Wat Ounalom

• Location: Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Recommended reason: The largest stupa in Phnom Penh.
• Ticket: free of charge.
• Opening hours: 06:00-18:00, closed at noon.
• Recommended visit time: 1 hour
• transportation guide:Wat Ounalom is located on the Tonle Sap River. Exit the National Museum and go north along 13th Street.Continue north along 13th Street and turn right (east) at 154th Street.

Wat Ounalom located in the center of Phnom Penh, the Temple of Wat Ounalom is one of the most famous religious sites of Cambodian Buddhism. This original stupa is now home to the country's leading Buddhist monks as well as Mahayana Buddhist patriarchs. If you are interested in spirituality and want to learn more about Cambodian philosophy and history, a visit to Unnarong Temple is a perfect choice.

Facts about Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

Wat Ounalom is another of the five original temples (1422) in Phnom Penh. Located on the riverfront about 250 meters north of the National Museum, facing the Tonle Sap River, and close to the Royal Palace, this stupa is home to the headquarters of one of Cambodia's most revered Buddhist patriarchs. The city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with its many pagodas, parks, monuments, and museums, is an ideal destination for vacationers. A visit to Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh will make your trip to Phnom Penh a pleasant experience.

The Ounalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh, located at Corner Sothearos, is one of the most important stupas of Cambodian Buddhism. This stupa is the religious institution of Cambodia. The highest monks of the country reside here. In the early years, this stupa used to be the library of the Buddhist Institute. At that time, it contained about 30,000 books. However, it was later destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Over the years, the building was restored from the ruins during the Vietnamese invasion in 1979. Recently, the old college was rehoused in a more spacious area on Sihanoukville Avenue. The most important and prominent feature associated with this temple or stupa is the hair on the Buddha's eyebrow, which is known as the unalom. It is currently carefully preserved in a building behind the main tower of the Unalom Stupa.

This stupa is located in front of the Tonle Sap River. The Royal Palace is also close to the pagoda. The area is pleasant and visitors can take a walk around the area. The Unnarong Temple or Unnarong Stupa is arguably the most important stupa in the whole of Phnom Penh as it is the headquarters of the Buddhist Patriarchate of Phnom Penh, and was also home to the Buddhist Academy and Library until 1999. One of the five earliest monasteries in Phnom Penh, Unnarong Stupa was built in 1422 during the reign of Ponhea Yat, before 1974, the stupa housed more than 500 monks and also housed the library of the Buddhist Institute with a collection of more than 30,000 books. Unfortunately, the library was destroyed, along with many other buildings, during the reign of Khmer hooligans. Now, the Buddhist College has been rebuilt and moved to Sihanoukville Avenue, where it is much larger.

Top 10 things to do at Wat Ounalom :

Wat Ounalom is one of the most important and iconic Buddhist temples in all of Cambodia. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Wat Ounalom is the headquarters of the Mohanikay Order of Cambodian Buddhism and has been a major center of Buddhist learning and practice for centuries. Wat Ounalom is a must-see for any traveler to Phnom Penh, offering a wealth of activities and sights to explore. Here are 10 things to do in Wat Ounalom that you won’t want to miss:

1. Admire the Stupa of Wat Ounalom. The Stupa of Wat Ounalom is one of the most impressive sights in all of Phnom Penh. It is an impressive structure that stands over 30 meters tall and is decorated with intricate carvings and colorful murals. The stupa is said to contain a relic of the Buddha, and it is a popular spot for Buddhists to come and pay their respects.
2. Explore the Wat Ounalom Complex. Wat Ounalom is made up of several temples and other buildings, including the main temple, the library, and several smaller temples. The complex also features a garden and a pond, making it a great place to wander and explore.
3. Visit the Wat Ounalom Library. The Wat Ounalom Library is one of the oldest and most important libraries in all of Cambodia. It contains a wealth of ancient manuscripts and texts, many of which are still in use today. It is also home to several rare artifacts, including a copy of the Pali Canon, the oldest surviving Buddhist scripture.
4.  Attend a Buddhist Ceremony. Wat Ounalom is a major center of Buddhist practice, and there are often ceremonies and rituals taking place within the complex. These can range from simple chanting and prayer sessions to more elaborate ceremonies involving music and dance.
5.  Take a Tour of the Temple Complex. Wat Ounalom offers guided tours of the temple complex, which are a great way to learn more about the history and significance of the temple. The tours are usually led by monks, who can provide interesting insights into the architecture and rituals of the temple.
6.  Visit the Reclining Buddha. Within the Wat Ounalom complex is a large reclining Buddha statue, which is said to be over 500 years old. The statue is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and admire its beauty.
7. Shop at the Local Markets. There are several markets located near Wat Ounalom, where visitors can buy souvenirs, clothing, and food. The markets are also a great place to sample some of the local cuisine.
8. Watch the Sunset. Wat Ounalom is located on the banks of the Mekong River, making it a great spot to watch the sunset. The temple complex is a popular spot for locals to come and relax, and it is a great place to watch the sun go down over the river.
9.  Explore the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is located just a short walk from Wat Ounalom, and it is well worth a visit. The palace is an impressive structure, and it is home to the Cambodian monarchy.
10.  Visit a Local Temple. There are many smaller temples located near Wat Ounalom, each with its unique history and significance. Visiting these temples is a great way to get to know the local culture and religion.

Wat Ounalom is an incredible place to visit, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting Phnom Penh. From the impressive stupa to the many smaller temples, there is plenty to explore and admire here. Make sure to add Wat Ounalom to your list of things to do in Phnom Penh.