- Area: Phnom Penh > Daun Penh District > Phnom Penh
- | Type: Ancient Remains & Temples
Also known as Wat Botumvatey, it is located in central Phnom Penh and near the Royal Palace, originally established by King Ponhea Yat and named Wat Khpop Ta Yang, the site has a history dating back to the 15th century (at least) and is reportedly named after the lotus pond that once existed at the site. The pagoda was replaced by King Norodom after the capital once again returned to Phnom Penh and also renamed at that time to Wat Padumavati and became the seat of the Dhammayutti sect (Dhammayutnikaya) yet later converted back to Mahanikaya in more recent times. Nearby, there is another pagoda, Wat Botum, that serves the Dhammayutti sect today.
On a visit to the site in 1935, the French researcher, Parmentier, reported there being four ancient linga cemented into the ramps of the eastern entrance to the pagoda along with another buried near the west wall (BEFEO 1935) along with inscribed steles originating from Phnom Baset, Srae Ampil, and Longvek which were later transferred to the PP Museum (Madrolle 1925). In 1951, Henri Marchal noted the grand stupa at the site dating to the end of the 19th century making it too well over 120 years old.
Historical Images via BEFEO and supplied
Fronting the temple on its eastern side is the large Wat Botum Park which features gardens, playgrounds, fountains, and memorials.
Get the Ultimate Passport to Exploring Siem Reap & the Temples of Angkor and beyond
Now in its third edition, Essential Siem Reap is the Ultimate Passport to Siem Reap & Ancient Angkor. This year, there are two editions, one focused on the short-term visitor (a few days to a week) and an expanded edition for those who want to go beyond the typical tour circuits and explore so much more that the region offers – Read More.
Essential Siem Reap – Explorer Edition 2026
Written for history explorers, culture seekers, and long-stay adventurers alike. It includes everything in Essential Siem Reap, plus expanded details on history, ancient art, architecture, all the remote temple highlights found in the outer districts, and more.
Essential Siem Reap – City & Temples 2026
Designed especially for short-term visitors, packed with local info and deeper insight, this guide puts you on the fast track to ticking off the city’s highlights & attractions, and local foods, with comprehensive info on the must-see temples of ancient Angkor.
Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Botum Vodei (V.) Khmer Name: វត្តបុទុមវតី
- Reference ID: HA12601 | Last Update: February 7th, 2023
- Other Names: Temple of the Lotus Blossoms, Wat Botum, Botumvatey Pagoda, វត្ត បទុមវតី
- Tags/Group: pa, stupa, Temples, Wat
- Location: Phnom Penh > Daun Penh District > Phnom Penh
- MoCFA ID: 1442
- IK Number: 80.12
