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Neak Poan: The Entwined Serpents

Discover the serene beauty and unique architecture of Neak Poan, the 12th-century Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of Angkor's ancient reservoir.

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Neak Poan, meaning 'the entwined serpents,' is a unique Buddhist temple located on a man-made island in the center of the Jayatataka Baray. Constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it is believed to have been designed for medical purposes, with its pools thought to balance elements within bathers.

A brief summary to Neak Poan Temple

  • FV7V+8XF, Krong Siem Reap, KH

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) to see the temple's details more clearly, as the water levels in the surrounding ponds are lower.
  • Combine your visit to Neak Poan with nearby temples like Preah Khan, Ta Som and Krol Ko as part of the Angkor Grand Circuit tour.
  • Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture the intricate details of the reliefs on the central shrine and aedicules.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a ride to Neak Poan, located within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Inform the driver you wish to visit Neak Poan, which is part of the Grand Circuit. The tuk-tuk ride to Neak Poan typically costs around $10-$15, depending on your negotiation skills. Remember that an Angkor Pass is required to enter the park. A single-day pass costs $37.

  • Cycling

    Start your journey by cycling southeast towards Angkor Archaeological Park. Once you reach the entrance, you will need to show or purchase the Angkor Pass, which is $37 USD for a one-day pass. From there, continue cycling for approximately 6 kilometers to reach Neak Poan Temple. The route is scenic and allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

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Discover more about Neak Poan Temple

Neak Poan, also known as Neak Poan Temple, is a captivating and somewhat mysterious temple site found in Angkor, Cambodia. The temple's name, meaning 'the entwined serpents' in Khmer, is derived from the Naga sculptures that encircle the base of the central structure. This small Buddhist temple sits on a circular artificial island within the Jayatataka Baray, a vast, now-dry reservoir. Built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Neak Poan is east of Preah Khan temple and was associated with it. Some historians believe Neak Poan represents Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters were thought to cure all illnesses. Originally, the temple may have been designed with medical purposes in mind, with the belief that bathing in its pools could restore balance within the bather. The temple complex features a central pond symbolizing Lake Anavatapta, surrounded by four smaller ponds. Each of these ponds is connected to the central pool via a stone channel, with each channel overseen by a sculpture representing an Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, known as one of the Four Great Animals. The central island has a 14-meter diameter, and the tower in the middle is dedicated to Avolokitesvara. A wooden walkway extends over the water, leading to the central sanctuary, which is fenced off to prevent further decay. Today, Neak Poan is part of the Angkor Grand Circuit tour and attracts many visitors. Despite its smaller size compared to other Angkor temples, its unique design and tranquil setting make it a worthwhile stop.

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