Wat Ek Phnom
Temple Ruin of a Khmer temple with bas-relief carvings
An 11th-century Angkorian temple ruin near Battambang, Ek Phnom attracts visitors for its carved lintels, a later reclining Buddha statue and surrounding rice-field vistas.
Wat Ek Phnom is a ruined Khmer temple complex near Battambang in northwestern Cambodia, consisting of late 11th-century style stone structures alongside a large modern Buddha statue. The site combines archaeological ruins with contemporary religious practice.
Visitors can view remaining lintels and carved stonework at the ruined temple complex and the nearby modern shrine area where a large Buddha statue has been erected. The ruins are modest in scale compared with major Angkor monuments but are accessible by road and attract local visitors and tourists interested in regional Khmer architecture.
The temple dates from the Angkorian period and has survived in a partly ruined state; in recent decades a modern Buddhist shrine has been added close to the ruins and the site functions both as an archaeological point of interest and an active religious place.
Situated in Battambang province close to main roads north of the provincial capital, the site lies in lowland agricultural country and is readily reached by vehicle.
- Modern statue and visibility: A large modern Buddha statue sits near the ruined Khmer temple and is visible from the adjacent road, making the site easy to find.
How to Get to Wat Ek Phnom #
Wat Ek Phnom is reachable by road from Battambang town (about 15-30 minutes by tuk-tuk or motorbike depending on exact location). Local transport options include tuk-tuk hires and motorbike taxis; ask locally for the simplest route.
Tips for Visiting Wat Ek Phnom #
- Visit the small modern reclining Buddha nearby for photographs and to see how locals use the site.
- Combine Wat Ek Phnom with a trip to Phnom Sampeau for a longer archaeological day in the Battambang area.
- Bring insect repellent - the temple area has shady parts where mosquitoes gather.
Best Time to Visit Wat Ek Phnom #
Dry season is preferable for walking and clearer views of the temple's surviving bas-reliefs.
Weather & Climate near Wat Ek Phnom #
Wat Ek Phnom's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1265 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (143 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
