Booking Partner Best Deal

Phimeanakas Temple

Phimeanakas Temple

  • Travel Location Siem Reap
  • Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu ...

OVERVIEW

Impressive laterite and sandstone pyramid. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Located inside the ancient Royal Palace compound, Phimeanakas served as the king’s temple. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom

Video Travel Inspiration

Phimeanakas (Khmer: ប្រាសាទភិមានអាកាស, Prasat Phimean Akas, 'celestial temple') or Vimeanakas (Khmer: ប្រាសាទវិមានអាកាស, Prasat Vimean Akas) at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman (from 941-968), then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple. On top of the pyramid there was a tower, while on the edge of top platform there are galleries. Phimeanakas is located inside the walled enclosure of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom north of Baphuon.

The temple was the focal point of Suryavarman I's capital.The buildings there from his reign are enclosed by a wall 600 by 250 m, with five gopuram, and include the Southern and Northern Khleangs.

The tower must originally have been crowned with a golden pinnacle, as Zhou Daguan described it in his report. According to legend, the king spent the first watch of every night with a woman thought to represent a Nāga in the tower, during that time, not even the queen was permitted to intrude. Only in the second watch the king returned to his palace with the queen. If the naga who was the supreme land owner of Khmer land did not show up for a night, the king's day would be numbered, if the king did not show up, calamity would strike his land.

One of the stele states Jayavarman VII, while on a military expedition in Champa, learned that his father Dharanindravarman II had died, and "returned in great haste to aid King Yasovarman II. Jayavarman's second wife, Indradevi, "...composed in impeccable Sanskrit the inscription...panegyric of her sister" Jayarajadevi, which included biographical detail of Jayavarman VII.

Phimeanakas is located inside the enclosure of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom north of Baphuon 

Phimeanakas can be reached on foot either from Prah Palilay or from the Terrace of the Elephants. Pass through the gap in the south side of the enclosing wall of Prah and walk straight for about 200 meters (656 feet); turn left to the east and right at the first path, then follow it until you reach the temple. Or walk across the Terrace of Elephants at the entrance closest to the Victory Gate road and walk through an entry tower; then follow the path until you reach the temple.

Alternatively, return to the main road beside the Terrace of the Leper King, turn right and turn right again on the first road, then drive straight to the monument.

Enter Phimeanakas from the east entrance. It is possible to leave by the south gate and walk through a space in the enclosing wall to the east entrance of the Baphuon.

REQUEST FOR TOUR
 
 

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR BUS TICKETS, HERE YOU CAN BOOK IN ADVANCE

Popular Package Tours in Siem Reap

Siem Reap - Battambang Adventure Tours

from Siem Reap

5-Days

Siem Reap - Battambang Adventure Tours

After enjoying your lunch break, we continue to explore the most spectacular building, Angkor Wat temple and if you prefer to sunset, the best spot is Phnom Bakheng hill. We have to be a sunset spot ...

Cambodia Truely Adventure

from Siem Reap

14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS

Cambodia Truely Adventure

The tour itinerary is designed to bring you to explore from the western side to the center and up end to the southern of Cambodia which stretching from Pailin, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampongthom, ...

Quad Bike Countryside Tour

from Siem Reap

Full-Day

Quad Bike Countryside Tour

Get off road and navigate the rugged terrain of the hills surrounding Siem Reap on this discovery tour by quad bike. Enjoy the thrill of rolling through epic landscapes as you get an up close look at ...

Fantastic Cambodia Honeymoon Trip

from Siem Reap

18 Days

Fantastic Cambodia Honeymoon Trip

For active couples who really like to discover Cambodia in only 18 days. A romantic tour, but not only sitting by the pool or lying on the beach. By bike, cyclo, jeep, ferry, trekking and a tuk-tuk, ...

Cambodia Legend Adventure Tour

from Siem Reap

15 Days

Cambodia Legend Adventure Tour

This all encompassing journey offered by Cambo Tours covers Cambodia’s most outstanding highlights ranging from the fascinating city of Phnom Penh, the exotic hub of Siem Riep, tranquil floating ...

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

from Siem Reap

Full Day

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

Discover Angkor Wat with one of our expert guides, and see why it’s one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth. Our guides will lead you to some of the best locations and give you an ...

 

Book Hotels in Siem Reap with our Top Pick!

The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel

Siem Reap

Angkor Heart Bungalow

Siem Reap

Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Siem Reap

Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa

Siem Reap

Apsara Centrepole Hotel

Siem Reap

Solitaire Damnak Villa Hotel

Siem Reap

 

Recommended Cambodia Tour Themes

Couldn't find suitable trip for you? Let us help you!

Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.

Flag Counter