A small island temple located in the middle of the last baray to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area (Preah Khan Baray or Jayatataka). The central temple sits at the axis of a cross or lotus pattern of eight pools. Originally known as Rajasri, Neak Pean took its modern appellation, which means ‘coiled serpents,’ from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Though originally dedicated to Buddha, Neak Pean contains several Hindu images. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.
Neak Pean or Neak Poan at Angkor, Cambodia is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Preah Khan Baray built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. 389 It is the "Mebon" of the Preah Khan baray (the "Jayatataka" of the inscription).
Some historians believe that Neak Pean represents Anavatapta,174 a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are thought to cure all illness.124–125 The name is derived from the sculptures of snakes (Nāga) running around the base of the temple structure, neak being the Khmer rendering of the Sanskrit naga. "They are Nanda and Upananda, two nagas traditionally associated with Lake Anavatapta."
Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes (the ancients believed that going into these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing disease); it is one of the many hospitals that Jayavarman VII built. It is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four connected pools represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind. Each is connected to the central water source, the main tank, by a stone conduit "presided over by one of Four Great Animals (maha ajaneya pasu) namely Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, corresponding to the north, east, south, and west quarters....The stone conduits in the little pavilions are fashioned to represent the heads of the Four Great Animals...the only exception being that on the east, which represents a human head instead of a bull's." Originally, four sculptures stood on the floor of the lake. The only remaining statue is that of the horse Balaha, a form of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, saving sailors from the ogresses of Tamradvipa. The temple on the lake was originally dedicated to Avalokitesvara. Willetts believed that "this is Jayavarman as he would have wished to have appeared to his people"
Zhou Daguan refers to Neak Pean in his visit to Angkor in the late 13th century.
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Road 2, Svay Dangkhum Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Champey Sor Angkor Boutique Hotel offers accommodations in Siem Reap. The hotel has a round outdoor pool and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the pool bar.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain accommodations have a sitting area for your convenience. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from your terrace or balcony. Each room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers.
There is a gift shop at the property.
The hotel also provides service TukTuk or car rental and other. Angkor International Airport is 3.1 mi away.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.0 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.1 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
Upper East River Road, North of Wat Polanka, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap! Featuring a unique blend of Cambodian and ancient Khmer wooden houses, Maison Polanka is equipped with an infinity-edge swimming pool and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel also provides free shuttle services to and from the Airport.
Located a 15-minute drive to the historical Angkor Wat Temple, the hotel is also 15 km away from Siem Reap International Airport and a 10-minute drive from Siem Ream Town – a lively pub street.
Luxuriously furnished rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a sofa, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Private bathrooms include shower facilities and free toiletries.
Guests can indulge in a traditional massage or cycling and horse-riding activities. A 24-hour front desk can assist with laundry/ironing services as well as room service. Breakfast can also be served in the room upon request.
Located by the poolside an in-house restaurant – The Sala, serves fresh Cambodian cuisines. Guests can also lounge by the bar with a cocktail in hand.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
7 Markara St, Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap. Located in Siem Reap, 100 m from King's Road Angkor, Blanc Smith Residence has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, as well as free WiFi. Popular points of interest nearby include Pub Street and Old Market. The hotel has a business centre, as well as an ATM machine that guests can use.
All guest rooms feature air conditioning, a shower, free toiletries, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD Player. The rooms come with a private bathroom and a hair dryer, and some rooms at the hotel have a terrace. At Blanc Smith Residence, all rooms are fitted with a seating area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant, which specialises in European, Asian and American cuisine and also offers vegetarian options.
Guests at Blanc Smith Residence will be able to enjoy activities in and around Siem Reap, like cycling.
The hotel provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Speaking English and Khmer at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help.
Popular points of interest near Blanc Smith Residence include Angkor Trade Centre, Platinum Cineplex Siem Reap and Artisans D'Angkor. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 13 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Phum Treang Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Nestled within private gardens and located just before the entrance of the Angkor Wat Temple complex, Angkor Village Resort & Spa offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it boasts a 250 m outdoor pool that meanders through lovely landscaped gardens and guests enjoy use of the resort's daybeds. The property offers two in-house dining options and guests can have a drink at the bar.
Angkor Village Resort & Spa is about 5 km from Siem Reap International Airport. The property offers airport pickup services at an additional charge.
Angkor Village’s cottage rooms feature four-poster beds and private balconies. Each room has a flat-screen cable TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Spacious bathrooms are fitted with a hot tub and organic toiletries. Guests are also welcomed with a tropical fruit platter.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and concierge services. The full-service Spa Village includes saunas, hot tubs and an air-conditioned fitness room. Guests can browse items in the souvenir shop, or watch cultural performances at the on-site outdoor theatre.
The two in-house restaurants - Aaraama and Le Jardin offer a wide range of cuisines, including local, Thai and French choices. Private picnics, afternoon tea, and local cooking classes may also be arranged.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sok San Road, Steung Thmey, Svaydangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Golden Temple Residence is located in the heart of Siem Reap, within walking distance from the lively Pub Street. Rooms are elegantly furnished and fitted with a private balcony. Guests have complimentary use of the property's bicycles to explore the surrounding area, and free use of airport shuttle services. The property also features an indoor pool and free WiFi access is available throughout the property.
Golden Temple Residence is 6.6 km away from the famous Angkor Wat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor Night Market is 100 m away while Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport is 8 km away.
Rooms are stylish and fully air-conditioned. Amenities include a dining area, a home-theatre system, tea/coffee making facilities and a comfortable seating area. Bathroom facilities are en suite and equipped with a hairdryer and plush bathrobes.
Friendly English-speaking staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist you with free parking facilities, car rentals and tour arrangements. You can also enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment or indulge in a traditional massage.
A delectable spread of authentic Khmer-style meals and popular Western delights can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. Alternative dining options include room service and packed lunches. From November to April, daily Apsara entertainment shows can also be enjoyed during dinner.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
National Road No.6, Krous Village, Svaydangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Villa Indochine D'angkor is a beautiful property located in Siem Reap. This peaceful getaway welcomes guests with an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and free WiFi access throughout the property. The resort offers free 2-way shuttle services from Siem Reap International Airport or the nearest Bus Station.
The accommodation is only 5 km away from Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport. The famous Angkor Wat is located 4.8 km away while the lively Pub Street is 2.4 km from the hotel. Angkor National Museum is 1.9 km away.
Rooms at Villa Indochine D'angkor feature classic Cambodian-style décor. Each room is fitted with a private balcony, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. You will find an electric kettle with tea/coffee making facilities in all rooms. The traditional Khmer-style bathrooms include hot-water showers, slippers, toothbrushes and premium toiletries. Some bathrooms offer a bathtub.
A 24-hour front desk staff will be happy to assist you with luggage storage and free parking facilities. A cup of tea can be enjoyed while relaxing by the outdoor terrace.
Both local and international meals can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. In-room dining options are possible as well.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Miss. MARIN MARUNAKA
Country: Japan
City: TOKYO
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date: 2025-08-19
Booked: Phnom Penh Small-Group Secrets Tour
Tour Style: Day Trip Tours
Duration: Full Day
