Wat Ounalom is a major Buddhist monastery on Phnom Penh’s riverside, a short walk from the Royal Palace and near the National Museum. Founded in the 15th century, the compound has 44 buildings, including pagodas, shrines and stupas, and serves as the headquarters of Cambodian Buddhism. Look for the stupa said to hold a hair from the Buddha’s eyebrow, then visit the main temple hall and its upper-floor paintings. It is an active religious site, so dress modestly and move quietly around worshippers and monks.
A monastery at the center of Cambodian Buddhism
Wat Ounalom stands on Sisowath Quay, beside the Tonle Sap River and close to the Royal Palace. The monastery was established in the 15th century and is one of Phnom Penh’s oldest religious sites. It is the headquarters of the Maha Nikaya, also called Mohanikay, order and home to Cambodia’s senior Buddhist patriarch.
The grounds contain 44 buildings, including temples, shrines, stupas and residences for monks. The complex remains an active place of worship, as well as a site where visitors can learn about the country’s Buddhist traditions. Ceremonies involving young monks may take place here.
The relic and the main temple hall
A stupa within the compound is associated with a hair from the Buddha’s eyebrow. The Khmer word “ounalom” refers to an eyebrow, and the relic gives the monastery its familiar name, the Eyebrow Temple. The site also has a collection of Buddhist objects and literature, including a library of religious manuscripts.
The main vihear, or temple hall, was built in 1952 and has three floors. Paintings on the top floor depict episodes from the Buddha’s life. On the second floor, look for a statue of Huot Tat, the fourth patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism, who was killed during the Khmer Rouge period.
A site shaped by Cambodia’s recent history
Wat Ounalom’s history includes both religious scholarship and destruction. The Buddhist Institute was once based here, with a large library of religious books. The library was destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period in the 1970s, and parts of the monastery were also damaged. The main temple hall survived, and the complex has since been repaired.
Allow time to walk among the different structures rather than seeing the compound only from the riverside. This is a working monastery, so keep a respectful distance from ceremonies and people at prayer. Modest clothing, with shoulders covered and legs below the knee, is appropriate for a visit.
FAQ
Where is Wat Ounalom Monastery?
It is on Sisowath Quay beside the Tonle Sap River, near the Royal Palace and a short distance north of the National Museum.
What is Wat Ounalom known for?
It is a major center of Cambodian Buddhism and the headquarters of the Maha Nikaya, or Mohanikay, order. A stupa in the compound is associated with a hair from the Buddha’s eyebrow.
What should I wear to Wat Ounalom?
Cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a skirt that falls below the knee.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to see the compound and main temple hall.
