Hanchey Temple

About

The hilltop pagoda at Wat Hanchey has been an important place of worship since the 8th century, since it offers some of the best Mekong views in Cambodia. Despite predating the world-famous Angkor Wat, time hasn’t been as kind to Hanchey Temple, with some of the 8th century buildings having been reduced to their foundations by American bombs. The Khmer Rouge devastated the Buddhist community, but Hanchey Temple has rebounded to become a vibrant place of worship with an active community of monks and novices. Visitors are free to explore the compound with its brightly-coloured buildings, giant sculptures of animals and fruit, and famed views of the Mekong.