Wat Phnom is a sacred temple perched atop the only hill in Phnom Penh. It is an iconic and legendary site. It is regarded as the birthplace of Cambodia’s capital. Dating back to 1372, Wat Phnom is the sacred birthplace of Phnom Penh.
Lady Penh, a wealthy widow, established it after discovering four Buddha statues. She found them inside a koki tree floating in the river. She enshrined them on the hill. Over time, the city developed around it. It came to be known as Phnom Penh, meaning “Hill of Penh.”
The temple holds immense cultural and religious significance. It draws locals who come to pray. Tourists are eager to admire its ornate stupas and murals. The murals depict vivid scenes from the life of Buddha. They provide an insight into the spiritual devotion of the Khmer people.
The temple grounds are peaceful, offering a serene place to enjoy the surrounding greenery. Wat Phnom is especially lively during the Cambodian New Year in April. Ceremonies and gatherings honor its significance. It is known as The Sacred Birthplace of Phnom Penh’s historical importance.
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Visiting Wat Phnom
- Location: Situated on a small hill in central Phnom Penh at the intersection of Norodom Boulevard and Street 96, Maps.
- Entry Fee: Typically $1 for foreign visitors, though entry may vary during special events.
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings are ideal to avoid the midday heat. The Cambodian New Year (mid-April) offers a particularly vibrant experience with traditional festivities. This makes Wat Phnom: The Sacred Birthplace of Phnom Penh a key highlight.
- Transportation: Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to reach Wat Phnom, and local drivers are well familiar with this landmark. Ride-hailing apps like Grab also offer convenient and affordable options.

Recommended Accommodation Nearby
For those looking to stay close to Wat Phnom: The Sacred Birthplace of Phnom Penh, there are several quality hotels. Guesthouses are also available nearby. These accommodations provide comfort. They also offer easy access to Phnom Penh’s main attractions.
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal: This luxurious hotel with colonial-era architecture, is located a short drive from Wat Phnom. This five-star option offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, with beautiful gardens, a pool, and high-end dining.
- SUN & MOON, Urban Hotel: Known for its contemporary design. This mid-range hotel offers stylish rooms. It also features a rooftop pool with city views. It’s a great choice for those seeking modern amenities in a central location.
- Okay Boutique Hotel: A budget-friendly option with a Khmer-inspired aesthetic and an inviting rooftop pool. It’s popular with travelers for its affordability and location, offering quick access to Wat Phnom and other key attractions.
- RS Guesthouse: A comfortable and affordable guesthouse. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. They will find basic amenities and clean accommodations near the city’s cultural sites.

Visiting Wat Phnom allows you to experience a key piece of Phnom Penh’s history. It is a living, spiritual center for Cambodian culture. You can admire its intricate murals. Enjoy the calm of its green surroundings. Wat Phnom:
The Sacred Birthplace of Phnom Penh is a must-see for anyone interested in Cambodia’s past and present. After visiting Wat Phnom, take the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions. You can visit places such as the Royal Palace. Each site contributes to the rich cultural landscape of Phnom Penh.
GoPro MAX is Your Essential Travel
Visiting Wat Phnom is a journey into the heart of Cambodian history. It connects you with the spirituality of the sacred hilltop temple that gave Phnom Penh its name. To truly do justice to this iconic site, you need a camera that can capture its grandeur. It should also capture its intricate details and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding it. That’s exactly why the GoPro MAX is the ultimate tool for your visit. Here’s why:
1. Capture Every Direction with 360° Video
Wat Phnom isn’t just the temple itself. It’s the entire experience—lush gardens, colorful Naga statues, peaceful worshippers, and the lively energy of the surrounding park. With the GoPro MAX, you can record immersive 360° videos that capture every angle at once. No more panning back and forth or worrying about missing a shot. A single clip lets you relive the entire moment and even choose your viewpoint later when you edit.
2. Stable Footage for Dynamic Shots
You might be climbing the grand staircase. You could be walking around the vibrant exterior. Perhaps you’re exploring the shaded paths. The GoPro MAX’s built-in Max HyperSmooth stabilization makes every step look smooth and cinematic. It eliminates shakes and jitters, so your footage looks professionally steady, even when you’re moving through crowds.
3. breathtaking “Hero” Shots Made Easy
The magic of the MAX lies in its reframing power. After shooting in 360°, you can use the GoPro app to easily reframe your footage into stunning traditional wide-angle shots. It can also turn them into panoramic or unique tiny planet shots. This makes the golden temple spires and lush greenery look like a work of art. This allows for incredibly creative perspectives that a standard camera simply can’t achieve.
4. Durable and Ready for Anything
The humidity of Phnom Penh or a sudden tropical downpour won’t faze this camera. The GoPro MAX is waterproof without a housing, making it resilient against the elements. Its rugged design means you can focus on enjoying the moment instead of constantly worrying about protecting your gear.
5. Perfect Vlog Sharing Instantly
The MAX is fantastic for vloggers. Its front and rear lenses allow you to film yourself and the scene simultaneously. You can narrate your experience in front of the temple. Capture your reaction alongside the stunning backdrop. All of this happens in one seamless shot. Then, use your phone to quickly edit and share your adventure with the world right from the park.
Product Description:
- Unmatched Stabilization with Max HyperSmooth – Get the smoothest footage possible with Max HyperSmooth, horizon leveling, and in-camera stitching. The six-mic audio delivers true-to-life sound, making it perfect for travel, vlogging, and adventure sports.
- Extend your GoPro MAX’s runtime with the 1600mAh Enduro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery. Engineered for cold weather, it delivers improved performance in temperatures as low as 14°F and during high-demand settings.
- Capture stunning 4K UHD and Full HD footage with the 32GB Extreme microSDHC card. It features up to 100MB/s read and 60MB/s write speeds. The card has V30 and A1 ratings for fast app performance. It is waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant. Includes SD adapter.
- Bundle Includes: 1 x GoPro MAX 360 Action Camera, 2 x GoPro Enduro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery, 1 x GoPro Lens Caps (Pair), 1 x Curved Adhesive Mount, 1 x Mounting Buckle with Thumbscrew, 1 x USB-C Cable, 1 x Microfiber Bag, 1 x 32GB Extreme UHS-I microSDHC Memory Card with SD Adapter
Final Verdict: Wat Phnom deserves to be remembered in all its immersive glory. The GoPro MAX isn’t just a camera. It’s your personal creative studio. It guarantees you’ll bring home more than just photos. You’ll bring back entire experiences. A destination this rich in detail and energy deserves the best camera. The GoPro MAX is the perfect purchase. It ensures your memories are as dynamic and breathtaking as the visit itself.
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