Best For
A peaceful cultural break and exploring local history.
Wat Phnom Daun Penh stands as the legendary birthplace of Phnom Penh, situated atop the city's only hill. This historic Buddhist temple complex is centered around a massive 14th-century stupa and serves as a peaceful sanctuary amidst the surrounding urban traffic. Visitors can climb the grand staircase to reach the ornate main hall, which showcases a blend of Cambodian and Chinese architectural styles. The grounds are famously lush, filled with ancient trees that provide ample shade and house a large colony of fruit bats. Notable features include a massive working clock built into the grass and a small craft center. While locals frequent the site for prayer and relaxation, international visitors pay a small entry fee to explore the intricate statues, vibrant murals, and the serene atmosphere that defines this iconic landmark.
Wat Phnom Daun Penh stands as the legendary birthplace of Phnom Penh, situated atop the city's only hill. This historic Buddhist temple complex is centered around a massive 14th-century stupa and serves as a peaceful sanctuary amidst the surrounding urban traffic. Visitors can climb the grand staircase to reach the ornate main hall, which showcases a blend of Cambodian and Chinese architectural styles. The grounds are famously lush, filled with ancient trees that provide ample shade and house a large colony of fruit bats. Notable features include a massive working clock built into the grass and a small craft center. While locals frequent the site for prayer and relaxation, international visitors pay a small entry fee to explore the intricate statues, vibrant murals, and the serene atmosphere that defines this iconic landmark.
Tallest religious structure in Phnom Penh perched on a hill.
Giant working grass clock located at the base of the hill.
Resident colony of fruit bats hanging in the surrounding trees.
Ornate main hall blending Cambodian and Chinese architectural influences.
Peaceful, tree-shaded grounds that offer a quiet escape from city traffic.
A peaceful cultural break and exploring local history.
Tourists, Locals, Solo, Family
Wat Phnom Daun Penh is widely regarded as a peaceful and beautiful sanctuary in the heart of Phnom Penh. Visitors frequently praise the temple's serene atmosphere, noting that the lush greenery and large trees effectively block out the noise of the surrounding city traffic. A common highlight mentioned by reviewers is the colony of fruit bats that can be seen and heard in the trees behind the temple. The giant working grass clock at the base of the hill is also a popular point of interest for those walking the grounds. While there is a small 1 USD entrance fee for international tourists, most find it worth the cost for the well-maintained grounds and cultural experience. Some visitors recommend being prepared for a few stairs to reach the main hall, which is described as ornate and visually impressive.