Phimeanakas Temple

Situated in Angkor Thom, Phimean Akas is a Hindu temple constructed in the Khleang style at the close of the 10th century. Climbing the temple is prohibited. During my visit in July, I discovered a sense of tranquility and was enveloped by the delightful fragrance of flowers. I also spent some time sitting by the temple pond.

Lovely temple. The cool thing about this place is that there is a family of gibbons living here (2 parents and 1 kid). You can ask security guards to help you find them. This is not something you see every day so I highly suggest you try to take a look.

Phimeanakas Temple offers a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into ancient Khmer history. Its pyramid structure, forest surroundings, and peaceful pathways create a calm setting, making it a nice stop for those exploring the royal area of Angkor Thom.

Beautiful area to walk without additional noise. There are a lot of beautiful trees here apart from the temple. Temple was surrounded by water when we came. Phimeanakas or Prasat Phimean Akas is a relatively small temple pyramid, 35 m long and 28 m wide and 12 m high, within the compound of the Royal Palace in Angkor Thom. It was built in the tenth century in the Khleang style. Phimeanakas means "Aerial Palace" or "Celestial temple". It is sometimes transcribed "Pimeanakas" or "Vimeanakas". The name is a deformation of the Sanskrit words "Vimana" and "Akasha", meaning "god palace" and "sky" respectively. The Khmer pronunciation is "Vi-Mern-Akas", spoken like three separated words. In modern Khmer "Vimean" is used for a special or big place, "akas" still means "sky".

This is a smaller temple pyramid, 35 m long and 28 m wide and 12 m high, within the compound of the Royal Palace in Angkor Thom. It was built in the tenth century in the Khleang style. Phimeanakas means Celestial Palace. Based on legend, the centerpiece was a towering golden spire housing a nine-headed serpent known as a Naga which transformed into a woman to receive the king each night. At the time of visit, it was not allowed to climb up the temple

SOK CHEA: Phimeanakas Temple, located within the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, is a fascinating yet often overlooked ruin in the Angkor Archaeological Park. While it may not be as grand as Angkor Wat or as intricately carved as Bayon, this temple offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia's rich history and architectural evolution. Atmosphere & History Built in the late 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman and later modified by Jayavarman VII, Phimeanakas (meaning "Celestial Palace") was once part of the royal palace complex. Legend says that a golden tower once stood here, where the king was believed to commune with a mythical serpent spirit. Walking through the temple grounds, you can feel the weight of its royal and spiritual significance. Review of Phimeanakas Temple – A Hidden Gem in Angkor Thom Architecture & Exploration The temple is a three-tiered pyramid structure, resembling a smaller version of the Bakheng temple. The steep staircases (be cautious when climbing!) lead to the top, where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the surrounding jungle and nearby ruins like the Baphuon Temple. Unlike the more crowded sites, Phimeanakas offers a quieter, more intimate experience, allowing you to appreciate its weathered sandstone blocks and serene atmosphere.

Phimeanakas Temple, nestled within the grand expanse of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the Khmer Empire. Visiting this temple with my family was a remarkable experience that left us in awe of its historical significance and serene beauty. Unlike the more famous temples like Angkor Wat or Bayon, Phimeanakas is often quieter, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its peaceful ambiance. Climbing its steep, ancient steps, we found ourselves transported back in time, imagining what life must have been like during the reign of the Khmer kings who once walked these grounds. The view from the top, while modest in comparison to some of the larger temples, provided a serene overlook of the surrounding jungle, with towering trees embracing the structure in a timeless embrace. What struck me the most about Phimeanakas was the palpable sense of history. The temple, once part of the royal palace complex, is said to have been a site of great ritual importance. As we explored the stone corridors and admired the intricate carvings, my family and I felt as though we were retracing the steps of Cambodia’s ancient royalty. For those who appreciate quieter, less crowded spots within the Angkor complex, Phimeanakas is a must-visit. It’s a temple that exudes mystery and tranquility, offering a unique and intimate perspective on the grandeur of Angkor Thom. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect, Phimeanakas Temple will not disappoint.

I think it's the most amazing thing in my life to see the great constructions in the world. It's really beautiful. It makes me feel refreshed. And I want to stay there for a long time. I hope to meet you again. With such a good time.