Wat Damnak is one of the most important active Buddhist monasteries in Siem Reap, located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of the same name east of the Siem Reap River. The wat has been a centre of traditional Khmer learning since the early 20th century and was the residence of King Sisowath before becoming a pagoda. Its grounds contain several stupas, a library, and classrooms; in the early morning you can watch monks performing puja and hear chanting.
The Wat Damnak neighbourhood has developed in recent years into one of Siem Reap's more characterful areas, with independent boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city's best restaurants on the quiet streets around the pagoda. The area is significantly less hectic than the Old Market quarter and Pub Street, and exploring it on foot or bicycle is a pleasure. Look for the Centre for Khmer Studies in the monastery grounds, which runs an academic library open to visitors and hosts occasional public lectures and exhibitions on Khmer history and culture.