Wat Phnom (Daun Penh)

Wat Phnom is the founding sanctuary of the capital, in central Daun Penh district. Perched on the city's only hill — a 27-metre tree-covered artificial knoll — it is Phnom Penh's highest religious structure and the very origin of the name Phnom Penh ("Penh's Hill").

Legend & founding

Lady Penh's discovery: local lore (c. 1372) tells of wealthy widow Daun Penh ("Grandma Penh") who, after a flood, found a floating koki log holding four bronze Buddha statues and one stone Vishnu image. The first shrine: she had a hill raised beside her home and built a small wooden shelter for the relics — the seed of today's city.

Architecture

Grand eastern staircase: the main approach climbs a monumental stone stairway flanked by stone lions and multi-headed Naga balustrades. Main vihear (prayer hall): rebuilt several times (most recently 1926), housing a majestic seated bronze Buddha amid vibrant Jataka murals. Royal stupa: behind the sanctuary, a towering white-and-gold stupa holds the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1434. Lady Penh pavilion: on the south side, a smiling statue where locals leave food and jasmine garlands for luck.

Visitor info

Location: circular park roundabout at Street 96 / Norodom Boulevard, Daun Penh. Hours: daily 7 AM–6 PM. Admission: $1 USD for foreign visitors (free for Cambodian citizens) — tickets at the booth at the foot of the hill. Dress code: covered shoulders and knees. Watch your belongings — a playful troop of monkeys lives in the park trees.

Nearby: National Museum, Saravoan Techo Pagoda, Independence Monument. More info: Tourism Cambodia.