The temple has a close-knit relationship to the capital city. This, in fact, is a sanctuary founded by Daun Penh (Grandma Penh), a wealthy widow who in 1372, retrieved from the river a Koki tree log with five Buddha statues in it and ordered to elevate a piece of her property on which to build a temple to house the statues. The 27 metres (89 ft) high man-made hill became known as Wat Phnom Daun Penh. Phnom Penh (literally, Penh’s Hill) takes its name from the present Wat Phnom (Hill Temple).
Over the years, Wat Phnom has had numerous add-ons to the initial shrine that dwelt within the compound of this wonderful sanctuary. The most significant of which is the massive stupa that enshrines the ashes of King Ponhea Yat who in 1434, arrived and built the city of Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom has become a central attraction in the city and is a ‘must visit’ when in Phnom Penh.
