Wat Ek Phnom is an angkorian temple located on the left side of the Sangkae River at the small creek of Prek Daun Taev northwest the G Peam Aek spot approximately 9 km north of the city of Battambang in north western Cambodia. It is a Hindu temple built in the 11th century under the rule of king Suryavarman I. Although partly collapsed and looted it is famous for its well-carved lintels and pediments.
The site
An enormous white-stone sitting Buddha statue leads to the modern Buddhist pagoda Ek Phnom surrounded by 18 Bodhi Trees.The site is deemed as a very popular picnic and pilgrimage destination for Khmers at celebration times. The pagoda opens the way to the ruins of the ancient hinduist temple. The ancient temple, built of sandstone blocks and enclosed by the remains of a laterite outer wall and a Baray, consists of small temples or prasats on a platform and measures 52m by 49m. Mostly reduced to ruins today only the main towers of the temple remain standing whose upper flanks hold some fine bas-reliefs.
Bas-reliefs
The bas-reliefs depict events of Hindu mythology mostly referring to Krishna. In the same way as Krishna, Suryavarman I carried out institutional reforms of the state.
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.
$39 USD
| Paperback – 503 Pages
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.
$29 USD
| Paperback
