WAT PHNOM

A small hill crowned by an active pagoda marks the legendary founding place of Phnom Penh. The hill is a sight of constant activity with the faithful trekking to the temple, shrines and fortune tellers on the top. There are countless vendors, beggars and even an elephant at the bottom of the hill.
Monkey business!

Mango and papaya vendor



The large stupa contains the remains of King Ponhea Yat (1405-1467) who moved the Khmer capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1422. The legend of the founding of Wat Phnom is tied to the beginning of Phnom Penh. Legend has it that in 1372, Lady Penh fished a floating koki tree out of the river. Inside the tree were four Buddha statues. She built a hill (phnom) and a small temple (wat), at what now is the site of Wat Phnom. Later the surrounding area became known after the hill (Phnom) and its creator, (Penh). Hence the city name Phnom Penh.

Beggars everywhere and of all ages persistantly hassling me, made this the least enjoyable experience to date. I found Wat Phnom to be a very intimidating place. I was warned to be careful before I went there as there are many pickpockets and general waifs and strays that follow you for ages begging for money and getting pretty aggressive if you refuse to hand over any dollars. One young girl , no older than twelve or so, demonstrated an amazing command of English swear words, directed at me, because I would not buy any of the cheap souvenirs she was selling. I had a quick look around and left feeling a bit uncomfortable.