Wat Ounalom | Phnom Penh

Information

Landmark: Wat Ounalom
City: Phnom Penh
Country: Cambodia
Continent: Asia

Wat Ounalom, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Asia

Wat Ounalom is a Buddhist temple located on the west bank of the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It serves as the headquarters of the Cambodian Buddhist Sangha.

Visual Characteristics

The main vihear is a multi-tiered structure with a central spire. Its exterior walls are painted in a pale yellow hue. The roof is adorned with decorative finials and features multiple levels of eaves. The complex includes several smaller stupas and monastic buildings constructed with concrete and brick, often painted white or cream. The central stupa is a prominent feature, housing a statue of the Buddha.

Location & Access Logistics

Wat Ounalom is situated at 172 Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh. It is approximately 1km west of the Royal Palace. Access is directly from Sothearos Boulevard. Parking is available on-site for cars and motorcycles. Public bus routes 2 and 3 stop within a 5-minute walk of the temple entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The temple was founded in 1443 by King Ponhea Yat. It was rebuilt and renovated multiple times, most significantly in 1915 and again after the Khmer Rouge regime. Its original purpose was to house a sacred hair relic of the Buddha, known as Ounalom.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the main vihear and its interior Buddha statue. The central stupa is accessible for viewing. Monks reside on the premises, and observing their daily routines is possible. Photography of the exterior architecture is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the complex. Limited shaded areas are provided by the building structures. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally good. No food vendors are located directly within the temple grounds, but numerous options exist along Sothearos Boulevard.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the late afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the light is softer. The dry season, from November to April, offers the most pleasant weather. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A significant relic, believed to be an eyebrow hair of the Buddha, is housed within the central stupa. During the Khmer Rouge era, the temple was damaged, and many of its artifacts were destroyed or looted. The current structure is a reconstruction.