Wat Bo Pagoda, Siem Reap

Overview of Wat Bo Pagoda, Siem Reap

Wat Bo Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Siem Reap, Cambodia and has a number of well-preserved wall paintings from the 19th century. Although it is a Buddhist temple some of the wall paintings describe the famous ancient love story of Rama and Shita, the strongest man and the most beautiful women of all times. Still today the royal families of the Southeast Asian countries claim to be descendants of Rama. Anyhow, these wall paintings describe a Hindu story that is most remarkable in a Buddhist temple. Wat Bo temple also contains a large collection of Buddha statues that you will find behind the main Buddha.

About Wat Bo Pagoda, Siem Reap

Wat Bo is located on the east side of Siem Reap River and gives Wat Bo Area its name. Cross the Siem Reap River on the ‘Wat Bo Bridge’ next to La Residence d’Angkor and just follow Samdech Tep Vong Street. You need to cross the River Road Achar Sva Street as well as Wat Bo Road and then continue straight until you reach Wat Bo Pagoda. (Wat Bo is one of the most interesting pagodas in Siem Reap) Pagodas and monks welcome visitors and tourists. Please always remember to not disturb prayer or eating times, women are not allowed to touch monks, bow slightly in the presence of older monks, don’t point soles of feet or fingers towards monks or Buddha statues, sit with feet tucked behind rather than crossed, hats off in the monastery grounds, take off your shoes in the building, speak softly, ask before taking pictures, don’t enter closed buildings without permission, contribute what you can to the donation box.