Encircled in the mountains of the picturesque and rustic cambodian city of Phnom Penh is found an imposing and majestic sanctuary: Wat Phnom. This buddhist temple was built back in 1373, 73 meters on the ground and it is considered a treasure, not only for the city but, in buddhism culture too.
According to the legend, Daun Penh, a wealthy widow found a large koki tree in the river and inside the tree shoe found 4 bronze Buddha statues. Afterwards she decided to build a small shrine in a hill to protect these sacred figures, that’s why it got the name of “Mountain Pagoda”.
In 1437, in Krong Chaktomuk Mongkol, after the Royal Palace construction was finished, King Ponhea Yat ordered to raise the mount even higher. Since then, it is the Buddhist celebration center in Cambodia, especially for New Year.
But… what makes Wat Phnom a must-see when coming to Cambodia? We could start with its golden dome that can be seen from Norodom boulevard just to get in perspective its immensity and beauty. Besides, at first sight, it almost forces people to get closer. It is a place full of energy that treasures asian culture in a magnificent place hidden in the woods.
In this gorgeous place you can admire different asian art sculptures. The main altar is the base for Buddha’s statue and the stupa that is next door contains the ashes of the royal family. Walls in here are covered with murals that tell us about Buddha’s enlightening, Daun Penh’s story and the Reamker (Cambodian Ramayana).
You can also find 2 enormous original-chinese figures alluding to Thang Cheng & Thang Thay and 2 wardens with Confucius carved paintings.
To get in this place you simply got to climb a bricks ladder guarded by stone serpents and lions. All the mixture of carved art and the materials used for it makes Wat Phnom temple a place you can stare for hours. Every element in here is way far from only being decoration.
Wat Phnom is visited daily by hundreds of followers for them to pray and ask for good health and fortune. Outside the temple you can watch kids playing while people sell traditional food and crafts to the tourists. This gives Wat Phnom a warm and traditional touch.
This sanctuary is a must when coming to Cambodia, not only because of its extraordinary beauty, but because it is a place where its long-standing energy and peace balance.
Wat Phnom is open from 7 to 18:39 and the museum area has a $2 dollar fee per person. In your visit don’t forget to walk the surrounding paths that lead to the woods and to exotic landscapes.