Wat Damnak
A serene Buddhist temple and cultural hub in Siem Reap, featuring ornate carvings, lily ponds, and a school.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Wat Damnak
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple and cultural hub in Siem Reap, featuring ornate carvings, lily ponds, and a school.
"A very peaceful compound with a library, a school all in one place."
🚶♀️ Stroll into Serenity
No tickets needed! Just walk in and enjoy the peaceful grounds, stone carvings, and lily ponds. :walking:
🤫 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect for this active Buddhist temple and school. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ornate Stone Carvings
Temple Grounds
Intricate ancient stone carvings depicting Buddhist stories and motifs, offering a glimpse into Khmer artistry.

Peaceful Lily Ponds
Temple Grounds
Tranquil lily ponds reflecting the temple's architecture, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Monks Teaching English
Temple Grounds
Witness monks engaging in educational activities, a unique cultural insight into community learning.
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Insider Tips
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1932 - Siem Reap (Cambodia)
🚶♀️ Stroll into Serenity
No tickets needed! Just walk in and enjoy the peaceful grounds, stone carvings, and lily ponds. :walking:
🤫 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect for this active Buddhist temple and school. :pray:
Upscale Khmer Restaurants
The Embassy - Siem Reap Cambodia
📚 Witness English Lessons
Catch monks teaching English to students in the evenings for a unique cultural experience. :books:
🐶 Beware of Dogs
The silence can sometimes be broken by barking dogs, so be aware! :dog:
More Questions about things to do in Siem Reap
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll into Serenity
No tickets needed! Just walk in and enjoy the peaceful grounds, stone carvings, and lily ponds. :walking:
🤫 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to show respect for this active Buddhist temple and school. :pray:
📚 Witness English Lessons
Catch monks teaching English to students in the evenings for a unique cultural experience. :books:
🐶 Beware of Dogs
The silence can sometimes be broken by barking dogs, so be aware! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wat Damnak to be a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist temple in Siem Reap, offering a serene escape with its pagoda, stone carvings, and lily ponds. Many appreciate the opportunity to witness monks teaching English in the evenings and the historical significance of the site. While generally tranquil, occasional sounds from dogs or the school add to its lived-in atmosphere.
"One of the beautiful temple (Wat) in Siem Reap that is close to Pub Street and the Night Market. A very peaceful compound with a library, a school all in one place. In the evening of weekdays, monks are teaching English to students as well. A nice place to cool off, reflect or just come for leisure stroll away from the busyness outside."
Chanthy Leang
"I really felt here a special atmosphere. Beautiful and quiet place. Only barking of dogs can destroy the silence :) or running children since there is a school on the area.
Wat Domnak is a famous Buddhist pagoda and one of the teaching monasteries in the city of Siem Reap.
Wat Damnak was formerly the royal residence of King Sisowath from 1904 to 1927. Later, the king's palace was relocated near the Banana King Ashram. After the Royal Palace was relocated, the courtyard of the old palace complex was turned into a Buddhist pagoda.
During the Khmers Rouges regime, Wat Damnak was used by the Khmers Rouges as their military base.
Wat Domnak is one of the teaching monasteries of Siem Reap, and this academic ambition has developed considerably since the early 2000s."
Elena Titkova
"No tickets required. Just walk right in to the serene and spacious compound. Lots of old stone and water to look at and appreciate. One of the better temples in town."
Alex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Damnak is conveniently located near Pub Street and the Night Market in Siem Reap. You can easily walk there in about 10-15 minutes. Tuktuks are also readily available if you prefer a short ride.
While there isn't direct public bus transport to Wat Damnak, it's a very walkable distance from the main tourist areas. Tuktuks are the most common and convenient way to reach it if you're not walking.
If you're staying further from the city center, a tuktuk is your best bet. Negotiate a fair price beforehand, or use a ride-hailing app if available in Siem Reap.
Yes, cycling is a great option to reach Wat Damnak, especially if you're exploring Siem Reap at your own pace. The roads are generally safe for cyclists.
There is usually space for tuktuks and motorbikes to park near the entrance of Wat Damnak. If you're arriving by car, inquire with locals about designated parking areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to enter Wat Damnak. It's a functioning Buddhist temple and a cultural site, and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds freely.
Wat Damnak is generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and grounds.
There is no entrance fee for Wat Damnak. Donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of the temple and its school.
While you can visit during general hours, it's advisable to be mindful of any ongoing religious ceremonies and maintain a respectful silence. Avoid disrupting monks or worshippers.
Yes, a modest dress code is expected. Please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered out of respect for the religious nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the beautiful pagoda, explore ornate stone carvings, relax by the lily ponds, and observe the monks' daily life. It's a peaceful place for reflection and a leisurely stroll.
Yes, children can visit Wat Damnak. However, it's important to remind them to be quiet and respectful of the temple environment. The open grounds can be nice for them to explore.
Photography is generally permitted in the outdoor areas of Wat Damnak. However, always be respectful and avoid taking photos of monks or private areas without permission.
Wat Damnak was formerly the royal residence of King Sisowath and later became a Buddhist pagoda. It also served as a military base during the Khmer Rouge regime and is now a prominent teaching monastery.
Basic restroom facilities might be available, but they can be rudimentary. It's advisable to use restrooms before you visit if you have specific needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Wat Damnak itself is a temple and school, the nearby area offers dining options. Notably, Cuisine Wat Damnak is a highly-regarded restaurant offering upscale Khmer cuisine.
Cuisine Wat Damnak serves refined Khmer cuisine, often featuring tasting menus that showcase traditional flavors with a modern twist. It's considered a fine dining experience.
Cuisine Wat Damnak is considered expensive for Cambodia, but offers excellent value compared to similar dining experiences in Western countries. Expect tasting menus to be around $45 per person.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for Cuisine Wat Damnak, especially for dinner, as it's a popular spot and can book up in advance.
Yes, Wat Damnak is located close to Siem Reap's main tourist hub, offering a wide range of dining options from street food to other restaurants serving Khmer and international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The pagoda itself, the ornate stone carvings, and the tranquil lily ponds offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The late afternoon light can create a magical atmosphere.
Generally, outdoor photography is allowed. However, always be respectful and avoid photographing monks or private areas without explicit permission. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Late afternoons, around 5 PM, are ideal for photography as the sun begins to set, casting a warm, golden light on the temple and grounds. Early mornings can also be peaceful.
Drone photography is likely restricted at religious sites like Wat Damnak. It's best to check local regulations and be respectful of the sacred nature of the location.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wider shots of the grounds and details of the carvings. A prime lens can be great for low-light situations if you visit during the evening.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
🍽️ Food Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Culture
The academic pursuits at Wat Damnak have flourished significantly since the early 2000s. It's not uncommon to witness monks actively teaching English to students in the evenings, offering a unique cultural exchange and a glimpse into the community's dedication to learning. Visitors often describe a special, peaceful atmosphere within its compound, punctuated by the sounds of nature and the gentle hum of daily life.
This blend of historical significance, religious practice, and educational outreach makes Wat Damnak a compelling destination. It offers a serene escape from the bustle of Siem Reap, allowing visitors to connect with Cambodian culture on a deeper level. The presence of a library and school within the temple grounds further underscores its role as a community hub.
Experiencing the Serenity of Wat Damnak
The temple's earthy-colored architecture, combined with the gentle sway of vegetation and the flight of birds, creates a picturesque and tranquil evening atmosphere. Some visitors have even reported hearing monks chanting from nearby accommodations, further enhancing the spiritual feel of the area. The experience of receiving a red bracelet and making a prayer for family adds a personal touch to the visit, allowing for contemplation and a positive start to the day.
While the silence is often appreciated, some reviewers note that the occasional barking of dogs or the sounds of children playing from the school can momentarily break the stillness. However, these elements are generally seen as part of the living, breathing environment of the temple and school complex, rather than significant detractions.
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