Wat Moha Montrey
An ornate Buddhist temple built in the 1960s, featuring a golden roof, tower, and incredibly detailed carved pillars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Wat Moha Montrey
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ornate Buddhist temple built in the 1960s, featuring a golden roof, tower, and incredibly detailed carved pillars.
"It is well worth a visit just to see the main hall with its luxurious chandeliers and old paintings."
🧥 Dress Code is Key
Cover shoulders & knees to show respect. Modest attire is essential for a pleasant visit.
📍 Find the Entrance
Locating the pagoda can be tricky due to surrounding houses. Look for signs and ask locals if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricately Carved Pillars
Main Hall (Vehear)
Marvel at the detailed carvings adorning the pillars and walls, a testament to the pagoda's unique artistry.
The Main Hall (Vehear)
Center of the property
The heart of the pagoda, featuring luxurious chandeliers and a very old painting on the right side.
Golden Roof and Tower
Exterior
Admire the striking golden roof and tower that crown this ornate Buddhist temple, a beautiful sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Navigating to the Pagoda
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting temples, is it OK?
🧥 Dress Code is Key
Cover shoulders & knees to show respect. Modest attire is essential for a pleasant visit.
📍 Find the Entrance
Locating the pagoda can be tricky due to surrounding houses. Look for signs and ask locals if needed.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate carvings on pillars and walls are stunning. Don't miss the old painting inside the main hall.
🤝 Engage with Monks
Monks are often happy to answer questions and share insights about the pagoda's history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress Code is Key
Cover shoulders & knees to show respect. Modest attire is essential for a pleasant visit.
📍 Find the Entrance
Locating the pagoda can be tricky due to surrounding houses. Look for signs and ask locals if needed.
📸 Capture the Details
The intricate carvings on pillars and walls are stunning. Don't miss the old painting inside the main hall.
🤝 Engage with Monks
Monks are often happy to answer questions and share insights about the pagoda's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Moha Montrei for its stunningly intricate carvings and the opulent interior of its main hall, calling it a must-see for its unique artistry. While some note challenges with finding the entrance and surrounding road conditions, the welcoming nature of the monks and the pagoda's historical significance are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
"Moha Montrei Pagoda is Mahanikay pagoda located along Sihanouk Blvd., south of the Olympic Stadium. It was built in the 1960s by former Prime Minister Lon Nol, a controversial figure who later fled to the United States.
Moha Montrei Pagoda leads to a Vihear (Main building) in the center of the property.
The exterior walls and columns are beautifully carved. It is worth visiting just to see this Vihear.
I visited during the busy holiday season of Pchum ben (Ancestor day), but the monk was happy to answer our questions and guide us through the Vihear.
--About Lon Nol--
Marshal Lon Nol was a Cambodian politician and general who served as Prime Minister of Cambodia twice, as well as serving repeatedly as defence minister and provincial governor
By Wikipedia
--About Mahanikay and Dhammayut--
Mahanikay is the older and more traditional branch of Buddhism in Cambodia. It is more involved in social work and allows its monks to own property and wear elaborate robes.
Dhammayut is a newer and stricter branch of Buddhism in Cambodia. It focuses more on meditation and study and requires its monks to live a simple and ascetic lifestyle."
SUSUMU KURODA
"Moha Montrei Pagoda is located south of the Olympic Stadium along Shianouk Blvd. While the grounds are not particularly large, it is a highly historic pagoda that was built in the 1960s with funding from former Prime Minister Lon Nol and designed by Mr. Moung Ses.
Upon entering the entrance, you will find Sala Chhan on the right, and further inside, the main hall (Vehear). Carvings adorn the pillars, walls, and ceilings throughout, making it clear at first glance that this pagoda is distinct from the ordinary. Inside the main hall, luxurious chandeliers illuminate the space. According to the monks, in the back on the right side facing the Buddha image, there is a very old painting from a bygone era.
Moha Montrei Pagoda is well worth a visit just to see the main hall.
--Basic building of Pagoda in Cambodia--
Vehear (The main hall): The building where the Buddha, the principal image of the temple, is enshrined.
Sala Chhan: which translates directly to 'dining or eating hall' is a gathering hall found in village pagodas traditionally used for religious celebrations, festivals and prayers by monks and where pagoda-goers come to make offerings.
Bannaly(Library): Sutra storehouse that stores scriptures"
Photography NIHAS
"Moha Montrei Pagoda means the Pagoda of High-ranking Officials. I used to live near to this pagoda; my house was just 70 meters east of the pagoda. My wife also used to teach at Moha Montrei Primary school which is located on the compound of the pagoda. During Pchum Ben Festival (Festival of the Dead) we went to pray at this pagoda. It is a nice pagoda with spacious compound and a lot of trees."
Leaksmy Pok
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Moha Montrei is situated south of the Olympic Stadium along Sihanouk Boulevard. Taxis or tuk-tuks are readily available and can easily take you there. Be aware that the road leading to the pagoda can be narrow and busy, especially during peak times.
Finding the exact entrance can sometimes be a bit challenging as there are houses within the pagoda compound. It's advisable to look for clear signage or ask locals for directions if you're unsure.
Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient way to explore the area around Wat Moha Montrei. Negotiate your fare beforehand. For longer distances, consider a taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit Wat Moha Montrei. It's a functioning Buddhist temple, and donations are appreciated but not mandatory.
While specific hours aren't always posted, Buddhist temples are generally open from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
No, advance booking is not required for Wat Moha Montrei. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
Yes, it is completely normal and encouraged for foreigners to visit Buddhist temples in Cambodia. Just ensure you are respectful and dressed appropriately.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Wat Moha Montrei, especially of the architecture and carvings. However, always be mindful and avoid photographing monks or sacred rituals without permission.
The intricately carved pillars and walls of the main hall (Vehear) are highly photogenic. The golden roof and tower also make for striking exterior shots.
While generally allowed, it's always best to be discreet and respectful. Avoid using flash photography in enclosed spaces or when it might disturb worshippers.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Wat Moha Montrei was built in the 1960s, with funding from former Prime Minister Lon Nol.
The pagoda is renowned for its ornate exterior and interior, featuring beautifully carved pillars, walls, and ceilings. The main hall (Vehear) is particularly impressive.
Marshal Lon Nol was a Cambodian politician and general who served as Prime Minister. He provided funding for the construction of Wat Moha Montrei.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to visit during quieter times to avoid overwhelming crowds and ensure children can move around more freely. Remember to dress modestly to set a good example. The main hall's chandeliers and the old painting might capture their attention, offering a brief but memorable cultural experience.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different lighting conditions to highlight the textures of the carvings and the sheen of the gold. The interior of the main hall, with its chandeliers, can be challenging but rewarding to photograph, especially if you can capture the interplay of light and shadow. Remember to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, particularly of monks or worshippers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Wat Moha Montrei
Inside the Vehear, the atmosphere is further enhanced by luxurious chandeliers that illuminate the space. According to local monks, a very old painting can be found on the right side, facing the Buddha image, adding a layer of historical depth to the experience. The combination of detailed carvings, opulent interiors, and historical artifacts makes Wat Moha Montrei a significant cultural and artistic site.
Beyond the visual splendor, the pagoda offers a glimpse into Cambodian Buddhism. It belongs to the Mahanikay branch, which is known for its involvement in social work and allows monks to own property. Understanding these aspects can enrich your appreciation of the pagoda's role in the community.
Understanding the Pagoda's Context
The pagoda's layout includes a Vehear (main hall) where the Buddha image is enshrined, a Sala Chhan (gathering hall for religious celebrations and prayers), and a Bannaly (library for scriptures). This traditional structure reflects the functional and spiritual needs of a Buddhist temple.
Despite its architectural beauty, some visitors have noted that the pagoda's surroundings might not have the best waste management, and the narrow roads can make access challenging during busy periods like the Pchum Ben Festival.
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