Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom: An ancient temple in the heart of Phnom Penh that requires a bit of a climb to admire its beauty

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I'll take you to experience traveling in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Few people miss visiting “Wat Phnom,” an ancient temple prominently located on a hill in the middle of Phnom Penh. This place is not only a sacred site but also a viewpoint and a small historical learning center that impressed me greatly on my latest trip.

First of all, Wat Phnom was built in 1916, nearly a hundred years ago. I like the feeling that this temple is situated on a small hill in the middle of Phnom Penh, which requires a bit of effort to climb the stairs. It's not difficult, but it makes you feel the dedication and respect that Cambodians have for this place.

Atmosphere around the temple and getting there

I recommend visiting Wat Phnom early in the morning because the weather is not too hot yet. You can also stop by the nearby Phnom Penh morning market. This market is full of life and authentic Khmer food that you can try before climbing the temple comfortably. After recharging with breakfast, head to Wat Phnom.

Upon arriving at the temple, the first thing that caught my eye was the 'fruit bats' hanging upside down all over the trees in front of the temple. They look like they are resting peacefully. It's a unique and charming sight, a feeling you won't find in most temples or tourist spots.

The red-faced Buddha and the ancient shrine

Inside the shrine, there is a Buddha statue with a bright red face, which I have never seen anywhere else. This face looks like the Buddha is shy or has something that makes it feel warm and friendly. It is not the classic Buddha statue style commonly seen in temples in this region.

There is a small entrance fee to visit Wat Phnom, which I think is reasonable to help maintain the temple's beauty and the peacefulness of the place. For those interested in Cambodian history and culture, Wat Phnom is a destination not to be missed.

Connecting with travel in Phnom Penh and nearby attractions

For travelers planning a trip to Phnom Penh, I recommend reading my informationPhnom Penh Travel Guide (Phnom Penh 2012)to get an overview of the city and other interesting places such as the Royal Palace, the Killing Fields, andTuol Sleng Genocide Museumwhich are historically significant.

If you want to travel outside Phnom Penh to nearby provinces like Takeo Province, I have shared in the articleBus from Phnom Penh to Takeo Provincewhich recommends Soray Tour company for comfortable seating and convenient travel. Or if you are unsure where the bus stations in Phnom Penh are and how the transportation system works, check out my articlePhnom Penh Bus Stationwhich will help you travel around Cambodia much easier.

Lifestyle and breakfast in Phnom Penh

After visiting Wat Phnom, I usually stroll around the nearby fresh market to experience the local way of life. Here, you will see both vendors and locals buying fresh goods, including authentic Khmer breakfast dishes such as fish porridge, roasted duck, or noodles with an irresistible aroma. I have uploaded video clipsEating Khmer Roasted Duck in Phnom PenhandDuck at Phnom Penh Morning Fresh Marketfor those who want to see the lively atmosphere firsthand.

Khmer cuisine has its own unique and interesting flavors. You can find more details in the articleKhmer Foodwhich I wrote based on my tasting experiences and real stories from the field.

Summary of impressions from Wat Phnom

For me, Wat Phnom is not just a religious tourist site but one of the landmarks that deeply tells the history, culture, and lifestyle of Phnom Penh people. The small hill climb in exchange for peace, the unusual red-faced Buddha statue, and the fruit bats hanging upside down on the trees are experiences I want everyone to try for themselves.

If you visit Phnom Penh, don't forget to climb Wat Phnom in the morning and stroll around the nearby morning market to absorb the lifestyle and authentic Khmer flavors before continuing your journey to nearby provinces or exploring other important sites in this capital city.

Thank you for following stories from mr.hotsia. See you again on the next trip!