Wat Bo Temple
A Buddhist pagoda from the 18th century, featuring rare murals (1892–1911), an active monastery, and the vibrant Wat Bo neighbourhood — one of Siem Reap's coolest areas.
The Wat Bo (សវត្តបូព៌) is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist pagodas in Siem Reap, founded in the 18th century. This active religious monastery houses exceptionally preserved 19th-century murals. The temple lends its name to the Wat Bo neighbourhood, ranked among the trendiest areas in the world for its blend of traditional charm and boutique spots.
Architecture & Murals
Unlike the stone ruins of Angkor, Wat Bo embodies living history and post-Angkorian religious art.
Murals in the vihear (circa 1892–1911): the Reamker (Khmer Ramayana) adorns the walls of the main sanctuary. Details of daily life: French soldiers, merchants, traditional costumes, 19th-century European bicycles. Stupas: numerous funerary monuments of local families and monks. Monastic school: in the late afternoon, Buddhist chants from the monks.
Wat Bo Neighbourhood
A safe and pedestrian-friendly area outside the walls: social cafes like Footprint Cafés, upscale Khmer restaurants, craft workshops, and organic boutiques — a calm alternative to Pub Street.
Address: Wat Bo Road, Krong Siem Reap — east bank of the river, 10 minutes on foot from the Old Market. 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily · free entry (donations welcome). Dress code: shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed in the vihear.
At Wat Bo's vihear, amidst scenes from the Reamker and a 19th-century French soldier, one realises that Siem Reap is more than just Angkor; it’s a city where living Buddhist art intertwines with the evening café culture.
Géraldine & Jean-Pierre
À voir sur place
- Fresques du Reamker dans le vihear (1892–1911)
- Détails de la vie coloniale et quotidienne
- Collection de stupas familiaux et monastiques
- Monastère et école — chants en fin de journée
- Architecture khmère post-angkorienne
Quartier & pratique
- Wat Bo Village — cafés, restos et ateliers boutique
- Alternative calme à Pub Street (rive est)
- Entrée libre — donations pour l'entretien
- Tenue respectueuse obligatoire
- Chaussures retirées dans le sanctuaire
Photo gallery
Contact
- Address: Wat Bo Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodge
- Hours: Tous les jours : 6h00 – 18h00