Kampong Cham Province
Map and list of major ancient sites and temples in Kampong Cham Province
Wat Preah Houch
A small pagoda housing several relics of an ancient site including a Buddhist chaitya/boundary marker and several pedestals.
Wat Preah Puth Moni Rainsy
Contemporary monastery and pagoda that at the time of visiting was undergoing restoration (06/22). It certainly looks quite stunning and the Buddha is something to behold. It’s also known as the 100 Column Pagoda of Kampong Cham (not to be confused with the one in Kratie Province) and has stunning views across the rolling plains … Read more
Wat Preis Meas
Monastery that features a large basin with laterite lining one side, along with numerous ancient pedestals, domed pieces (bollards?), and sema stones arranged around the perimeter of the pagoda.
Wat Prek Liv (Kampong Cham)
A contemporary monastery and pagoda located on the west bank of the Mekong River in lower Kampong Cham Province. Stored by the sala chan (dining hall) are two ornately carved wooden pediments from an older pagoda or monastery building. Update: after posting on social media we received some feedback from Bhikkhu Chan Kim Heang, who … Read more
Wat Prek Pou (Srei Santhor)
Contemporary monastery and pagoda set on large grounds, featuring several older style chedi. Some speculate as to whether this may have been the location of an ancient capital/palace or at least a significant site in the 16th century. Some of the stupa/chedi is quite interesting, and at least one may correlate to that time, plus … Read more
Wat Purthivorn (Srei Santhor)
Also recorded as Wat Ampil, it is located near the east bank of the Mekong River in lower Kampong Cham Province, just southeast of Wat Svay Sach. It is also one of the older pagodas in the area and noting the sandstone pieces gathered around the side of the pagoda, it may have a heritage … Read more
Wat Rattanak
Located around 10km west of Kampong Cham city the contemporary monastery features an old library that was built by the French, at a guess, around 70 years ago. The village area here is quite beautiful, especially if following the trail from the nearby Wat Koh Roka. Under the Boddhi tree there is what appears to … Read more
Wat Rok Ar (Kampong Cham)
An older pagoda located on the west bank of the Mekong River in lower Kampong Cham Province, also recorded as Wat Rokar. On our last visit, Aug 2023, a new pagoda is under construction. Hopefully, the old pagoda will be preserved as it features some unique art and character, an example of which is the … Read more
Wat Sambo (Batheay Kampong Cham)
Also recorded as Wat Sambor. Contemporary monastery and pagoda where on the north side of the pagoda a shelter contains a pedestal from an ancient site. The pagoda is under restoration as of 06/22 and interestingly is built atop a rise, then a 1/2 m high base which also features an old stupa in one … Read more
Wat Samrith Chyaram
Contemporary monastery and pagoda located by the east bank of the Mekong River. The older of the two pagodas features a very special wood carved stencil pediment that is very rare to see in situ, behind the stencil is a special lead finish that produces the iridescent colour. Inside, beautiful murals line the central roof … Read more
Wat Sopheas
Also recorded as Wat Sopheas Raingsey, it’s a contemporary monastery and pagoda that houses numerous remnants of a 7th-century pre-Angkorian temple site/s. The remnants include lintels, an inscribed stele, and several sandstone plinths, all concreted onto a platform, perhaps for their own security. A pedestal and a lion’s head can also be seen nearby. Inscription … Read more
Wat Srama
Monastery housing a shelter with ancient remains including part of lion, large pedestal, and lintel fragment.
Wat Tang Krasang (Kampong Cham)
Monastery housing ancient temple remains including numerous pedestals, sandstone plinths, and sema stones.
Wat Thmor Puon
Contemporary monastery with a stunning new pagoda, fortunately, the old pagoda remains standing for now and it’s still interesting to look at some of the art of times gone by. Also noting the “chaitya” placed at the foot of the Buddha and the beautiful image of Preah Mae Thorani. The new pagoda
Wat Thnoat Pkar Bo Prek (Srei Santhor)
Located near the east bank of the Mekong River in lower Kampong Cham Province, just northwest of Wat Svay Sach. It’s a contemporary monastery and pagoda, recently rebuilt by appearances. It uses the Phnom Penh style with added porches and lavish use of gold paint.
Wat Ti Baram
Also recorded as Wat Kampoul, it’s a contemporary monastery and pagoda located near the east bank of the Mekong River. It’s a little unusual. The monk seems keen on reinforcing that point of difference by constructing a monumental Buddha wrapped in a long stretching naga serpent overlooking a small basin. Cool. The large expanse of … Read more
Wat Vihear Thom
Also known as Wat Monisalvan Vihear Thom, what we see today is a contemporary pagoda, monastery and school in a lovely peaceful setting, all quite typical, but the site actually houses a great mystery and wonder of the ancient Khmer Empire. That story began in the early 1900s when the abbot, needing water for his … Read more