain. A stupa on the western side contains the ashes of King Ponhea Yat and other royals.

What to See

• Main Vihear (Prayer Hall): The brightly painted main temple at the summit houses a large gilded Buddha statue and colorful murals depicting the Reamker (Cambodian Ramayana) and Jataka tales. Incense fills the air as monks chant and devotees make offerings.
• Stupa of King Ponhea Yat: On the western slope, this large stupa contains the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (d. 1463), who made Phnom Penh the capital. It's flanked by smaller stupas of other royal family members.
• Shrine of Lady Penh: A small shrine on the southern side honors the temple's legendary founder. Locals bring offerings of flowers, fruit, and incense to ask for blessings and good fortune.
• Naga Balustrades: The main eastern staircase features ornate multi-headed naga (serpent) balustrades in the classic Angkorian style, leading up from street level to the temple.
• Clock Tower: A distinctive yellow colonial-era clock tower stands near the base of the hill, a remnant of the French protectorate period.

Surroundings

The park surrounding Wat Phnom is one of the most pleasant green spaces in the city:

• Gardens and shade trees: Large tropical trees provide welcome shade. The park is popular with joggers in the early morning and evening.
• Monkeys: A small population of monkeys lives in the trees around the temple. They're amusing but can be aggressive — don't carry food openly.
• Fortune tellers and vendors: At the base of the hill, bird sellers offer to release captive birds for luck (controversial), and fortune tellers read palms.
• Nearby attractions: The Riverside Promenade is a 5-minute walk east. The French colonial post office and Raffles Le Royal hotel are nearby.

Visiting Information

• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
• Entry fee: $1 USD for foreigners (collected at the main eastern staircase)
• Location: Norodom Boulevard at Street 96, northern end of Phnom Penh center
• Getting there: Tuk-tuk from Riverside $1-2, from BKK1 $2-3. Walkable from the Riverside
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees as this is an active temple
• Best time: Early morning (7-8 AM) for peaceful atmosphere, or late afternoon for cooler temperatures