Wat Phnom Hill

Location
Wat Phnom is located in the northern part of Phnom Penh, near the Tonle Sap River. From the Central Market walk seven blocks northeast to the temple or follow the busy Norodom Boulevard which runs north and south directly to the temple.

Characteristics
Wat Phnom - translated as "hill temple" – is the tallest and most important temple in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.

You may also want to check out WAT PHNOM which sits on a tree covered hill about 30m high in the northeast of the city. It is said that the first pagoda was built in 1373 to house four statues of the Buddha deposited here by the Mekong river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh. Thus, the name Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. The people believe that this temple is powerful in that anyone who makes a wish will have it granted. It is not surprising to see many people coming here to pray for protection or healing. Many bring lotus flowers as offerings for prayers answered. At the bottom of the hill is a small zoo, but its most endearing residents, the monkeys, live free in the trees.

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap may monopolize most of the tourism in Cambodia, but Wat Phnom is a must-see if you are near Phnom Penh.

Other attractions in: Phnom Penh

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