The most impressive structure on Phnom Preah Reach Throap, Vihear Preah Ath Roes is home to an enormous seated Buddha, dedicated in 1911 by King Sisowath, that was blown up by the Khmer Rouge in 1977. The vihara, supported by eight enormous columns and topped by a soaring tin roof, has since been rebuilt, as was the 20m-high Buddha.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
19.41 MILES
In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became…
National Museum of Cambodia
18.86 MILES
The National Museum of Cambodia is home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture: a millennium’s worth and more of masterful Khmer design…
Royal Palace
19.03 MILES
With its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding, the Royal Palace once dominated the skyline of Phnom Penh. It's a striking structure near the riverfront,…
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
22.89 MILES
Between 1975 and 1978, about 20,000 men, women, children and infants who had been detained and tortured at S-21 prison were transported to the…
Psar Thmei
18.32 MILES
A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally 'New Market') is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and…
Ramayana Mural
19.13 MILES
The Silver Pagoda complex is enclosed by walls plastered with an extensive and, in parts, spectacular mural depicting the classic Indian epic of the…
Throne Hall
19.02 MILES
The main attraction in the palace compound is the Throne Hall. Topped by a 59m-high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor, it was inaugurated in 1919 by…
Wat Phnom
18.02 MILES
Set on top of a 27m-high tree-covered knoll, Wat Phnom is on the only ‘hill’ in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in…
Nearby Cambodia attractions
1. Mak Proum Stupa
0.25 MILES
Mak Proum is the final resting place of King Monivong (r 1927–41). Decorated with garudas (mythical half-man, half-bird creatures), floral designs and…
2. Ang Doung Stupa
0.27 MILES
Decorated with coloured tiles, Ang Doung was built in 1891 by King Norodom to house the ashes of his father, King Ang Duong (r 1845–59), although some say…
3. Khmer Rouge Memorial
0.28 MILES
At the base of the main (northern) staircase leading up to Phnom Preah Reach Throap, near the restaurants, is a memorial to the victims of Pol Pot. It…
4. Damrei Sam Poan Stupa
0.29 MILES
The northwesternmost of the three stupas at Udong, built by King Chey Chetha II (r 1618–26) to hold the ashes of his predecessor, King Soriyopor.
5. French Embassy
17.29 MILES
Located at the northern end of Monivong Blvd, the French embassy played a significant role in the dramas that unfolded after the fall of Phnom Penh on 17…
6. National Library
17.88 MILES
The National Library is in a graceful old building constructed in 1924, near Wat Phnom. During its rule, the Khmer Rouge turned the building into a stable…
7. Wat Phnom
18.02 MILES
Set on top of a 27m-high tree-covered knoll, Wat Phnom is on the only ‘hill’ in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in…
8. Psar Thmei
18.32 MILES
A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally 'New Market') is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and…