Photo by Marcin Konsek (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Wat Botum
“Temple of the Lotus Blossoms”
Wat Botum which means “Temple of the Lotus Blossoms” is a colorful temple in the center of Phnom Penh. In Cambodian known as Preah Vihear Wat Botumvatey, the serene and peaceful temple has recently been restored.
One of the oldest temples
Wat Botum is one of the oldest temples in Phnom Penh. King Ponhea Yat ordered construction of the temple during his reign in the first half of the 15th century.
The viharn
The viharn, the assembly hall, has recently been restored.
Inside the viharn a golden Buddha in meditation pose is seated on a pedestal. In front of it is a Reclining Buddha. The wall behind the image is adorned with a painting of a forest and the Bodhi tree the Buddha meditated under when reaching enlightenment.
The ceiling is adorned with colorful paintings depicting Buddhist stories.
Photo by Chanrasmey Miech (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Stupas
Around the temple grounds are stupas that enshrine the ashes of monks and important people.
In the gardens of Wat Botum is a white Buddha statue seated on a pedestal of lotus flowers meditating under a tree.
There is also a depiction of a scene from the “The churning of the sea of milk” story, where Asuras are pulling Vasuki. The original can be seen on the moat to the gates of Angkor Thom at the Angkor Historical Park.
Botum pagoda park
In front of Wat Botum is a pleasant park with fountains and benches. The well kept public park is popular with local people. On the North end is a playground for children.
The Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument in the park is a Soviet style depiction of soldiers and a woman holding a baby. The monument commemorates the liberation of Phnom Penh from the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese army.
Photo by Marcin Konsek (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Opening hours
Wat Botum opens daily from 7 am until 6 pm. Botum pagoda park opens 24 hours daily.
Location
Wat Botum is located on Oknha Suor Srun Street (Street 7), a few hundred meters South of the Royal Palace.
Botum pagoda park is found between Oknha Suor Srun Street (Street 7) and Samdach Sothearos Boulevard (Street 3), bordered on the North end by the Royal Palace.
How to get there
Get to the Wat Botum by taxi, tuk tuk or cyclo.
Entrance fee
Entrance is free.
Please dress respectfully (knees and shoulders covered) and take off your shoes before going inside a building.
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