Wat Leu
A golden Buddhist pagoda atop a hill, offering breathtaking city and coastal views and a chance to see playful macaques.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler air and active monkeys
Wat Leu
Best Time
Cooler air and active monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A golden Buddhist pagoda atop a hill, offering breathtaking city and coastal views and a chance to see playful macaques.
"Worth seeing if you're going to be in Sihanoukville. The most exciting part for me was watching the monkeys play."
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are active and curious! Keep valuables hidden to avoid any unwanted attention.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the views.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.1 · 272 reviews
Type
Buddhist Temple
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Pagoda
A stunning, gold-hued Buddhist temple offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Playful Macaques
Watch the long-tail macaques as they play and interact. A unique and exciting part of the Wat Leu experience for many.
Scenic City Views
Enjoy a sweeping vista of Sihanoukville, stretching down to the coast from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Monkeys!
Views and Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are active and curious! Keep valuables hidden to avoid any unwanted attention.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the views.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day. Bring your own water.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are a major draw. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are active and curious! Keep valuables hidden to avoid any unwanted attention.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the views.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting during warmer parts of the day. Bring your own water.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are a major draw. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Leu for its stunning golden pagoda, offering beautiful panoramic views of Sihanoukville and the coast. The playful monkeys are a major highlight, adding an element of fun. While some note the surrounding area's waste, the temple grounds themselves are generally found to be clean and well-maintained, providing a peaceful escape.
"I love this place until the day I die. A place that offers a future for me and all the monks as well.💖"
Somros Ke
"Worth seeing if you're going to be in Sihanoukville. I believe the monkeys here are long tail macaques. Probably the most exciting part for me was watching them play. It's a really pretty spot and I spent about hour to walk the grounds"
Scan
"Nothing special. Nice looking pagoda. Direct entry is forbidden. Surrounding area is full of waste and debris. Kids running up to you immediately and after you, begging. Some monks around and some monkeys on all houses. Many dogs barking at you entering the area. Pass app is also working up there and drivers come picking you up."
Miss Magnum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Wat Leu is by tuk-tuk or taxi from Sihanoukville. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Some drivers may offer a round trip with waiting time.
Yes, there is parking available at the Wat Leu temple complex for vehicles.
While possible, it's a steep uphill walk and not recommended, especially in the heat. Taking a tuk-tuk is much more convenient.
Ride-hailing apps are available in Sihanoukville and can be used to book transport to Wat Leu.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit Wat Leu, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple and support the monks.
Wat Leu is generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to enjoy the views and see the monkeys.
As a Buddhist temple, it's respectful to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Direct entry into the main pagoda might be restricted at times. Visitors can explore the grounds and admire the exterior.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the hill offers the best panoramic views of Sihanoukville and the coast. The golden pagoda itself is also a very photogenic subject.
Photography is generally allowed on the grounds of Wat Leu. Be respectful of any areas where photography might be discouraged, especially near monks or religious artifacts.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful lighting for both the temple and the landscape views.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife Encounters
Yes, Wat Leu is known for its population of long-tail macaques. They are often seen playing around the temple grounds.
While the monkeys are a highlight, it's best to observe them from a distance and avoid direct interaction or feeding. They can be unpredictable.
Besides monkeys, you might also see dogs around the temple area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit