Showing 1-3 of 3 results
-
Silver Pagoda
Within the compound is the extravagant Silver Pagoda, the floor of which is covered with five tons of gleaming silver. You can sneak a peek at some of the 5000 tiles near the entrance - most are covered to protect them. Rivalling the floor, an extraordinary Baccarat-crystal Buddha sits atop an impressive gilded pedestal. Adding to the lavish mix is a life-sized solid-gold Buddha, which weighs 90kg and is adorned with 2086 diamonds, the largest weighing in at 25 carats.
-
Wat Ounalom
This is the headquarters of the Cambodian Buddhist patriarchate, founded in 1443, comprising 44 structures. The head of the country's Buddhist brotherhood lives here as do some monks. See the statue of Samdech Huot Tat, fourth patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism, who was killed by Pol Pot. Behind the main building is a stupa containing an eyebrow hair of Buddha.
-
Wat Phnom
Occupying the city's highest point, Wat Phnom is a quiet, shady and incense-infused respite. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four Buddha statues deposited here by the waters of the Mekong. These were discovered by a woman named Penh, hence the name Phnom Penh, literally 'Hill of Penh'. As well as the temple, you'll find droves of Khmers praying for luck and a few amputees looking for some sympathy and riel.
Showing 1-3 of 3 results
