Phimeanakas and the palace enclosure
Phimeanakas stands inside the former royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tier pyramid with a base of laterite and sandstone in the upper parts. The palace itself is gone. What you walk through today is a wooded archaeological zone, with the pyramid, two ponds and two terraces.
You need the Angkor Pass to enter, and Phimeanakas fits into a day with the Baphuon and the Elephant Terrace. See the Angkor Pass prices and where to buy, or look at Angkor Thom tours by bike and tuk-tuk if you want a guide who links the stops for you.
Our pick: a private day through the palace area
A private tour with a guide whose route includes Phimeanakas, the Baphuon and both terraces.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Angkor Thom tours with the palace enclosure
Guided temple tours around Angkor Thom, with live prices and availability.
Who built Phimeanakas, and when
Scholars name different builders and dates.
Building is usually placed in the late 10th century under Rajendravarman II, with completion in the early 11th century under Suryavarman I. Some scholars name Jayavarman V and several building phases instead, so treat any single builder or year as one view, not a settled fact.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where | Royal palace enclosure, inside Angkor Thom |
| Shape | Three-tier pyramid, laterite base, sandstone above |
| Builder | Usually Rajendravarman II and Suryavarman I; some scholars name Jayavarman V |
| Palace today | An archaeological zone in the forest, no rebuilt palace with rooms |
| Summit | Do not plan on a climb to the top |
The pyramid is the main reason to stop. For most visitors it works best as part of a loop with the terraces and the ponds, not as a stand-alone stop. It suits visitors who like ruins in the forest more than carvings.
The legend of the naga queen
A story told about this temple.
According to the account of the Chinese visitor Zhou Daguan, a nine-headed naga queen lived in the temple. At night she took the shape of a woman, and the king had to visit her. This is a legend, not a record of events, so read it as a story told about the temple.
The ponds in the enclosure are known as the women's and men's ponds, Sras Srey and Sras Pros. The names are historic and do not describe any bathing today. Do not plan to swim, and keep out of the water.
Preah Palilay
A small temple north of Phimeanakas.
Preah Palilay is a small temple to the north. Its exact date is uncertain. It is usually placed in the late 12th or early 13th century, while some scholars point to the late 13th or 14th century and later changes.
Allow a short stop. You can combine it with the next stop on the route.
Tep Pranam
A pagoda that is still used for worship.
Tep Pranam, also written Tep Pranom, is a pagoda north of the Bayon on the way to the North Gate, slightly east of Preah Palilay. It is still a place of worship. Visit quietly, dress with covered shoulders and knees, and do not treat it as a stage for photos.
To see these sights in one go, you can follow a loop on foot from the palace area past Phimeanakas, the two ponds and the two terraces to Preah Palilay and Tep Pranam. Stay on the marked paths.
Plan the visit
Practical points.
Climbing
Do not plan on climbing to the top of Phimeanakas or along the edges of the ponds. Check signs and staff on site and take older tips about the climb with care.
Time of day
The park is open from 05:00 to 18:30, but not every part of the enclosure is open for that whole window. For the season, see the best time to visit Angkor Thom.
Rain and trees
Wet stone is slippery, so wear shoes with grip. In a storm, do not stand or park under large trees.
Monkeys
Do not feed monkeys or interact with them directly.
Terrace of the Elephants
The carved wall and the Terrace of the Leper King beside the palace enclosure.
The Baphuon
A rebuilt temple mountain with a reclining Buddha.
Jayavarman VII and the city
Who built Angkor Thom and why.
The nearby Bayon is covered at Bayon Temple.
Phimeanakas: frequently asked questions
Is the royal palace still there?
No. The palace is gone. You see a wooded archaeological zone with the pyramid, two ponds and the terraces, not a rebuilt palace with rooms.
Can I climb Phimeanakas?
Do not count on it. Ask on site and follow the signs.
What is the story of the naga queen?
It is a legend from the account of Zhou Daguan. A nine-headed naga queen lived in the temple and appeared at night as a woman, whom the king had to visit. It is a story, not a recorded event.
Do I need a separate ticket?
No. The Angkor Pass covers Angkor Thom and costs $37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days within 7 days and $72 for 7 days within 30 days (2026).
What are the two ponds called?
Sras Srey and Sras Pros, known as the women's and men's ponds. The names are historic and do not mean you can bathe in them.