- Area: Siem Reap Province > Krong Siem Reab > Svay Dangkom Commune
- | Type: Ancient Remains & Temples
Wat Preah Prom Rath (Khmer: វត្តព្រះព្រហ្មរតន៍) is located in the central area near to Pub Street and the Old Market. It is a functioning Buddhist monastery featuring a typical Khmer-style pagoda, a courtyard with statues depicting different Buddhist beliefs, and a hall surrounded by hand-painted picture walls containing a giant statue of seated Buddha and a reclining Buddha.
The site reportedly has a history dating back to the turn of the 16th century and the fable of a Buddhist monk, Preah Ang Chong Han Hoy, and an adventure on the local rivers where quite miraculously, the front half of a heavily damaged wooden boat brought him home safely. To celebrate this miracle, the monks carved the reclining Buddha we see inside the pagoda today.
Some online reports also attribute the creation of the pagoda to king Ang Chan (assuming it to be Ang Chan II) via a land donation made by a local who also gives the site its name (via Tnaot.com). Many of the buildings, such as the Buddhist schools date back to the 1940s and 50s, while two older traditional wooden buildings have recently been restored by APSARA.
Sima stones – the pagoda has several beautiful sima stones.
Ancient temple remains – As for the ancient remains and the lions, it’s likely they were brought to the site from elsewhere but will seek to find out more.
Guardian Lions – old or ancient?
The old cannons
Considering its convenient location it’s very worthy of a stroll around. Nearby, and alongside the river, you’ll find lots of cheap local snack and noodle stalls.
Map
Site Info
- Site Name: Preah Prom Rath (V.) Khmer Name: វត្តព្រះព្រហ្មរ័ត្ន
- Reference ID: HA7003 | Posted: March 9, 2019 | Last Update: February 7th, 2023
- Tags/Group: pa, sema, Temples, Wat
- Location: Siem Reap Province > Krong Siem Reab > Svay Dangkom Commune
