Wat Ounalom: The Spiritual Heart of Phnom Penh

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Discover the spiritual heart of Cambodia at Wat Ounalom, a historic monastery in Phnom Penh with ancient relics and serene Buddhist traditions.

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Wat Ounalom Monastery

Wat Ounalom, one of Phnom Penh's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, stands as the spiritual center of Cambodian Buddhism. Founded in 1443, it houses a revered relic, an eyebrow hair of the Buddha, and has been a vital center for learning and monastic life, enduring through periods of both glory and destruction.

A brief summary to Wat Ounalom Monastery

Cambodia Samdach Sothearos Boulevard Phnom Penh, Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Khan Doun Penh, 12206, KH

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Wat Ounalom Monastery.

Dress modestly and respectfully; shoulders and knees should be covered when entering the temple.
Visit during early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photos.
Take your time to explore the surrounding gardens and smaller shrines within the temple complex.
Be mindful of the peaceful environment and keep noise to a minimum, especially around the monks.

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Getting There

Walking

Wat Ounalom is located on Samdach Sothearos Boulevard in Phnom Penh, a short walk from many central attractions. From the Royal Palace, walk north along Sisowath Quay, then turn left onto Sothearos Boulevard. The monastery will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.
Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Phnom Penh and are a convenient way to reach Wat Ounalom. From most locations in the Daun Penh area, a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Ounalom should cost between $1 to $4, depending on your starting point and negotiation skills. Agree on the price with the driver before you start your journey. The ride will take you directly to the monastery entrance on Samdach Sothearos Boulevard.
Public Transport

Phnom Penh has a public bus system with several lines that may pass near Wat Ounalom. Check the current bus routes and schedules to see if there is a convenient option from your location. The bus fare is 1,500 Riel (approximately $0.37) per ride. Look for the bus stop near Wat Phnom and walk towards south along Norodom Boulevard, then turn left onto Sothearos Boulevard.

Discover more about Wat Ounalom Monastery

Wat Ounalom, meaning “eyebrow temple,” is one of the five original pagodas of Phnom Penh and is considered the most important and largest monastery in Cambodia. Founded in 1443 by King Ponhea Yat, it was built to enshrine an 'Ounalom,' believed to be a hair from the eyebrow of Buddha, a relic of profound spiritual significance. The temple has since served as the residence of the leading Buddhist monks of the country, including the patriarch of the Mahanikai School of Buddhism.Throughout its history, Wat Ounalom has been a center of Buddhist learning and practice. Before its destruction during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), the monastery was home to over 500 monks and housed the Buddhist Institute's library, containing a collection of more than 30,000 titles. The Khmer Rouge caused serious damage to the temple's valuable cultural artifacts and book collection, and many monks died during this period. Miraculously, the Buddha's eyebrow hair survived and remains the focal point of the temple.Today, Wat Ounalom stands on a large area of Sothearos Boulevard and Preah Ang Eng Street, featuring a complex of 44 buildings. The main temple, dating back to 1952, is a modern recreation of the original 15th-century shrine. It's spread over three levels and displays a collection of paintings and cultural relics related to the life of Buddha. Visitors can explore the temple's many prayer buildings adorned with Buddhist sculptures and frescoes, as well as the peaceful gardens that surround the complex. Behind the main temple, visitors can explore Chetdai, an Angkorian-era stupa preserving Buddha's eyebrow hair. The stupa is also popular for its four bronze statues of Buddha in a sitting posture, each facing a cardinal direction. The walls that bound this ancient stupa have several figures of Hindu gods, including the image of Lord Vishnu, a Garuda mythic bird, and Lord Yama on his buffalo.