Phimeanakas
Archaeological Site 8th–12th-century pyramid temple within Angkor Thom
A compact temple inside Angkor Thom’s walled royal enclosure; visitors combine its stepped stone tiers and terrace views with nearby Angkor Wat and the Bayon while exploring Angkor’s temples and Khmer carvings.
Phimeanakas is a small pyramid temple located within the Royal Palace enclosure of Angkor Thom, in the Angkor archaeological zone near Siem Reap, Cambodia. The monument dates to the Angkorian period and functions as a royal temple associated with the palace.
The site consists of a stepped, three-tiered pyramid with a central sanctuary and surrounding terraces, offering a compact example of Khmer royal-temple architecture. It is often visited together with nearby Angkor Thom monuments and can be viewed from the palace grounds.
The temple was constructed during the Angkor period and underwent later repairs and modifications typical of many Angkor monuments; it served as a royal shrine connected to the kings who ruled from the royal enclosure. Local traditions attach legends and ritual significance to the palace-temple relationship.
Phimeanakas stands inside the walled Royal Palace of Angkor Thom, a few kilometres north of the modern town of Siem Reap on Cambodia’s central plain. It is accessed via the standard visitor routes through the Angkor complex.
- Setting: Situated inside the Royal Palace compound of Angkor Thom, it is a compact pyramid temple commonly visited on the same circuit as the Bayon and the Terrace of the Elephants.
- Structure: The surviving structure is a three-tiered brick and laterite pyramid with a central sanctuary, showing Angkor-period temple architecture on a small scale.
How to Get to Phimeanakas #
Phimeanakas is inside the walled city of Angkor Thom in the Angkor Archaeological Park just northwest of Siem Reap town. From Siem Reap center (Pub Street/Old Market) most visitors take a tuk‑tuk or taxi to the Angkor Park entrance-the ride is roughly 6-8 km and typically 10-25 minutes depending on traffic. Enter Angkor Thom (South Gate is the usual visitor entrance) and walk a short distance into the Royal Palace enclosure to reach Phimeanakas; it sits adjacent to the Bayon temple and is only a few minutes’ walk from the main Bayon complex.
Tips for Visiting Phimeanakas #
- Include Phimeanakas when you do the Angkor Thom circuit and visit in the cooler early morning to enjoy the site with far fewer visitors than Angkor Wat; an Angkor pass is required to enter the park.
- Enter Angkor Thom via one of the historic gates (South Gate is the most common) and walk into the royal enclosure so you can see Phimeanakas together with nearby monuments like the Baphuon and the Terrace of the Elephants without backtracking.
- Pay attention to the small bas-reliefs and the causeway details-Phimeanakas is compact and rewards a short, focused visit that many travelers skip in favor of Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm.
Best Time to Visit Phimeanakas #
Best visited in the cool, dry season (November-February) for comfortable temple exploration, though it is also the busiest time.
Weather & Climate near Phimeanakas #
Phimeanakas's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1323 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (192 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
