About Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom

Rested on the top of a 27-meter high knoll, Wat Phnom is on the only hill in Phnom Penh. In 1372, they chose this site to showcase 4 Buddha statues. These statues were later discovered by Lady Penh and became to be a major attraction. The entrance via the grand eastern staircase is guarded by lions and naga. At present, many come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs. When the wish is fulfilled, the faithful return to deliver on the offering promised, such as a garland of jasmine flowers or a bunch of bananas. They believe the spirits to be fond of such offerings.

They rebuilt the vihara (temple sanctuary) in 1434, 1806, 1894 and 1926. To the west of the vihara is a huge stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (1405–67). Towards the southern side of the passage is a statue of a smiling Lady Penh. You can also find a shrine dedicated to the genie who is admired by the Vietnamese at Wat Phnom. In fact, on the right and left, guardian spirits bearing iron bats gaze down at you. One can also find drawings of Confucius and Chinese-style figures of the sages.

And, it does not end here. You have a museum to visit at Wat Phnom which displays historic artefacts and old statues. Take a trip down history-lane at this awe-inspiring attraction!

Must See

Grand entrance, Vihara, Huge stupas containing ashes of King Ponhea Yat (1405–67), Statue of smiling Lady Penh, Shrines dedicated to a genie admired by Vietnamese, Drawing of Confucius, Museum

How to reach

By walking:

The journey is 1.9 km from Phnom City Center, 27 min via Christopher Howes (96).

By car:

The journey takes 7 min via Christopher Howes (96).

 

 

Tips

  • New Year celebrations are grand at Wat Phnom with activity, dances, live band and showering water from fire trucks. Try not to miss out on these festivities.
  • Nice place to take a stroll in beautiful parks. But be careful of monkeys trying to accompany you.
  • Climb up the stairs to visit the temple. Not wheelchair/stroller friendly. 
  • You can meditate in the temple as the surroundings are peaceful.
  • Keep yourself hydrated with water.
  • Wat Phnom can be a pandemonium, with beggars, street vendors and kids selling birds in cages. You pay to set the bird free, but the birds already know their way back to these cages. 
  • Dress modestly when visiting the temple.

Visit Time

Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No waiting time.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

30 minutes-1 hour

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Scattered Clouds 32.97°C

 

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