Wat Phnom
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Wat Phnom

4.4
·9k reviews·Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The spiritual heart of Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is a historic Buddhist temple atop a hill, offering cultural insights and city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Wat Phnom

Wat Phnom

Best Time

Early mornings

Cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The spiritual heart of Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is a historic Buddhist temple atop a hill, offering cultural insights and city views.

4.4
(9k reviews)

"A beautiful temple and park that only costs $1 per person to enter."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

A moderate hill climb awaits, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get warm, especially during the climb. Bring water! :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 9,188 reviews

Type

Buddhist Temple

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Pagoda

The Main Pagoda

Summit of the hill

The iconic golden pagoda atop the hill, a serene spiritual center with intricate details.

Sculptural Gardens

Sculptural Gardens

Temple grounds

Admire numerous statues and wooden figurines scattered throughout the lush, pleasant park.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the hill

Enjoy lovely views of Phnom Penh, especially beautiful during sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Visit Wat Phnom in the cooler morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and peak tourist times. Wear comfortable shoes for the moderate hill climb and be prepared for a quick visit, often under an hour.

Affordable Entry & Respectful Visit

The entrance fee is a modest $1 for foreigners, making it an accessible attraction. Remember to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it's an active Buddhist temple.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #cambodia #phnompenhcity #watphnom
@shadow231015
109.1K likes • 616.8K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

A moderate hill climb awaits, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get warm, especially during the climb. Bring water! :droplet: Reddit

Monday thrift 🔥 #2ndthrift #fyp #secondhand #@90's #vintage #stussy #phnompenhcity #watphnom
@2ndthrift.kh
36.8K likes • 430.8K views
Sangkran Wat Phnom 2025 ✨ 📍Wat Phnom Daun Penh សម្រាប់អ្នកអត់មានស្រុកទៅ ចាំកាលទៀតវត្តភ្នំយើងនឹង តៀមៗគ្នាយើង 😉✨ #KhmerNewYear #Sangkran #2025 #watphnom #razel_ny
razel_ny
264 likes • 6.3K views

💰 Modest Entrance Fee

Only $1 for foreigners, a great value for a beautiful site. :moneywithwings: Reddit

👗 Dress Code

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active temple. 👗 TikTok

Discover Phnom Penh's rich history with this full-day tour of the city's main sights. Marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Palace complex, climb the steps of the iconic Wat Phnom temple and learn about Cambodia's darker past at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial. An eye-opening experience that provides insight into the country's cultural heritage. Cambodia should b...
siemreapertravel
162 likes • 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

A moderate hill climb awaits, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

It can get warm, especially during the climb. Bring water! :droplet: Reddit

💰 Modest Entrance Fee

Only $1 for foreigners, a great value for a beautiful site. :moneywithwings: Reddit

👗 Dress Code

Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active temple. 👗 TikTok

📸 Sunset Views

Visit late afternoon for stunning sunset vistas over the city. :camerawithflash: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Wat Phnom to be a pleasant and affordable cultural stop in Phnom Penh, offering beautiful temple architecture and serene grounds. The low entrance fee and manageable size make it an easy addition to any itinerary, though some caution is advised regarding potential minor scams from children.

"The price is $1 for foreigners. The place is pleasant to walk around, you can get to the temple at the top. Many sculptures to admire! Can be done in less than 1 hour."

Yukima

"Beautiful temple to visit while in Phnom Penh. The price of entry for foreigners is only $1 per person and definitely worth the price. The grounds are beautiful and not over crowded. Definitely recommend drinking plenty of water as there is a moderate hill to climb to get to the temple. Overall, one of the best attractions visited while in Phnom Penh."

Jake Wagner

"Lovely temple / park that only costs $1 per person to enter. Highly recommend adding this temple to your things to do in Phnom Penh.

The park also has a lovely cafe / souvenir shops inside - loads of lovely statues and wooden figurines."

Augustas Jackevic

What People Like

Affordable entrance fee
Beautiful temple and grounds
Pleasant city views

What People Dislike

Potential child scams

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Phnom is centrally located and easily accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of Phnom Penh. Many travelers mention it's a common stop on city tours. Reddit

Yes, Wat Phnom is a prominent landmark situated on a hill in the city center, making it straightforward to locate. TikTok

From Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), a taxi or pre-booked ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to reach Wat Phnom, taking approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

If you are staying in the central Phnom Penh area, walking to Wat Phnom is possible, but it might be a longer trek depending on your exact location and the heat. Reddit

While direct bus routes might be limited, tuk-tuks are ubiquitous and an affordable way to reach Wat Phnom from anywhere in the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Wat Phnom is $1 USD for foreigners. This is a very affordable price for a significant historical and religious site. Reddit

Wat Phnom is generally open daily from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or specific holiday hours. Reddit

No, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the entrance. Some visitors have noted putting the $1 into a box without a formal ticket being issued, especially on Sundays. Reddit

Yes, as it is an active Buddhist temple, visitors are expected to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. TikTok

The main restriction is the dress code. Be mindful of removing your shoes before entering temple buildings. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at Wat Phnom, allowing time to explore the pagoda, gardens, and enjoy the views. Reddit

You can see the main golden pagoda, numerous Buddha statues, Naga sculptures, and enjoy the serene park atmosphere. The climb to the top offers city views. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy the open spaces and the visual appeal of the statues. The moderate climb is also manageable for most kids. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in the grounds, but be respectful when taking pictures inside the active temple areas. Reddit

Basic facilities are usually available within the temple complex, though they may be simple. Reddit

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe and souvenir shops located within the park grounds, offering refreshments and local crafts. Reddit

The surrounding area offers various local eateries and street food stalls where you can try authentic Cambodian dishes. Reddit

The cafe offers convenience, but for a more authentic culinary experience, exploring nearby restaurants is often preferred by travelers. Reddit

Cambodian cuisine often features vegetarian dishes. Look for vegetable stir-fries, noodle soups, and fresh spring rolls at local restaurants. Reddit

Don't miss trying Amok (fish curry), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef), and Khmer noodles. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main pagoda, the Naga balustrades leading up the stairs, and the various statues offer great photo opportunities. The sunset view is also a highlight. Reddit

Drone usage is generally not permitted at religious sites like Wat Phnom to maintain peace and respect. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, provides the best light for photography. Reddit

While photos are usually allowed in the grounds, it's best to be discreet and respectful when photographing inside the active temple buildings. TikTok

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is ideal. A smartphone camera will also capture great shots, especially with good lighting. Instagram

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