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Wat Phnom Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Travel Guide

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Discover the spiritual heart of Phnom Penh at Wat Phnom, the historic temple that marks the city's legendary founding and offers a peaceful retreat.

Wat Phnom, the 'Hill Temple,' stands as the most important and tallest religious site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. According to legend, the temple was built in 1372 to house four Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in a floating tree. The city takes its name from this historic hill.

A brief summary to Wat Phnom Daun Penh

  • ផ្លូវវត្តភ្នំ, Phnom Penh, Khan Doun Penh, KH
  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wat Phnom Daun Penh.

  • Dress modestly when visiting Wat Phnom; remove your shoes before entering the main worship area.
  • Be mindful that Wat Phnom is an active religious site; maintain a respectful demeanor.
  • Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Explore the arts and crafts center in the northwest corner for local sculptures, silks and jewelry.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Head north along Sisowath Quay, enjoying the riverfront scenery. Turn left onto Street 94, then right onto Norodom Boulevard. Wat Phnom will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The Phnom Penh City Bus offers a direct route to Wat Phnom. From Soriya Cinema, take bus line 4A to Wat Phnom. The journey takes about 5 minutes and costs 4,000 riels, or $1 USD.

  • Taxi/Tuk-tuk

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Phnom Penh. A tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Wat Phnom typically costs between $2 and $5. Ensure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A taxi ride will cost $3-$5.

Discover more about Wat Phnom Daun Penh

Wat Phnom is more than just a temple; it's the spiritual heart of Phnom Penh and marks the spot where the city's history began. Perched atop a 27-meter high knoll, it is the highest point in the city. Legend says that in 1372, a woman named Lady Penh discovered four Buddha statues inside a Koki tree that had washed ashore. To house these sacred artifacts, she built a hill and a temple, which became known as Wat Phnom.Over the centuries, Wat Phnom has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with major reconstructions in 1434, 1806, 1894, and 1926. The temple complex features a main sanctuary adorned with murals depicting stories of the Jataka and Reamker, a large stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, and a shrine dedicated to Lady Penh. Visitors can also find shrines dedicated to the genie Preah Chau, drawings of Confucius, and statues representing Hindu and Taoist beliefs.Today, Wat Phnom remains an active place of worship and a major hub for Khmer New Year and Phum Ben celebrations. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the architecture, and learn about the legends and history of this significant site. The surrounding gardens, influenced by French design, offer a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

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