Wat Phnom Yat Travel Guide

Built by Shan migrants from Myanmar in 1922, Wat Phnom Yat can be found in the heart of Pailin and is a sacred worship site. While few people travel far to visit the temple, those who are in the area may want to pay their respects at Wat Phnom Yat.

Featuring a number of interesting old stupa, Wat Phnom Yat is surrounded by local legend. According to one story, the temple was started by a husband and wife, both of who were named Yart. The couple worked as gem miners in Pailin and after they retired, meditated on the hillside on which the temple now stands.

Hunting was popular among the gem miners at that time and the animals became so alarmed that one of the forest spirits transformed himself and agreed to help Mr and Mrs Yart find a precious gem if they would help stop the hunting. According to local legend, the temple was built by the Yarts using proceeds from the precious stone.

Visitors to Wat Phnom Yat must climb a flight of stairs which lead through a snake decorated gateway that is brightly painted in pink, green and yellow, and onward and upward to the temple itself, which is also brightly painted. In the center of the temple compound is an ancient po tree and an interested tableau depicting the many tortures that await sinners in the afterlife.

In brief

What is it? A dusty temple in the center of Pailin.


Opening hours: 06:30 to 18:30, daily.


Entrance fees: no entry charge.

Where: Pailin district, in the historic center of Cambodia.

How to get there: walk from the center of town (around 10 minutes). Buses run from Phnom Penh to Pailin via Battambang but take several hours.