Wat Bak Kam – A Tranquil Pagoda Amidst Forest and Legend

Located at the foot of Tbeng Mountain in Bak Kam Village, Chhien Muk Commune, Tbeng Meanchey District, about 17 kilometers west of Tbeng Meanchey town, Wat Bak Kam is a peaceful pagoda surrounded by lush forest. 

The grounds stretch approximately 1,000 meters long and 400 meters wide, offering fresh air, scenic views, and a tranquil retreat for both worshippers and visitors. The site is especially lively during religious holidays and national festivals, when locals gather to celebrate, pray, and connect as a community.  Beyond its role as a place of worship, Wat Bak Kam serves as a center of social and cultural life for the surrounding villages.

Thma Peung Angkam – The Overhanging Rock

One of the most fascinating features of Wat Bak Kam is Thma Peung Angkam, a massive rock tied to local legend. In Khmer, Thma Peung means “overhanging rock,” while Angkam translates to “chaff.”

According to tradition, a Khmer commander and his troops once sought refuge beneath this rock after a failed military campaign. They cultivated rice in the nearby fields and husked it beneath the shelter of the stone, leaving behind piles of rice chaff. Generations later, villagers discovered these remnants, which gave the rock its enduring name.

Today, Thma Peung Angkam is revered as a sacred site of worship, where visitors often come to pray and pay their respects. Its combination of natural beauty, historical lore, and spiritual value enriches the serene atmosphere of Wat Bak Kam.