Phimeanakas Temple

Cambodia - Angkor temples overview

Phimeanakas Temple in Cambodia is not as large or imposing as other

  • Angkor temples but thanks to its picturesque surroundings it is a monument not to be missed. Located within the Royal Palace compound of Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas was constructed long before the other buildings within Angkor Thom. Owing to its date of construction, its Hindu heritage and thus its architectural style is evident, the most notable aspect being its 3 tiered, pyramid design. Phimeanakas Temple Highlights include the location itself within silent jungle, and the aforementioned pyramid structure, where the top tier offers privileged views of the adjacent Baphuon Temple. Within the temple itself some beautiful and detailed inscriptions still remain on the walls, and take the nearby paths to lead to ancient bathing pools.

    Phimeanakas tour notes

    Distance from Siem Reap to Phimeanakas temple is around 11km (15 minutes by car, 28 minutes by Tuk Tuk and around an hour by bike). Take Sivatha Road from Siem Reap town and continue until you reach the Angkor Wat Moat. Turn left, and continue toward Bayon. Stop at the Leper King Terrace and walk 10 minutes to the Elephant Terrace, and you will see the distinctive Phimeanakas Temple from here. You can visit Phimeanakas Temple at any time of the day, but mid-afternoon is a good time to see the temple in its best light. A Phimeanakas temple plan can be useful for orientation but the ruined nature of the temple can be confusing. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit and the journey between Siem Reap and the site.

    Itinerary planning

    • Phimeanakas Temple, Cambodia - Angkor Wat, South Gate, Death Gate, Victory Gate, Vihear Prampil Loveng, Suor Prat, Leper King Terrace, Elephant Terrace, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Bayon. A full day out from Siem Reap.
    • Phimeanakas Temple, Cambodia - South Gate, Death Gate, Victory Gate, Vihear Prampil Loveng, Suor Prat, Leper King Terrace, Elephant Terrace, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Bayon.. A full or half day out from Siem Reap.

     

    QUICKLINKS


  • Phimeanakas temple plan. Travel around 11km from Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Phimeanakas floor plan

    Phimeanakas history summary

    Built at the end of the 10th Century by King Rajendravarman II, the main function of Phimeanakas (which means "Celestial Temple") was either for religious ceremonies or for the king himself to worship the Gods. The Temple has undergone several additions since its construction, the most significant of these being in the 11th Century under King Suryavarman I.

    ABOUTAsia Head Guide says

    "Phimeanakas - the King's Temple! Legend has it that a seven-headed serpent inhabited the Temple's tower, and it was beleieved that the serpent, come nightfall, would disguise itself in the form of a woman with which the Kings of Angkor must make love or else disaster would befall them or their kingdoms. Visit the serpent's lair! "



    • Cambodia travel information and Angkor Wat tour specialists ABOUTAsia are based in Siem Reap just 4km from Angkor Wat. At the heart of the organisation is a guiding research centre providing Cambodia vacation advice and industry leading tours planning.

     

    Peerless service standards and local positioning have made us the tour operator of choice by international luxury travel groups and discerning independent travellers to Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

    Phimeanakas temple - Angkor temples guides by ABOUTAsia.