Tourist Information - Wat Prasat

Wat Prasat

Name in English	Name in Khmer	Rating:
Wat Prasat	wat prasât

City:	Phnom Penh
Price:	Free
Open time:	Daytime
How to get there:	From The Independence Monument head north toward Wat Phnom. Go around Wat Phnom and continue north until you reach the roundabout. Turn a sharp right - not to go over the Japanese bridge, but underneath. When you get to the river head turn left and north along National Road No. 5. Go straight for about 12 km and then turn left at Preak Pena-oo. Now go straight for 6 to 7km. Look for the signand then turn right to Wat Prasat which is 1km further down the road.

About 30 minutes drive from Phnom Penh, Wat Prasat has grown in prominence over the past few years. It used to be a relatively poor and unknown Wat but is now quite famous. The Wat has grown in prosperity mainly due to the prominence given to the head monk who's blessings are believed to bring good fortune.
	The Wat shows its increased wealth with the presentation of beautifully molded statues that tell of traditional stories handed down though Cambodian history. These statues are dotted around the courtyard that surrounds the Wat.
Within the Wat itself are a myriad of paintings that depict the stories of Buddha and his teachings. Each of the paintings may be sponsored by one or two of the people who believe they benefited from increased wealth due to the Monk's blessings. The Wat is particularly popular during the P’Chum Ben festival which is a festival held in September to pay honor and respect passed relatives. A visit to the Wat at this time is full of colour and adventure.