Wat Botum Phnom Penh

Wat Botum is located beside Wat Botum Park in central Phnom Penh adjacent to the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument. 

Wat Botum

Wat Botum means ‘Temple of the Lotus Blossom’. It was established in 1442 and named after a former lotus pond on the site. The Khmer Writers’ Association has its headquarters at the wat and many former political and eminent people from the city’s history are buried here.

The wat adds an interesting dynamic to the area as the park can often be found with young Cambodians skateboarding and listening to music, while monks from the wat stroll through the park at the same time, creating an interesting mix of tradition and youth culture.

Nearby Attractions

The wat is around the corner from the Norodom Sihanouk Monument and Independence Monument. It is also a short stroll from the Royal Palace.

A pleasant walk is to start at Independence Monument, walk along Sihanouk Boulevard past Norodom Sihanouk Monument, then turn left into Wat Botun Gardens past the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument, and on to the Royal Palace before ending up at The Riverside. As always in Phnom Penh, the best time to do this walk is in the late afternoon to early evening when the city comes alive, and you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the end of your walk.