Introduction to Theravada Buddhism

Our Buddhism tour provides an intimate introduction to Theravada Buddhism, including a private audience, meditation and water blessing from a revered chief monk of a pagoda on the Tonle Sap lake.

The Buddhism tour begins with pick-up by a former monk and licensed tour guide. We will then travel through the countryside in an air-conditioned car. In Damdek, we make our first stop at a local home. We will watch the grandmother make hand rolled incense, a craft that has been largely forgotten. Afterward, we continue to a local market to purchase traditional alms. They will be blessed and donated to the pagoda. We then arrive in Kompong Khleang, and take a boat through the village until we arrive at Wat Kompong Khleang, the spiritual capital of the floating village. Your guide will first provide a tour the pagoda, pointing out different religious sites and their significance. We then enter the main Wat and prayer hall to discuss the murals of the life of the Buddha.

After visiting the pagoda, we will sit down with the chief monk. He has led the religious community for over twenty years. He will discuss his life, understanding of Theravada Buddhism, and experience surviving the Khmer Rouge (many monks were killed and Buddhism erased during this period). After a meaningful discussion, we will conduct what is a called a “light meditation” to center ourselves. Upon conclusion, we will present alms and receive a water blessing and bracelet.

After departing the pagoda, we will continue on to the Tonle Sap lake to see more of the stilted homes and floating villages. We will then make our way back to Siem Reap and conclude the Buddhism tour.

This is a truly unique tour and would like to extend our gratitude to Venerable Somnang for sharing his time and wisdom with us.

Includes

• Round-trip transportation for up to 4 passengers. Supplement after 4 passengers
• A former monk who serves as English speaking guide and translator
• Boat tickets
• Alms and donation to the pagoda
• Cold Water and Snacks

Considerations

• Buddhism tour lasts around 6 hours
• Consider bringing a change of clothes for after the water blessing