Wat Preah Prom Rath
A historic Buddhist temple in Siem Reap, known for its vibrant murals and serene atmosphere. Free to enter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Wat Preah Prom Rath
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Buddhist temple in Siem Reap, known for its vibrant murals and serene atmosphere. Free to enter.
"Beautiful area with temples and monastery in Siem Reap with free entrance."
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
Morning Serenity
Visit early for a peaceful experience before the crowds and heat. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Murals
Sanctuary Walls
Strikingly colorful and detailed murals depicting the life of Buddha adorn the sanctuary walls.
Reclining Buddha
Ordination Hall
A significant wooden sculpture of the reclining Buddha, known as Preah Ang Chang-han Hoy.
Main Buddha Statue
Ordination Hall
The main sitting Buddha, Preah Ang Chee Buddha, crafted from sandstone from the Angkor area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Free Entry, Respectful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
Morning Serenity
Visit early for a peaceful experience before the crowds and heat. :sunrise:
Polite Declines
Be prepared for tuk-tuk drivers; a firm 'no thank you' works. :oncoming_bus:
Donations Welcome
Monetary donations are appreciated to support the monastery. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
Morning Serenity
Visit early for a peaceful experience before the crowds and heat. :sunrise:
Polite Declines
Be prepared for tuk-tuk drivers; a firm 'no thank you' works. :oncoming_bus:
Donations Welcome
Monetary donations are appreciated to support the monastery. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wat Preah Prom Rath to be a beautiful and historically significant Buddhist temple in Siem Reap, offering a peaceful atmosphere and free entry. The vibrant murals and the reclining Buddha are frequently highlighted as points of interest. Some visitors note persistent tuk-tuk drivers, which can be a minor annoyance.
"Beautiful area with temples and monastery in Siem Reap with free entrance.
This is one of the many pagodas in the city, and perhaps also one of the oldest; the plot was offered to King Ang Chan in the mid of the 16th century by the wealthy family of Ta Pum and Yeay Roath, to build a monastery there.
In Cambodia, the pagoda is always attached to one or more villages. It plays a strong social role within the community, serving as a gathering place; it also plays an educational and moral role. This is why the composition of their plan is rich in varied constructions.
The number of constructions on the plot increased significantly in the 1940s. Today, we find a school dating from 1952 in the North, the monks' homes in the West, and the Hall of Merits near the sanctuary.
The sanctuary or Preah Vihear, rebuilt in 1945, consists of a central nave (thnem) resting on two rows of columns, surrounded by a side aisle (robieng) and a revolving covered gallery (binsach), used during processions. On the wall, murals illustrate the life of Buddha. Finally, at the back of the nave, there is a wooden sculpture representing the reclining Buddha.
The main Buddha sitting on the lotus base is named Preah Ang Chee Buddha. Built in the Bayon period with sandstone from the Angkor area and kept in the ordination hall (Uposatha Hall).
The reclining Buddha in the ordination hall (behind the main Buddha) is known as
Preah Ang Chang-han Hoy, a revered monk living in 1358-1456 A.D. (B.E. 1900-2000).
The king Ang Chan claimed to have built both the statue making of wooden boat and the monastery in late 15th and early 16th century A.D. to honor to Preah Ang Chang-han Hoy and to dedicate to the spirits of the rich family of Ta Pum Yeay Rath who offered its land for establishment the monastery."
Elena Titkova
"We had a good time visiting this temple, the “murals” (I don’t think that’s the most correct word to use) had striking colours and were very detailed. The story behind the lying Buddha was also very interesting.
One of my memorable place in SR, as this is where we met Mr. Sakhorn - a lovely man and Tuktuk driver, who took us around and out the city, including the “Grand tour” of Angkor Wat. I highly recommend him if you want to explore the city and wider SR area."
Ruther Orbe
"Nice Pagoda to visit if you can do a quick visit. There are interesting statues, carvings, and history boards. You can also go inside a few of the rooms where the monks pray and have a quiet reflection. There are places to leave monetary donations. The only bad part of the visit was all the tuktuk drivers that are there walking around. I was obviously saying a prayer and one of them came up to me asking if I needed a ride. I had to say no 5 times before he would go away. I also got asked by 4 other drivers if I needed a ride."
Melissa Hawthorne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Preah Prom Rath is conveniently located in downtown Siem Reap, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive by tuk-tuk, which is a popular and affordable mode of transport in the city. You can also walk if you are staying nearby. The temple is a common stop on city tours, so many drivers will know its location.
Wat Preah Prom Rath is located in the heart of Siem Reap town, separate from the main Angkor Archaeological Park. It's a much shorter journey from your accommodation in Siem Reap town compared to the temples of Angkor Wat.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are generally available in Siem Reap and can be a convenient way to reach Wat Preah Prom Rath. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for booking and tracking your ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Wat Preah Prom Rath is free. This makes it a wonderful and accessible cultural experience for all travelers. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple.
While specific official hours are not always posted, Wat Preah Prom Rath is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an active monastery, so it's best to visit during respectful times, typically from early morning until late afternoon.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Wat Preah Prom Rath at your leisure during its accessible hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the grounds and exterior of Wat Preah Prom Rath. Inside the sanctuary, especially near religious artifacts or during prayer times, it's respectful to ask permission or refrain from taking photos. Be mindful of monks and worshippers.
The vibrant murals inside the sanctuary offer fantastic photo opportunities. The colorful pagodas and the serene gardens also make for beautiful shots. Capture the intricate details of the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere.
Using drones is generally not permitted at religious sites like Wat Preah Prom Rath due to respect for the sanctity of the place and potential disturbance to worshippers. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the colorful pagodas, explore the gardens, and view the detailed murals inside the sanctuary depicting Buddha's life. You can also see the reclining Buddha and the main sitting Buddha statue. It's a place for quiet reflection and appreciating Khmer Buddhist culture.
A visit to Wat Preah Prom Rath can be a quick stop, perhaps 30-60 minutes, to see the main highlights. If you wish to linger, reflect, or explore more thoroughly, you could spend up to 1.5 hours.
Yes, Wat Preah Prom Rath is perfect for a quick visit. Its central location and compact size mean you can easily incorporate it into your itinerary without taking up too much time.
This pagoda is one of Siem Reap's older monasteries, with its origins tracing back to the mid-16th century when the land was offered to King Ang Chan. It has played a significant social and educational role in the community.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Wat Preah Prom Rath itself does not have restaurants or food stalls. However, being located in downtown Siem Reap, there are numerous dining options available within walking distance, ranging from local Khmer cuisine to international fare.
It is generally not advisable to eat or drink inside the main sanctuary or prayer areas of Wat Preah Prom Rath out of respect. You can consume water on the grounds, but it's best to do so away from the main religious structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Murals
These murals are a testament to the enduring artistic traditions in Cambodia. They provide an accessible way for visitors to connect with Buddhist teachings and the spiritual significance of the temple. The preservation and display of these artworks underscore the temple's role as a cultural and religious center.
Historical Roots and Community Role
Beyond its historical architecture, the pagoda plays a crucial social role within the Siem Reap community. In Cambodia, pagodas are often central gathering places, fostering education and moral guidance. This deep integration into community life makes visiting Wat Preah Prom Rath not just a sightseeing experience, but an opportunity to understand the local culture and traditions.
Social
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