Wat Phnom
View of Wat Phnom. Photo
Magalie L'Abbé.
Stupa of Wat Phnom. Photo
Magalie L'Abbé.
Temple buildings of Wat Phnom. Photo
Magalie L'Abbé.
Buddhas holding offerings. Photo
Magalie L'Abbé.
Shrine beneath the stupa. Photo
Magalie L'Abbé.Located on a grassy hilltop, Wat Phnom is the main temple and namesake of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city.
History
According to legend, a 14th-century woman named Penh found sacred Buddhist objects in the nearby river and placed them here on the small hill. A temple was built to house the relics and the city was named for it - Phnom Penh means "Penh's Hill."
What to See
Wat Phnom is a standard Southeast Asian wat, with a bell-shaped chedi and Naga snakes decorating the corners of the roof.
Inside are bright modern murals that just about glow in the dark, depicting the lives of the Buddha and other stories. The central ceiling has not yet been restored and retains its original aging murals.
Young salesmen near the temple like to sell tourists the chance to earn some Buddhist merit by releasing a caged bird. (Customers who hang around long enough will get to see the bird returning to its cage shortly thereafter.)
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Wat Phnom |
| Location: | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
| Category: | Buddhist Temples |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Status: | active |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 11.576108° N, 104.923081° E (view on Google Maps) |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Wat Phnom. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Cambodia Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Frommer's Southeast Asia.
Article last updated: 06/22/2009.
