Wat Kiri Sela

Kep


This Buddhist temple sits at the foot of Phnom Kompong Trach, a dramatic karst formation riddled with more than 100 caverns and passageways. From the wat, an underground passage leads to a fishbowl-like formation, surrounded by vine-draped cliffs and open to the sky. Various stalactite-laden caves shelter reclining Buddhas and miniature Buddhist shrines. The temple is in Kompong Trach, 25km northeast of Kep. Take the dirt road heading north from the centre of town for 2km.

At the wat, note that friendly local kids with torches (flashlights) are keen to put their evening-school English to use by serving as guides. Tip them if you use them. If you're planning to do any serious spelunking, pack a headlamp and take a guide.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kep attractions

1. Sothy's Pepper Farm

8.04 MILES

One of the friendliest farms to visit, Sothy is passionate about his product and will gladly elaborate on the history and process behind the 'champagne of…

2. La Plantation

11.06 MILES

This sprawling organic pepper farm offers free guided walks in French, English and Khmer, explaining how several varieties of pepper are grown, harvested…

3. Thach Dong Cave Pagoda

11.24 MILES

This Buddhist cave temple is 4km northeast of town. Scramble through the cave chambers to see the funerary tablets and altars to Ngoc Hoang, Quan The Am…

4. Wat Samathi

12.23 MILES

Sitting atop a hill overlooking Kep, this tranquil wat has gorgeous views over the coast. You can take the off-shooting 'Samathi Path' from the main Kep…

5. Kep Butterfly Garden

12.72 MILES

This small and beautifully kept flower-filled garden is home to myriad butterflies. You can cycle or motorbike here – drive about 300m past the Rabbit…

6. Phu Dung Pagoda

12.74 MILES

This pagoda was founded in the mid-18th century by Nguyen Thi Xuan. Her tomb and that of one of her female servants are on the hillside behind the pagoda…

7. Phnom Sorsia

12.84 MILES

Phnom Sorsia is home to several natural caves. From the parking area, a stairway leads up the hillside to a gaudy modern temple. From there, steps lead…

8. Mac Cuu Family Tombs

12.88 MILES

Not far from town are the Mac Cuu Family Tombs, known locally as Nui Lang, the Hill of the Tombs. Mac Cuu, a Khmer-appointed 18th-century Chinese governor…