Wat Phnom: Phnom Penh's Landmark and Symbol

Wat Phnom, situated on a small hill at the northern end of Norodom Boulevard, is one of the city's oldest temples, originally built in 1372. After several reconstructions, the current temple was restored following its 1927 rebuilding. The origin of Phnom Penh's name: According to legend, in the late 14th century, there was a wealthy woman named Penh. One day, she discovered a Buddha statue hidden in driftwood along the Mekong River bank. She then built a temple on a nearby hill to enshrine the Buddha statue. The hill was named after this devout Buddhist woman as "Lady Penh's Hill" or "Phnom Penh," which Chinese immigrants called "Jin Bian" (Golden Border). 🌟Introduction Wat Phnom, located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is not only one of the city's oldest temples but also its birthplace. Situated on a hill about 100 meters high, the temple houses a statue of Lady Penh (from whom Phnom Penh gets its name) at its summit and stands as an iconic symbol of the city. Here, you can experience rich historical atmosphere while enjoying rare moments of peace and tranquility. 📍Location and Transportation Address: Street 96, Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh Transportation: About a 20-minute walk from the Royal Palace, or take a tuk-tuk for approximately USD 1.5-2. The area around Wat Phnom is easily accessible and is a must-visit destination in Phnom Penh. ⏰Opening Hours Open year-round, with specific hours subject to seasonal changes or special events. Generally open from 6:00 to 17:00 or 18:00. Please check on-site notices for exact timing. 🎟️Admission Foreign visitors pay USD 1 for entry, while local residents enter free. This modest fee shows respect for this ancient temple and grants access to its unique charm. 🌿Highlights Summit Views: Although modern high-rises partially block the panorama, the temple's summit still offers a pulse of the city, especially beautiful during sunset. Khmer-Style Reliefs: The temple features exquisite Khmer-style reliefs throughout, each telling ancient stories that immerse visitors in history. Buddhist Atmosphere: The temple entrance is filled with incense, devoted worshippers, and vendors selling lotus flowers for offerings, creating Wat Phnom's unique scenery. The Legend of the Hill: Legend tells that in the 14th century, a woman named Penh found a Buddha statue that had drifted down the Mekong River and built a temple on the hill to enshrine it. This touching story adds mystery to Wat Phnom. 📸Photo Opportunities Don't forget to photograph iconic spots like the Lady Penh statue at the summit, the towering stupa, and the seven-headed Naga sculpture at the entrance. These make perfect backdrops for memorable photos. 📌Tips Respect local Buddhist customs; avoid loud noise and revealing clothing. Smoking and drinking are prohibited; please keep the environment clean. Be careful when climbing stairs, especially on steeper sections. If time allows, take a stroll in the small park near Wat Phnom to enjoy Phnom Penh's leisurely atmosphere. Wat Phnom is not just an ancient temple but also an invaluable cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. Here, you can experience the rich Buddhist atmosphere, explore exquisite relief art, listen to moving historical legends, and enjoy beautiful views of the city.