🌿 "Birthplace of Phnom Penh: The Legendary Wat Phnom"

#summervacay ### **📍 Location:** Norodom Blvd & Street 96 (City's namesake hill) ### **⏰ Opening Hours:** 7AM-6:30PM (Sunrise/sunset magic hours) ### **💰 Budget Breakdown:** - **Entrance:** Free (Donation box at summit) - **Transport:** - Cyclo ride: $3 (nostalgic approach) - Riverside walk: 15min from Sisowath Quay - **Extras:** - Flower offering: $1 - Fortune teller: $2 **⏳ Time Needed:** 45-90 minutes --- ### **🐘 Why This Temple Rocks:** 1️⃣ **Legend says** Lady Penh founded the city here in 1372 2️⃣ **Active shrine** where locals pray for exam/lottery success 3️⃣ **Best city views** without skyscrapers **🙏 Sacred Encounters:** - **Main stupa** with ancient Buddha relics - **Colorful naga staircases** - **Happy elephant statues** (Rub for luck!) **💡 Solo Explorer Tips:** ✔️ **Wednesday/Sunday** = most lively with devotees ✔️ **Sunrise** brings chanting monks + market vendors ✔️ **Dress respectfully** (knees/shoulders covered) ✔️ **Night visits** = magical lighting (safe with crowds) **📸 Secret Shots:** ◼️ Framing stupa through frangipani trees ◼️ Elderly devotees lighting incense coils ◼️ Sunset over Chroy Changvar bridge **🐒 Nearby Bonus:** - **Statue of Lady Penh** (NE corner) - **Riverside park** (perfect post-visit stroll) #phnomphenoriginstory #urbantemple #citysanctuary **"Where every step upward traces 650 years of history - and the heartbeat of modern Cambodia."** *(Psst... The hill is exactly 27m high - same as Bayon's towers!)* **🌳 Eco-Note:** Look for rescued wildlife in temple trees - macaques & exotic birds often visit!