White Elephant Pagoda
Elaborate masterpieces, cultural performances, and welcoming monks make a visit to the White Elephant Pagoda pleasantly enjoyable.
White Elephant Pagoda, also known as Wat Tahm-Rai-Saw in Battambang is an architectural landmark with heavy influences from Thai architecture thanks to a Thai reign in the past, and is also known for its cultural performances. During Khmer New Year, you can get to be a part of the festival’s tradition wherein people throw water with coloured powder at other visitors as a form of blessing.
Location
White Elephant Pagoda is located between Street No 2 and Street No 3, in the heart of Battambang city.
Opening Days and Hours
White Elephant Pagoda opens daily from 07:00 to 19:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to the temple is free.
How to Get There
It is hard to miss seeing the White Elephant Pagoda with its beautiful and elaborate gates at the corner of Street No 2 and 3. Many visitors make the White Elephant Pagoda a pitstop during their cycling tour. You can get there on foot, taxi, or tuk-tuk.
Suggested For
White Elephant Pagoda is an excellent attraction for anyone who’s interested in Cambodia’s temples, including small groups of friends, seniors, families with kids, couples, and backpackers.
Time to Spend
Most people spend about 1 hour at the temple.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
White Elephant Pagoda is popular among visitors as it is strategically located in Battambang’s city centre. The best time to visit White Elephant Pagoda is during the Khmer New Year when you can also participate in the festival.
Food
Enjoy Khmer dishes especially spring rolls and sticky bamboo cakes with banana chips at one of the eateries available nearby. A number of food options can be found in the area ranging from budget local eats to relatively more expensive restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
You can head over to Wat Kor Village, which is a 10-minute drive away by tuk-tuk to visit ancient houses and see local lifestyle – where they work with ox carts and rice mills. You can also take a walk around Battambang city to see French Colonial Buildings at Street No 1 to 3. For a small break, sip on a cup of coffee at Kinyei Cafe which, is 5 minutes away on foot.
Stay
Battambang offers a wide choice of accommodation options, which includes budget guesthouses.
Good to Know
Dress appropriately as you are entering a place of worship. If you are squeezed for time on your trip to Battambang, this is a convenient and interesting attraction that you can visit.
