A sprawling row of century-old banyan trees dominates the skyline at Royal Independence Gardens. These massive, tangled specimens serve as the permanent home for thousands of fruit bats, whose heavy, leather-winged silhouettes fill the…
Riverside Temples and Bridges
This walk follows the scenic banks of the Siem Reap River to introduce you to historic Buddhist temples and the architectural bridges that link local daily life on both sides of the water.
Listen to this tour in the Mira app →
1. Royal Independence Gardens
2. Ornament Bridge
The Ornament Bridge features a series of distinctive, waist-high concrete pillars topped with decorative finials that mimic traditional Khmer temple motifs. This structure spans a quiet section of the Siem Reap River, serving as a primary…
3. Wat Bo
Wat Bo stands out for its unique blend of architectural styles, featuring a distinct combination of Cambodian and French colonial elements. Unlike many temples in Siem Reap, it houses a collection of rare mural paintings from the late…
4. Wat Damnak
Wat Damnak features a sprawling temple compound painted in brilliant ochre and white, punctuated by the curved, tiered roofs of traditional Khmer architecture. It serves as a rare scholarly sanctuary in Siem Reap, housing one of the…
5. Old Market Bridge
The Old Market Bridge stands out for its curved, steel-truss frame painted a distinct, weathered blue. Originally constructed in France during the nineteen twenties, the government disassembled the structure and shipped it to Cambodia in…
6. Wat Preah Prom Rath
Wat Preah Prom Rath features a bright, oversized, reclining Buddha statue encased in a glass pavilion. Built in the early sixteenth century, the temple serves as a central hub for the Buddhist community in Siem Reap. The site owes its name…