Pagodas and Temples in Kampot

Before you go: temple manners

These are working places of worship, not museums. Monks live on the grounds and local families come to pray, so behave as you would in someone's home.

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• Take your shoes off before entering the main hall.
• If a ceremony is under way, you can watch quietly or take part, but keep your distance and keep your voice down.
• Chanting, prayers and offerings to the monks are the usual rituals you may come across.

Dates and details below come from the older local listing for each wat. Where a temple's age is given, treat it as the commonly quoted date rather than a firm record, since sources on Cambodian temples often disagree.

Wat Kampot, the main town pagoda

Wat Kampot is the one most visitors mean when they say "the pagoda". It is described as a 19th-century Buddhist complex on the bank of the Kampong Bay River, with trees and gardens around it. The main hall is decorated with carvings and bright colours in the Khmer style, and inside are Buddha statues and other figures from Buddhist tradition.

The grounds also hold smaller shrines and meditation spots. On a clear day the views reach over the countryside towards Bokor Mountain, which makes it a reasonable stop for photographs. Map link below.

Temples within a short ride of town

Wat Kirisophea. The name is translated as "temple of happiness". It is a recent foundation, said to have been built in 2013 by a group of monks. Expect statues, carvings and murals showing scenes from the Buddha's life, and monks who are happy to explain practice and belief if you ask.

Wat Tchoub. Built in the late 19th century, according to the listing. The main draw is a large reclining Buddha made of brick and covered in gold leaf, with smaller shrines and statues elsewhere in the complex.

Wat Chum Kriel. Dedicated to the Buddha and used by local monks and worshippers. The listing dates it to the 12th century, which would make it very old; look for the carvings, statues and murals in the grounds.

Wat Traeuy Kaoh. Visitors can walk the grounds, light incense and make offerings. The older listing says it was built in 1970 and later restored. Meditation or a chat with a monk may be possible, but nothing is guaranteed, so ask politely.

Wat Prey Tom. Set among greenery next to a quiet river, with traditional Khmer architecture, carvings and statues. Ceremonies and festivals are held here during the year.

Further out: Veal Pouch, Puthi and Pichey Oudong

Wat Veal Pouch is about 6 km from Kampot. It is dated to the 19th century and is noted for mixing Khmer and Chinese architectural styles.

Wat Puthi lies about 8 km from town. The listing gives the 12th century as its age and mentions a large pagoda with carved detail and Buddha statues, plus views over the Kampot River. Dance performances and meditation sessions led by monks are mentioned too; these are likely occasional rather than daily, so do not plan a trip around them.

Wat Pichey Oudong is a 19th-century complex described as one of the more important in the area. Besides the main pagoda, which holds relics and Buddha statues, there are viharas, pavilions and monks' residential buildings. A festival is held here every year in November, called the Wanaka Festival in the source.

Planning a temple day

The town-side wats can be fitted around a river stroll. Veal Pouch and Puthi are easier by scooter or tuk-tuk. Use the map links on this page to check each location before setting off, as several temples sit on small roads. Go in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler, and bring small change if you want to leave an offering.