Wat Damnak is a contemporary Buddhist monastery and pagoda located nearby the Siem Reap River on the southeast side of the city center. The large and pretty grounds are also home to a primary school and the Center for Khmer Studies.
Fascinatingly, it also features remnants of an ancient temple site, likely of the Angkorian era, including two lions and a rectangular tank (possibly a sarcophagus) made from sandstone. Both of these can be seen on the western side of the pagoda. Prior to becoming a Buddhist monastery in 1927, the site served as the Royal Palace for King Sisowath (Reign: 1904 -1927).
The site also features two prasat-like stupa that were built during the 1930s.
Inside the pagoda, the original sema stones can still be seen which are also carved from sandstone, a little unique in the decoration, and quite beautiful.
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Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Damnak (V.) Khmer Name: វត្តដំណាក់
- Reference ID: HA11729 | Last Update: August 31st, 2022
- Tags/Group: Angkor, Temples, Wat
- Location: Siem Reap Province > Krong Siem Reab > Sala Komraeuk Commune > Vat Damnak Village
- MoCFA ID: 446
- IK Number: 545
- Inscription Number/s: K. 420, 799
