Wat Lanka

Temple
Wat Lanka Siem ReapAngkorPhnom PenhBattambangKampotSihanoukvilleKoh RongWat Lanka
In this guide

Wat Lanka essentials

Country: Cambodia
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Riels (៛)
Language: Khmer
Emergency: 117

Wat Lanka at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Wat Lanka

Visit Wat Lanka during the dry months (November-February) for the most comfortable conditions and easier walking around the temple grounds.

Dry season (most comfortable)
November-February · ~24-32°C
Cooler mornings and lower humidity are better for temple visits and local exploration.
Wet season
May-October · ~24-31°C
Afternoon rain is common; the temple grounds are greener but may be slippery or muddy.

History & Culture of Wat Lanka

Wat Lanka is one of Phnom Penh’s five original Buddhist temples, founded in 1437 as a library and relocated to its present site, just southwest of the Independence Monument, in 1916. Until 1967 it was under the royal patronage of Cambodia’s monarchy, many of whom studied here or had their remains interred in stupas on the temple grounds.

Each year, in the days leading up to Khmer New Year, the ten stories of the Buddha are read publicly to share Buddhist values with the community. For visitors wishing to learn more about Cambodian Buddhism, Wat Lanka offers public meditation instruction each evening at 6 pm; as this is popular with foreigners, some English-speaking monks are usually on hand.

Weather & Climate near Wat Lanka

Climate

Wat Lanka's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1398 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 96 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 22° - 31° 27° 10 mm partly cloudy 61% 1.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.4h
February Ideal 23° - 32° 28° 10 mm partly cloudy 53% 2.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 25° - 34° 31° 31 mm partly cloudy 54% 1.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 26° - 35° 33° 65 mm partly cloudy 60% 1.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 26° - 34° 35° 151 mm overcast 74% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.5h
June Acceptable 25° - 33° 35° 152 mm overcast 82% 1.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.7h
July Acceptable 25° - 32° 34° 163 mm overcast 84% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.6h
August Acceptable 25° - 32° 34° 157 mm overcast 85% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
September Acceptable 25° - 32° 34° 225 mm overcast 86% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Acceptable 24° - 31° 33° 262 mm overcast 86% 1.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.8h
November Good 24° - 31° 31° 132 mm partly cloudy 82% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.5h
December Excellent 23° - 31° 27° 40 mm partly cloudy 71% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Wat Lanka

Wat Lanka is located in central Phnom Penh close to the riverside (Sisowath Quay) and the Royal Palace area. It’s easily reached on foot if you are already staying in the riverfront district, or by a short tuk‑tuk ride from central Phnom Penh.

From Phnom Penh International Airport expect about a 10-12 km drive into the city center (roughly 20-30 minutes); tuk‑tuks and taxis are the usual way to reach the temple from the airport or main bus stops.