APAD 031: Wat Phnom

That’s the bell-shaped stupa in Wat Phnom reaching out to the sky.
Wat Phnom (Phnom Temple) is a Buddhist temple that sits prominently on top of a tree-covered knoll. Wat Phnom is one of the iconic landmarks in Phnom Penh and is the only hill in the capital.

I have never been inside Wat Phnom but according to travel sites, inside the temple are bright murals that glow in the dark depicting the life of the Lord Buddha.

Many locals flock to the temple to offer incense, flowers, and bananas as well as prayers and ask for favours – for good luck and success in school, business and personal (read: love). There is an “in-house” fortune teller inside the wat and for a small donation, your future will be read through palm-reading or tarot-reading.

Locals come in free; tourists, however are charged with an entrance fee of $1. Be prepared to come with small notes when visiting the wat.