Wat Moha Montrei

Phnom Penh


Wat Moha Montrei was named in honour of one of King Monivong’s ministers, Chakrue Ponn, who initiated the founding of the pagoda (moha montrei means ‘the great minister’). The cement vihara (temple sanctuary), topped with a 35m-high tower, was completed in 1970. Between 1975 and 1979, it was used by the Khmer Rouge to store rice and corn.

Check out the assorted Cambodian touches incorporated into the wall murals of the vihara, which tell the story of Buddha. The angels accompanying Buddha to heaven are dressed as classical Khmer dancers, while the assembled officials wear the white military uniforms of the Sihanouk period. It's close to the Olympic Stadium.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Phnom Penh attractions

1. Olympic Stadium

0.25 MILES

Despite the lofty name, this multipurpose sports complex has never hosted an Olympic Games. Nevertheless, it's a striking example of 1960s 'New Khmer'…

2. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

0.52 MILES

In 1975 Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot’s security forces and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21); it soon became…

3. Wat Langka

0.94 MILES

A colourful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city (near Independence Monument) that was established as a sanctuary for holy writings.

4. Independence Monument

1.02 MILES

Modelled on the central tower of Angkor Wat, Independence Monument was built in 1958 to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953. It…

5. Norodom Sihanouk Statue

1.14 MILES

This impressive statue shows the legendary former king/prime minister/statesman King Father Norodom Sihanouk, who died a national hero in 2012.

6. Psar Thmei

1.15 MILES

A landmark building in the capital, the art deco Psar Thmei (literally 'New Market') is often called the Central Market, a reference to its location and…

7. Wat Botum

1.26 MILES

This Buddhist temple with saffron-coloured robes flapping in the wind is particularly photogenic. It's located opposite Wat Botum Park.

8. King's Residence

1.29 MILES

The official residence of King Sihamoni and his family is not open to the general public.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "cambodia/phnom-penh/attractions/wat-moha-montrei/a/poi-sig/1189934/355881",
      "destination": "Phnom-Penh",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Cambodia",
      "city": "Phnom-Penh",
      "position": "superzone"
    }