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Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine: Guardians of Siem Reap

A revered shrine in Siem Reap, home to sacred statues believed to protect the city and bring good fortune.

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The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine is a revered religious site in Siem Reap, Cambodia, housing the statues of two princesses believed to protect the city. It's a place of daily worship where locals offer incense, flowers, and prayers.

A brief summary to Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine

  • 9V65+XHF, NR6, Krong Siem Reap, KH

Local tips

  • Visit during the Pchum Ben festival to witness the shrine enveloped in the smoke of burning incense, a part of Khmer ritual.
  • Observe the thousands of fruit bats (flying foxes) circling over the Royal Independence Gardens, especially at dusk.
  • Purchase flowers, incense sticks, or other offerings from the street vendors near the shrine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine is located in the center of Siem Reap, near the Royal Independence Gardens and the Grand Hotel d'Angkor. If you are in the downtown area, the shrine is easily accessible by foot. From most central locations, it's a short walk east towards the river.

  • Tuk-tuk

    Tuk-tuks are a readily available and popular mode of transport in Siem Reap. A short tuk-tuk ride from most hotels or guesthouses in the city center to the shrine should cost between $1 and $3. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine

The Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, located within the Royal Residence compound in Siem Reap, is a significant place of worship for locals and a fascinating stop for tourists. Dedicated to the two Buddha statues, Preah Ang Chek (the taller Buddha) and Preah Ang Chorm (the shorter Buddha), the shrine is believed to offer protection to the entire town. Legend says that the statues were originally housed in Angkor Wat but were lost due to neglect. Rediscovered in 1950, they were briefly taken by Dap Chhuon, the governor of Siem Reap, who used black magic to move them. The statues eventually found their home at Wat Damnak before a shrine was constructed for them in 1982 opposite the Independence Gardens. Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh contributed to the shrine's expansion in 2004. It is said that when Khmer Rouge attempted to remove the statues, they became too heavy to lift. The shrine is also considered a source of good fortune for newlyweds, who frequently visit to receive blessings. Visitors can witness locals making offerings of candles, incense, and lotus flowers. The surrounding Royal Independence Gardens are home to a colony of fruit bats, creating a unique spectacle at dusk.

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