🛕 Phimeanakas
ភិមានអាកាស
Also known as: Celestial Palace
Province
Siem Reap
Era
Classical Angkorian
Difficulty
🟡 Moderate
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 10th–11th century
Built by: King Rajendravarman II & Suryavarman I
Religion: Hindu
Entry Fee: Angkor Pass
Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
The royal palace chapel of Angkor — where the king was said to sleep nightly with a serpent goddess.
Phimeanakas ("Celestial Palace" or "Aerial Palace") is a three-tiered temple pyramid located within the Royal Palace compound of Angkor Thom. According to the 13th-century Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan, the tower was topped with gold and was the site of a nightly ritual: the king was required to sleep in the tower with a nine-headed serpent spirit that took the form of a woman. If the king failed to appear, it was believed he would die; if the spirit failed to appear, the king's reign was doomed. The temple was originally covered with golden pinnacles and served as the king's private chapel. Today, the main pyramid structure remains impressive, and the nearby royal bathing pools (with ornamental naga balustrades) are charming.
Highlights
- ✦ Legend of the serpent goddess
- ✦ Within the Royal Palace compound
- ✦ Three-tiered pyramid structure
- ✦ Royal bathing pools nearby
- ✦ Zhou Daguan's historical account
Best Time to Visit
Combine with an Angkor Thom visit
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Part of the Royal Palace compound within Angkor Thom
- 💡 The royal bathing pools are behind the temple — easy to miss
- 💡 Combine with Baphuon, Bayon, and the terraces
Nearby Temples
13.4475°N, 103.8575°E
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