1615 Available Properties

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.

 
 

Related Hotels in Siem Reap

Hostel Salakamreuk
Included Breakfast

Hostel Salakamreuk

Located in Siem Reap, 1.4 km from Pub Street, Hostel Salakamreuk features a barbecue and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. ...

Bopha Residence

Located in the heart of Siem Reap's city centre, just a short 600 m from Pub Street, Bopha Residence boasts a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace. Guests can enjoy gastronomical local and international choices at the on-site ...

Laysung Residence
Included Breakfast

Laysung Residence

Located in Siem Reap in the region of Siem Reap Province, 1.4 km from Pub Street, Laysung Residence features an outdoor pool and spa center. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV ...

Parklane Hotel
Included Breakfast

Parklane Hotel

Just steps from entertainment, dining and shopping locations in Siem Reap, Parklane Hotel offers a comfortable stay with free Wi-Fi and free airport pick-up. It features a buffet breakfast, a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk. The famous Pub ...

Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa
Included Breakfast

Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa

Hotel Somadevi Angkor Resort & Spa is just 10 minutes’ drive from the world famous Angkor Wat Temple and a 5-minute walk from the popular Pub Street. It has a spa, health club, and an outdoor pool with hot tub. Free WiFi is available ...

Angkor Deva Guesthouse

Angkor Deva Guesthouse is located in Seang Nam City, a convenient 5-minute walk from the City Market and Public Bus Station. It offers massage services, and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Angkor Deva Guesthouse is 5 km from the lively Old Market ...

Free Property Registration

We market your property to a large audience of travellers worldwide, Join us today.