Located facing the riverfront area along the Sisowath Quay, Wat Ounalom is one of the Buddhist temples that you must visit in your trip to Cambodia, Phnom Penh. As one of the major attractions suggested for things to see in Phnom Penh, this Buddhist temple attracts majority of the visitors to Phnom Penh as a place for learning about the Buddhist culture.So, it was same for us. During our recent Phnom Penh trip, we didn’t forget to visit the Wat Ounalom in an afternoon.
Wat Ounalom – Why is it popular as Eyebrow Temple?
This temple is also popular as eyebrow temple.Named as King Ponhea Yat in Khmer, the language of Cambodia which means ‘Eyebrow Temple’ ,this Buddhist temple has a historical value.As per records,Wat Ounalom was built in 1443.The stupa of the temple contains an eyebrow hair (ounalom) of Lord Buddha which makes this temple a sacred place.
Our visit to Wat Ounalom and interesting things to see
The day we visited Wat Ounalom was a bit sunny afternoon. The temple was not so crowded. So we could spend time watching the beautiful sculptures and statues. The temple building is with beautiful architectural features and decorations with highlights of the golden temples.
We visited the temple and we could meet and talk with some Buddhist monks too. That was a great opportunity for us as we could talk about Buddhism and close religious relationships between Sri Lanka and Cambodia.
If you visit Phnom Penh city,don’t forget to visit this beautiful temple.It also provides beautiful views of riverfront when you are in the top level of the Buddhist temple.
Helpful tips to Visit Wat Ounalom
Location: Samdech Sothearos Blvd Central Phnom Penh
Entrance fee: Free attraction. No entrance fee. However, you can donate money for the temple if you like.
Opening Hours: 06:00-18:00
Please wear appropriate clothes when you visit this temple.(Shoulder covered, long dress at least upto the knee).Please read this post on how to visit a Buddhist Temple.
It is Located at the riverfront area which you can easily walk in the same trip to riverfront.
At the gate of the temple, there are people who ride cyclos. After visiting the temple, you can hire a cyclo for a city visit if you like such a ride.
There are tour guides available who also owns tuk tuks. If you like to visit other attractions, you can easily find a tour guide who is also a tuk tuk driver.
This is so cool, I love the temples. I went to Seam Reap a few months ago and visited tons of temples. We were able to talk to the monks too. It was one of the coolest things we did because we learned a lot about the religion too. I hope to get to Phnom Penh one day soon, Cambodia is awesome!!
At first we had plans to visit Seam Reap.But we couldn’t make it with the difficulties of booking a flight as it was a long weekend here.Hope you will visit Phnom Penh soon,same we plan to visit Seam Reap soon… 🙂
This temple is quite ornate and beautiful. I find it interesting how major temples in many religions have an artifact from one of the fundamental icons of the religion housed in an alter or some other feature of the temple. I like that you can speak to the monks at this temple to discuss their religion.
Luckily at that time we could meet some monks.It is always nice to talk with others when we are in another country…
I always find the relic in the European chuches a bit gross – but eye brow I can cope with….though I wonder how they got his eye brow.
These things are clearly explained in Buddhist history and books.The relics of Buddha was shared among kings and countries after his ‘Parinibbana’ (passed away)
I enjoyed your post Amila looks like a fab place to visit brilliant captures 🙂
Have a templetastic week and thanks for linking up and moving on by 🙂
Thanks and glad to know that you enjoyed the post.Have a Great Week! 🙂
What amazing architecture to see, beautiful place!
yes,it is a beautiful place..
I was just in Cambodia in January! What an epic adventure and such an eye opener! Their culture is WORLDS different from my own, so it was so fascinating and I would definitely go back to explore more (when its cooler)… And I really want to eat their curry again, ha ha!
oh!We were there in January too.. :)Yes,a different culture.But for us there is no big difference as we are also from Asian countries 🙂
Such an amazing architecture. I love these temples! Those golden details are amazing. This must be a piece of heaven on earth.
yes,it was a really nice place..
What a gorgeous temple. I loved looking at all your photos. It’s really beautiful.
Thanks.It is a beautiful temple in Phnom Penh.
This looks like it was an interesting experience! Great pictures!
Thanks.Yes we had great time! 🙂
Oh my goodness! This is so gorgeous! I have now added Cambodia to my bucket list.
Hope you will visit there one day!
We can feel the ZEN vibes through these photos. What a magical time adventure.
This temple is calm and peaceful.Great place to relax.
I studied History of Architecture in college and your pics are exactly why I was drawn to such beauty. I find the details stunning!
Glad you like the post.It is interesting to visit such places with historical value.
If it was built in 1443, no wonder it is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. I am still curious why it is called ‘eyebrow’. Does the temple represent an eyebrow of a god? It’s great that you shared with us the appropriate attire. Some touristsmight want to wear shorts or anything above the knee and slevepess considering the temperature in Cambodia.
The stupa of the temple contains an eyebrow hair (ounalom) of Lord Buddha which makes this temple a sacred place.Glad this article is helpful for anyone who visits.
Cambodia sounds like a very interesting country to visit. I sure would love to see these temples up-close, which I only get to see in my postcards! This one is particularly very interesting, the name Eyebrow Temple sure sounds intriguing, especially if you do not know the reason behind it. I sure would love to see this with my boys one day!
yes,this temple is beautiful and with historical value.Cambodia is really beautiful.Hope you will visit one day!
Terrific temple! I am intrigued about the actual eyebrow hair inside.
Actually Buddhist stupa/pagodas are constructed by depositing relics of Buddha.In this temple,it is the eyebrow hair.. 🙂
Cambodia is really an exquisite place. It’s lovely to see your photos. Makes me feel that I am there as well, by just looking at your photos. That Eyebrow Temple is really eye catching. ?
Yes,I’d love to visit this place again… 🙂
This looks like such a cool place to visit! Love the photos!
What a lovely and colourful place! Great article and photos
Thanks.Glad you enjoyed reading the post…
The place is beautiful. I would love to go there someday.
yes,you will like this Wat Ounalom temple
Stunning exteriors and interiors! I so want to visit the temple now. Seems to be well maintained and looks so freshly painted.
yes,the temple is maintained well…
Oh this is pretty extraordinary. The eyebrows caught my attention. Haven’t heard of something like this associated with a temple. It is pretty intriguing.
Most Buddhist temples are associated with Buddha relics.Have you read about Buddha tooth relic temple ?https://leisureandme.com/sri-dalada-maligawa-sri-lanka/
Hi Amila, this place is very nice. Being into photography, I think I can spend a day just roaming around the place. Seems there are a lot of interesting subjects to capture.
Lovely photos by the way.
yes,I am sure you will have lot of photos from this place.Even I have lot of captures though I selected few… 🙂
I actually haven’t considered visiting Cambodia, until now. 🙂
I love temples and sacred places, and the ‘eyebrow temple’ made me intrigued. What is more, the fact the place is not overcrowded makes me happy, since I have more time to look around in peace. The best thing is that you can actually talk to the Buddhist monks. Cambodia and the eyebrow temple go on my ‘to visit’ list. 🙂
You will have peaceful time there.Really calm and relaxing place. 🙂
The temple is indeed a beauty. The structures and architecture are impressive. I always dream of visiting Cambodia someday. Primarily because of its temples. Secondly, because I would love to see its culture.
I have never been to Cambodia but I hope to visit some day. I would surely like to see the Eyebrow Temple. I love those gorgeous golden statues. And how wonderful that it is free!
Cambodia has that remarkable beauty that is most of the time is underrated. Just look at these beautiful temples, you can’t see this in places in the West. Stunning and breathtaking.
We from Asian countries,but still admire the beauty of Cambodia.Yes,Stunning and breathtaking!
What an awesome place! Please please please I want to go there. Lol! I know having an experience there, is one of the unforgettable moment you dont forget.
yes,those memories from Phnom Penh are unforgettable.Hope you will visit there one day! 🙂
An entire temple around a Buddha eyebrow hair? it doesn’t really surprise me. It looks lovely to visit. Good job on going. Did you like the rest of Cambodia?
yes,we spent few days around Cambodia,Phnom Penh city.It was an amazing experience!
You captured some beautiful photographs. I would love to visit one day!
Whoah, the history behind the Wat Ounalom sounds interesting! Though it is not the typical story in most temples but sure it makes this place interesting. Plus the idea of the temple as well, it looks awesome. I hope you’ve had an amazing stay in Cambodia!
we enjoyed our time in Cambodia.There are lot more posts to come live…. 🙂
Gorgeous photos