Phimeanakas Temple

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.

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.

Pyramid temple from the 10th-11th centuries within the Suryavarman I's palace compound. Only temples were built of stone, so nothing is left of the palaces. According to a legend told by a Chinese traveler from the 13th century, the Khmer king laid every night with a powerful nine-headed naga (in woman shape) on top of this temple.

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.

Beautiful temple in the Royal Palace complex. However, please note that the back walking track connecting it to the Baphoun temple is currently closed and boarded off while construction works are occurring - only accessible via the Terraces

This is a lovely temple, part of the large Angkor Wat complex. Restoration work is going on but you can still enjoy the beauty of this 10th Century Hindu temple. Take a hat and wear sensible shoes as there's plenty to walk about and see.