Phimeanakas, Oddar Meanchey Travel Guide

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Explore Phimeanakas, the 'Celestial Temple' in Angkor Thom, a pyramid-shaped Hindu temple with rich history and panoramic views.

Phimeanakas, or 'Celestial Temple,' is a 10th-century Hindu temple located within the Royal Palace complex of Angkor Thom. This three-tiered pyramid offers a glimpse into the Khmer Empire's architectural prowess and rich mythology, with stunning views from its upper reaches.

A brief summary to Phimeanakas

CVW4+8F7, Angkor, KH

Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Phimeanakas.

Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the steep steps to the top of the temple.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Angkor Thom, such as the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.
Take the western stairway to reach the top, as it is equipped with a handrail.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Ta Mok House

Srey Snom Dam

Royal Palace

Banteay Chhmar temple

Phnom Kulen

Explore Phimeanakas on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Phimeanakas, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Terrace of the Elephants, walk west towards the Royal Palace area. Pass through the entry tower and follow the path directly to Phimeanakas. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. As Phimeanakas is included within the Angkor Thom complex, there are no additional costs to reach the temple after entering the complex.
Tuk-tuk

From Bayon Temple, a tuk-tuk ride to Phimeanakas takes about 5-10 minutes. Negotiate the fare beforehand, typically around $2-$5 for a short trip within Angkor Thom. The driver will drop you off near the temple entrance.

Discover more about Phimeanakas

Phimeanakas, meaning 'Celestial Temple' or 'Aerial Palace', is a Hindu temple constructed in the Khleang style in the late 10th century. King Rajendravarman initiated the construction, which was completed by King Suryavarman I. Located within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, inside the Royal Palace enclosure, the temple stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire's grandeur.The temple's design is a three-tiered pyramid, rising to a height of approximately 40 meters. The structure is primarily made of laterite, with sandstone elements incorporated. Steep stairways on each side lead to the top, guarded by lion statues, with a wooden stairway on the west side for easier access. Elephant statues once adorned the corners of each tier. At the summit, small sandstone galleries surround the remains of a sanctuary.Phimeanakas is steeped in legend. It's believed that the temple once featured a golden tower where a nine-headed serpent spirit (Naga) resided. According to the legend, the Khmer king would ascend to the tower each night to lie with the Naga princess, ensuring the kingdom's prosperity. If the king failed to fulfill this duty, disaster would befall the land.Today, Phimeanakas offers visitors a captivating experience. While you can't go inside , the climb to the top provides panoramic views of the surrounding Angkor Thom complex, including the nearby Baphuon Temple. The temple's serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop on any Angkor itinerary.