Religion in Siem Reap

Updated 25 Mar 2026

Siem Reap is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive religious landscapes, where ancient civilisations, living spiritual traditions and a modest but diverse expatriate faith community coexist.

Local Religious Landscape

Cambodia is overwhelmingly Buddhist, with around 96–97% of the population practising Theravada Buddhism, making it both the dominant faith and a cornerstone of national identity. Smaller communities include Muslims (primarily Cham), Christians, and a limited number of adherents to other religions such as Hinduism and indigenous animist traditions.

In Siem Reap, this national composition is clearly reflected. Buddhist temples (wats) are central to community life, while minority religious institutions—churches, mosques and expatriate fellowship groups—serve both local minorities and foreign residents.

Firstly, Buddhism is inseparable from Khmer identity. Participation in festivals, even as an observer, is often appreciated and strengthens community ties.

Secondly, animist beliefs remain influential. Actions such as moving into a new property or opening a business may involve spiritual consultations.

Thirdly, religious tolerance is high. Cambodia generally allows freedom of worship, and foreign residents can practise their religion openly.

Finally, respect and modesty are paramount. Even casual interactions—such as how one sits, dresses or greets monks—carry cultural significance.

Buddhism (Theravada)

Theravada Buddhism underpins daily life in Siem Reap. The local wat is not merely a place of worship but also a centre for education, social support and community gatherings.

Key temples and monasteries

Wat Preah Prom Rath (central Siem Reap)
Wat Damnak (also a cultural and educational centre)
Wat Bo (one of the oldest pagodas in the city)
Numerous smaller neighbourhood wats

Daily practices

Residents will frequently encounter:

Morning almsgiving (around 6–7am), where monks collect food from laypeople
Offerings of incense, flowers and food at shrines
Merit-making rituals linked to family well-being and deceased relatives

Major religious festivals

Understanding these is essential for long-term residents:

Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day): A 15-day period honouring the dead; visits to pagodas intensify
Khmer New Year (April): Marked by temple visits, cleansing rituals and community celebrations
Visak Bochea: Celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death
Kathina: Annual robe-offering ceremony to monks

Cultural etiquette

Long-term residents should observe:

Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) in temples
Remove shoes before entering sacred areas
Never touch a monk (especially if female)
Avoid pointing feet at Buddha images

Respect for monks and elders is deeply embedded; even minor breaches of etiquette may be perceived as disrespectful.

Hinduism

Hinduism is no longer widely practised in Cambodia but remains profoundly influential through the Angkor temple complex. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, was originally constructed in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before gradually transitioning into a Buddhist site.

Other temples such as Banteay Srei retain strong Hindu iconography, depicting stories from the Ramayana and other Sanskrit epics.

Local Beliefs and Animism

Alongside Buddhism, many Khmer retain elements of animist belief systems. These include belief in local spirits (known as “neak ta” or “yang”) inhabiting land, trees and buildings. There are sometimes spirit houses outside homes and businesses, regularly supplied with offerings. There are also ritual specialists consulted for illness, misfortune or major life events. These practices coexist seamlessly with Buddhism rather than competing with it. Foreign residents should take care to avoid disturbing spirit houses or sacred trees; be aware that construction or relocation may involve blessing ceremonies, and remember that illness or bad luck may be interpreted spiritually by locals.

Islam (Cham Muslim Community)

Islam in Cambodia is primarily practised by the Cham ethnic minority, with small communities present in and around Siem Reap. and Friday prayers are the main weekly gathering. Halal food can be found in selected restaurants in the city.

Main Mosques

Masjid Al-Neakmah (also called Masjid An-Neak Mah) located at Steung Thmey / “Muslim Village”, near central Siem Reap.

Christianity

Christianity is a minority religion locally, but has a visible presence in Siem Reap, particularly due to NGOs and expatriates. The main places of worship are:

St John’s Catholic Church, at 27 East Riverside Road, Krong Siem Reap 17251, which offers regular Mass services. Services times are available on its website. It is the principal parish church in Siem Reap and services are typically offered in Khmer and sometimes English or French, depending on clergy availability. The Catholic community is relatively small, but well organised, with links to schools and charities.

Siem Reap International Christian Fellowship (ICF Siem Reap at ICF Campus Road, 2, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia, which is a “non-denominational church with a biblical foundation that was birthed out of the vision to build a dynamic, tangible church that is right at the heartbeat of time”, says its website.