Wat Phnom

Temple Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What to expect

Wat Phnom is a Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and a historical site that is part of the Khmer national identity. The temple has a close-knit relationship with the capital city and is a sanctuary founded by Daun Penh, a wealthy widow who in 1372, retrieved from the river a log with five Buddha statues in it and ordered to elevate a piece of her property on which to build a temple to house the statues. The 27 meters high man-made hill became known as Wat Phnom. The temple has undergone several renovations and add-ons over the years, including the construction of a massive stupa that enshrines the ashes of King Ponhea Yat. The temple is a significant historical legacy and a popular tourist destination, with a statue of King Sisowath located at the southern downhill of Wat Phnom

Plan your family visit to the Wat Phnom with these blog insights 👇

Visiting Phnom Penh with kids: including top things to do (2024)

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Wat Phnom and lit incense sticks to say a quick prayer or mindful thought

Highlights: Our kids enjoyed lighting incense sticks and we all enjoyed the views from the top ✨

First day in Phnom Penh

This family's experience:

Activities: We saw the pagoda from the outside

Highlights: We enjoyed the opportunity to see the pagoda's decorations and the monks' daily life ✨