Set on top of a tree-covered knoll 27m high,  Wat Phnom is the only hill in town. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1373 to house four statues of Buddha deposited here by the waters of the Mekong and discovered by a woman name Penh. The main entrance to Wat Phnom is via the grand eastern staircase, which is guarded by lions and naga (snake) balustrades.

Today, many people come here to pray for good luck and success in school exams or business affairs.  When a petitioner's wish is granted, he or she returns to make the offering (such as a garland of jasmine flowers or bananas, of which the spirits are said to be especially fond) promised when the request was made.

The vihara (temple sanctuary) was rebuilt in 1434, 1806 , 1894, and, most recently, in 1926.  West of the vihara is an enormous stupa containing the ashes of King Ponhea Yat (reigned 1405 to 1467) .  In a small pavilion on the south side of the passage between the vihara and the stupa is a statue of the smiling and rather plump Madame Penh.

A bit to the north of the vihara and below it is an eclectic shrine dedicated to the genie Preah Chau, who is especially revered by the Vietnamese.  On either side of the entrance to the chamber in which a statue of Preah Chau sits are guardian spirits bearing iron bats.  On the tile table in front of the two guardian spirits are drawings of Confucius, and two Chinese-style