06/10/2026
Wat Botum Vathey Reacheveraram (commonly known as Wat Botum) is one of the oldest and most historical Khmer Buddhist pagodas in Phnom Penh.
1. Historical Background
Origins (15th Century): Originally built in 1443 (or 1442) by King Ponhea Yat (Borom Reachea II) at the same time as Wat Ounalom, it was initially named Wat Khpop Ta Yong (Ta Yong's High Field Pagoda).
Abandonment: When subsequent kings moved the royal capital to other locations (such as Tuol Basan), the pagoda was abandoned for hundreds of years and swallowed by the surrounding forest.
Restoration (1865): During the reign of King Norodom, when the capital was relocated back to Phnom Penh, the King ordered the restoration of the pagoda. A moat planted with lotus flowers was dug around it, and it was renamed Wat Botum Vathey Reacheveraram (meaning "The Royal Pagoda Surrounded by Lotus Enclosures").
War Period and Modern Era: During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), the pagoda was abandoned and heavily damaged. After 1979, it was reopened and has since grown into a vital center for religious and secular education, housing hundreds of monks and university students.
2. General Information & Location
Location: Located in Sangkat Chaktomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh (south of the Royal Palace, at the intersection of Sothearos Boulevard and Preah Sihanouk Boulevard).
Ground Area: Measures 260 meters from east to west and 202 meters from north to south.
Sect: Historically the principal temple of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order, it now houses monks from both the Mahanikaya (majority) and Dhammayuttika sects.
Current Chief Abbot: Samdech Preah Moha Sumedhadhipati Non Nget (Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Cambodia).
3. Key Landmarks & Features
Naga Statues: Large green and yellow Naga statues guard the front gate, symbolizing the mythical subterranean serpent realm.
The Eight-Direction Stupa: Built in 1909, standing 33 meters tall, it enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha, his disciples, and the ashes of Supreme Patriarch Pan.
The Sacred Bodhi Tree: Planted in front of the main sanctuary in 1887, brought directly from Sri Lanka.