Cambodia

Phimeanakas — meaning "Celestial Palace" — is a small Hindu temple within the ancient city of Angkor. It is located inside the fortified enclosure of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom, northwest of Baphuon, and on the west side of the Terrace of the Elephants. The temple is set in a silent jungle, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm and peaceful environment during their visit.

History

Construction of Phimeanakas began towards the end of the 10th century under King Rajendravarman (941–968). It was completed by Suryavarman I and later renovated by Jayavarman VII. During Jayavarman VII’s reign, the temple was used as the king’s private palace.

According to local legend, the temple was once home to a nine-headed serpent. Each night, the serpent, living in a golden pavilion atop the temple, would disguise itself as a woman and seduce the king. As a result, the king was compelled to return to the temple each night and lie with her before joining his wives and concubines.

During the visit of Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat, the temple was crowned with a golden spire, earning it the nickname Golden Tower.

Today, the temple is undergoing renovation, and the number of visitors allowed per visit is limited.

Discovering Phimeanakas

Phimeanakas Temple is a square pyramid rising over three massive levels to a height of 30 meters. At its base, the lower structure measures 35 meters in length and 28 meters in width. At the top, the upper level extends 30 meters in length and 23 meters in width.

Phimeanakas is designed in the Khleang architectural style. It is a typical Hindu temple structure: a rectangular laterite pyramid over three levels, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu mythology. The temple has a main entrance, four stairways, balustrades, galleries at the summit, and numerous religious sculptures.

Phimeanakas is constructed from roughly hewn laterite blocks, resulting in an architecture that is modestly carved. However, the temple remains dedicated to Hindu worship, which explains the presence of religious statues and carvings on the site. On each side of every level, you can find broken sandstone statues of lions and elephants.

Facing east, the temple’s main entrance is marked by a gopura — a type of gateway tower. Careful observation of this entrance reveals a panel inscribed with an oath of allegiance to the King of Angkor.

The upper level of the temple is the most significant structure of Phimeanakas.

It is accessed by steep stairways on all four sides, bordered by balustrades and galleries. The stairways are flanked by walls adorned with lion sculptures and topped by male and female Garuda figures. At the center of the upper terrace, a small cruciform sanctuary with four open vestibules stands as the architectural crown. Climbing this 30-meter-high terrace rewards visitors with a clear view of the nearby Baphuon Temple.

Located north of Phimeanakas are two large pools known as the Women’s Baths. These two structures are ideal for observing the temple’s aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, the walls of these pools are decorated with carvings of crabs, giant lizards, fish, and crocodiles.

How to get there

From Prah Palilay or the Terrace of the Elephants, Phimeanakas is accessible on foot. By following the south side of Prah Palilay’s enclosure wall, you can walk straight for about 200 meters, then turn left toward the east.

Located 11 kilometers from Siem Reap, the temple can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, 28 minutes by tuk-tuk, or approximately 1 hour by bicycle.