Wat Phnom (Daun Penh)

Wat Phnom is the founding sanctuary of the capital, located in the heart of the Daun Penh district. Perched on the only hill in the city — a 27-metre artificial mound covered in trees — it is the tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh and the very origin of the name Phnom Penh ("hill of Penh").

Legend & Foundation

The Discovery of Daun Penh: According to tradition (circa 1372), the widow Daun Penh ("grandmother Penh") found a floating koki trunk after a flood, containing four bronze Buddha statues and a stone statue of Vishnu. The First Sanctuary: She had a hill raised near her home and built a small wooden sanctuary to house the relics — the birth of the future district and then the capital.

Architecture

Grand Eastern Staircase: The main entrance ascends via a monumental stone staircase flanked by lions and mythological naga balustrades. Main Vihear: Rebuilt several times (the last in 1926), the hall houses a majestic seated bronze Buddha surrounded by frescoes of the Jataka. Royal Stupa: Behind the sanctuary, the tall white and gold stupa contains the ashes of King Ponhea Yat, who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1434. Daun Penh Pavilion: To the south, a smiling statue of Lady Penh where Khmers leave offerings and jasmine garlands for good luck.

Visiting

Address: circular park at the intersection of Street 96 / Norodom Boulevard, Daun Penh. Hours: daily 7am–6pm. Fee: 1 USD for foreign visitors (free for Cambodians) — ticket at the booth at the foot of the hill. Dress Code: shoulders and knees covered. Watch out for the monkeys in the park — they can be mischievous with bags and cameras.

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