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 just 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 named Yart. The couple worked as gem miners in Pailin and after they retired, they spent their golden years meditating 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 that 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.
Getting There
Walk from the center of town (around 10 minutes) or hire a motodop taxi to take you south of Pailin’s central traffic circle, along National Road No. 57, to the base of the hill and temple. Pailin can be reached from Batdambang by bus in around 2.5 hours or from Phnom Penh by bus in 4-plus hours.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A beautiful and historical temple on top of the hill overlooking Pailin.
- When to Go: Sunrise or sunset is best as the heat is more bearable at those times of day.
- Nearest Town: Just south of Pailin town.
- Opening hours: 06:30 to 18:30, daily.
- Entrance fees: None