“Penh’s Hill,” that is what “Phnom Penh” means. Right here we stand before Wat Phnom. This temple marks the spot where the city began. Wat Phnom is not just a temple it’s a landmark that embodies Phnom Penh’s legendary history.
Legend says that in 1372, a wealthy woman named Daun Penh lived near the river. One day, she found a Koki tree floating in the water. Inside, she discovered four Buddha statues. Penh and the villagers built a small temple on a hill to house these sacred statues. They called it “Phnom Penh” in her honor.
Wat Phnom sits on the only hill in Phnom Penh. It rises 46 meters high. The temple has become a central attraction and a must-visit.
About 60 years later, King Ponhea Yat moved to Phnom Penh. He ordered the hill to be enlarged. He also had a wooden temple built on top. This was the first rebuilding of Wat Phnom.
Over the centuries, Wat Phnom has been rebuilt several times. Each time, rulers adapted it to their ideologies. Even the Khmer Rouge left their mark.
Today, Wat Phnom blends styles from its 600-year history. Gardens built by the French sit alongside Taoist, Confucian, and Hindu shrines.
Lions and mythical snakes guard the eastern stairway. Inside the main temple, a large bronze Buddha sits. Murals tell his story and recount the Reamker. The Reamker is the Khmer version of the Ramayana.
The shrine to Daun Penh is very important. People leave offerings of food and pray to her. Many women pay tribute to the temple’s founder.
Another shrine honors Preah Chau. People believe he offers protection from enemies. It is especially popular among the Vietnamese.
Wat Phnom symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. It is a historical site. It represents Khmer national identity. The temple has a total height of 46 meters.
King Ponhea Yat ordered a new palace to be built in Russey Keo village. He moved his court to the confluence of the Tonle Sap River in 1397 AD. After completing his palace, King Ponhea Yat ordered a hermitage hut to be built near the temple.
The sanctuary was rebuilt several times in the 19th century and again in 1926. The interior has a central altar complex with a large bronze seated Buddha. The walls are covered with murals. The murals depict Jataka stories of the Buddha’s earlier reincarnations.
The southwest corner holds a shrine to Lady Penh. People bring prayers and food to honor the woman who founded Wat Phnom.
Wat Phnom appeared on the Travel Channel documentary, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It also served as a Pit Stop for The Amazing Race 15.
So, as you stand here at Wat Phnom remember its long history. Think of Daun Penh finding those Buddha statues. Imagine kings and commoners worshipping here for centuries. This hill is more than just a temple. It is the heart of Phnom Penh.