Wat Nokor
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
13 within 3 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
126 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
57
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Neil W
19 contributions
Apr 2023
mysticism, religion, pride, respect seems to motivate so many of these lovely ruins. What they have in common is a need for legacy and a bit of arrogance to be remembered. It doesn't hurt to have a popular movie filmed here too. Expect a hot day but the reward is great to take the time and energy to visit. I would say, if you love Machu Picchu, Merida MX, and Chaco Canyon, you better put this place on your list to visit. We were lucky enough to visit with someone who really knew the place well. That is a plus. There are English brochures but sometimes it is difficult to read along and know where to visit. Our group turned out to be 80 or so. I'd recommend to visit in a smaller group.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr Paradise
Liverpool, UK167 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
What should of been a pleasant relaxing stroll around the wat was spoiled by the police who've now set up shop there and are demanding an entrance fee. OK it's only a dollar but they got on my nerves so I gave them what for and left.
Written 15 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barilee Traveling
Osaka, Japan410 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We really enjoyed this hybrid temple, mixing two different schools of Buddhism with two different structures squeezed into each other. The grounds and stuctures offer some interesting photo perspectives for sure. Not far from town.
Written 17 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymond W
Townsville, Australia4,535 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
People passing through the lovely riverside town of Kampong Cham on their way to Siem Reap or Kratie are advised to stopover, enjoy a Mekong sunset and pay a visit to the lovely Angkorian ruins of Wat Nokor. While these are nowhere near as grand as the major temples at Angkor itself, this millenium-old temple, housing a century-old wat is a unique hybrid which is remarkably photogenic and has already found its way onto a few tour group itineraries.
Situated just off the Phnom Penh-Kampong Cham road in a picturesque rural village, this site boasts some vaulted corridors, laterite walling (some of it with a charred appearance; perhaps the Khmer Rouge or American bombs did some damage here?) and some exquisite carving of asparas, Khmer angelic beings. There are also some ancient, stone-lined reservoirs and the whole area is full of tombs from various eras of history. And don't miss the temple guardians or the eye-catching Harihara at the entrance to the complex. This is definitely worth a leisurely exploration, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures drop and the whole complex can be seen in a golden light.
Situated just off the Phnom Penh-Kampong Cham road in a picturesque rural village, this site boasts some vaulted corridors, laterite walling (some of it with a charred appearance; perhaps the Khmer Rouge or American bombs did some damage here?) and some exquisite carving of asparas, Khmer angelic beings. There are also some ancient, stone-lined reservoirs and the whole area is full of tombs from various eras of history. And don't miss the temple guardians or the eye-catching Harihara at the entrance to the complex. This is definitely worth a leisurely exploration, especially in the late afternoon when temperatures drop and the whole complex can be seen in a golden light.
Written 4 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter B
Wyndham Vale, Australia199 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This is a smaller temple complex, built in the 11 century. There is a small buddhist pagoda situated with this complex and is still used today by the monks that reside there. If you are there mid afternoon, you may get the chance to witness a pray session. As this is a small complex, you won't use up to much time here, and you won't have to fight the getting good photos, as this temple is off the tourist route.
Written 16 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorsetbruce
Poole, UK4,672 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
I cycled to Wat Nokor. It is a 15 minute (3 or 4km) ride along the main Phnom Penh road from the main bridge. When you get to the dragons ‘figure of 8’ roundabout turn left under the gold arch and continue for 150m. The small entry fee includes admission to the temples on Man and Women mountains 5km further up the road. Wat Nokor is a modern Buddhist pagoda situated amongst an 11th century temple. It has interesting passageways which make for nice pictures, and the lack of visitors means it is a peaceful place. The surrounding walls are in need of repair but most is OK considering its age. A good contrast of old and new. There are no guide books or leaflets for sale, just a few stalls outside selling drinks and snacks. The surrounding area is worth a look too, with decorative mini reservoirs and more small ruins. A must see if in Kampong Cham. If you are heading to the Man and Women mountains continue up the main road for 5km until you reach the bird statue, turn right and they are straight ahead.
Written 6 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John12312
Singapore, Singapore427 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
This temple is one of the reasons you travel to Kampong Cham. It is well- preserved ancient temple dated back Angkor period. It has all the carving depicting Buddhism motif similar to Angkor Wat. It is in fact a temple within a temple. Externally it is surrounded by 3-4 m high rock block wall. In contrast, internally is in fact a Cambodian-style temple with colorful painted column prayer hall. The surrounding perimeter of this temple is dotted with stupas and also tall coconut trees. Spend some time walking around the temple compound.
Written 4 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kenl461
British Columbia, Canada2,222 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Amongst several historical monuments in the province of Kampong Cham, our group visited the Wat Nokor Bachey Temple.
The local people sometimes call the temple 'Wat Angkor' although a sign at the entrance of the temple now officially designates the name of the temple as Wat Nokor Bachey. The temple has a number of distinguishing characteristics other than the fact that it is the largest ancient temple complex in Kampong Cham Province. One of these characteristics is that it is built of black sandstone, which causes it to stand out from other temples of the period which are often built of brick or reddish sandstone.
The temple also has a fusion affair to it, in which another more modern temple of a very different style has been built over and around the original structure creating a blend of architectural styles. This more modern temple is being used today for worship.
It should be noted that Wat Nokor Bachey does not get the attention or maintenance necessary to maintain the grounds and gardens like others, such as Angkor Wat. Its ambience is its peacefulness where you can wander around, explore & take pictures without the large crowds.
A warm up to Angkor Wat.
The local people sometimes call the temple 'Wat Angkor' although a sign at the entrance of the temple now officially designates the name of the temple as Wat Nokor Bachey. The temple has a number of distinguishing characteristics other than the fact that it is the largest ancient temple complex in Kampong Cham Province. One of these characteristics is that it is built of black sandstone, which causes it to stand out from other temples of the period which are often built of brick or reddish sandstone.
The temple also has a fusion affair to it, in which another more modern temple of a very different style has been built over and around the original structure creating a blend of architectural styles. This more modern temple is being used today for worship.
It should be noted that Wat Nokor Bachey does not get the attention or maintenance necessary to maintain the grounds and gardens like others, such as Angkor Wat. Its ambience is its peacefulness where you can wander around, explore & take pictures without the large crowds.
A warm up to Angkor Wat.
Written 28 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob G
Red Deer, Canada207 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
This wat apparently dates to around the 11th century, so it's older than many of the temples at Angkor (Siem Reap). It is compact and easily visited in 20 or 30 minutes. There is no info provided at the site but guidebooks may have some information.
It's always awe inspiring to walk in a structure that has stood for 1,000 years and that has such great historic/cultural value.
It's always awe inspiring to walk in a structure that has stood for 1,000 years and that has such great historic/cultural value.
Written 14 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare V
Toulouse, France40 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Surprised by the 3 USD entry fee, as this is a working temple and not just some Angkor ruins, which the government is doing nothing to maintain. However, once you pass through into the main temple your irritation will probably disappear, as this is a powerful place. Why they thought building a new concrete temple over the old Angkor stone was a good idea is a mystery, sacrilege, maybe one day a rich benefactor will feel it is worth doing it properly! Definitely worth visiting if you are staying in Kampong Cham or just passing through, the main Buddha image is very powerful, and the temple hangings and flags are very beautiful.
Written 20 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing