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Ek Phnom Pagoda: Ancient Ruins and Modern Spirituality

Explore ancient history and modern spirituality at Ek Phnom Pagoda, a captivating temple complex near Battambang.

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Ek Phnom Pagoda, located a few kilometers north of Battambang, is a captivating site where the ruins of an 11th-century Angkorian temple stand alongside a modern Buddhist pagoda. This blend of ancient history and contemporary religious practice offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia's cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Ek Phnom Pagoda

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the temple ruins and grounds.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as the temple grounds offer limited shade.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the modern pagoda, covering shoulders and knees.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Battambang city center, the most common way to reach Ek Phnom Pagoda is by tuk-tuk. You can easily hire a tuk-tuk from anywhere in the city. The ride typically takes 20-30 minutes. Agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey; a round trip should cost between $5 to $10 USD, depending on your negotiation skills and whether you want the driver to wait for you. The route heads north out of the city, following the Sangkae River. Look for signs indicating the direction of Ek Phnom. There is parking available near the entrance of the pagoda.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are also available in Battambang, offering a more comfortable but potentially more expensive option. A one-way taxi ride to Ek Phnom Pagoda will likely cost between $10 and $15 USD. Negotiate the price beforehand. The route is the same as for tuk-tuks, heading north from the city center along the Sangkae River. Parking is available near the pagoda entrance.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't a direct public bus route to Ek Phnom Pagoda, you can take a bus from Battambang to Ek Phnom village. Buses leave from the central bus station and cost about $1. After arriving in Ek Phnom village, you can hire a local tuk-tuk to take you the remaining distance to the pagoda, which is around 3 kilometers away. The tuk-tuk ride should cost an additional $2 to $3.

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Discover more about Ek Phnom Pagoda

Ek Phnom Pagoda is located approximately 9 kilometers north of Battambang. The site is a blend of ancient and modern spirituality, with the ruins of Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th-century Hindu temple built during the reign of King Suryavarman I, as its centerpiece. Wat Ek Phnom, though partially collapsed and weathered, features well-preserved carved lintels and pediments showcasing Hindu imagery. The temple complex, constructed from sandstone blocks, was once enclosed by a laterite outer wall and a baray (reservoir). The remaining towers feature intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu deities and scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Adjacent to the ancient ruins is a modern Buddhist pagoda, marked by a large white-stone sitting Buddha statue and surrounded by 18 Bodhi trees. The pagoda's prayer hall is adorned with frescoes and paintings that illustrate core Buddhist beliefs. Ek Phnom is an active place of worship and a popular pilgrimage destination for Cambodians, especially during festive occasions.

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