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.
Visit Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples on a private tour by Tuktuk. Explore the magnificent Angkor Thom, Ta Keo, Banteay Kdei, and other sites at sunrise or ...
Head off-the-beaten-track and visit the floating village of Kompong Khleang on this 4-hour small-group tour from Siem Reap, including hotel pick-up. Get an insight into rural life as you visit the ...
Experience the beauty of Angkor Wat as you cruise high above during a thrilling helicopter ride over this famed UNESCO World Heritage listed site. You’ll get an aerial view during the 20-minute ...
Start and end in Siem Reap! With the family tour Angkor Family Explorer, you have a 5 day tour package taking you through Siem Reap, Cambodia and 2 other destinations in ...
Join your guide on a full-day private excursion to explore Cambodia’s remote temples of Koh Ker. Visit the mountain Hindu temple of Preah Vihear and the jungle temple of Beng ...
Immerse yourself in ancient history and Cambodian culture on a private, 3-day tour of Angkor Archeological Park and Tonle Sap Lake. With two full days to explore the Angkor temples, you can see top ...
No 0609 Road 6A, Phum Chongkoesou, 17251 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Seller!
Featuring Khmer architecture and sleek decor throughout, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap Resort welcomes guests with it's modern rooms located close to the city's ancient sites.
The lounge area greats guests with it's sweet and savory delights, soothing tea and refreshing cocktails. Alternatively guests can also enjoy stunning views of the city and Wat Angkor using the binoculars available at the observation area. For all-day dining, international dishes are available at Lok Lak restaurant.
The stylish rooms and suites come with their own balcony, a Bluetooth speaker, complimentary WiFi and a 43-inch flat-screen TV.
For recreational activities, during the stay at Courtyard by Marriott, guests can enjoy a swim at the saltwater pool and work out at the fitness center. For those looking for a more relaxing time, head over to the Quan Spa where pampering traditional Cambodian treatment awaits.
Golfers can easily access the three Siem Reap golf courses, located nearby the property. On-site facilities that the resort offers include cooking classes, a kid's club and over 4400 square-feet of event space.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 8.6 for a one-person stay.
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!
Located in Old Market areas, Pub street and Night Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Conveniently located in Old Market Area, La Villa du Bonheur offers elegant and comfortable accommodations with free WiFi access in the entire property. Operating a 24-hour front desk, it features free parking and a free pick-up from the airport and bus station.
The hotel is only 500 m from the lively Pub Street and 300 m from Artisans D'Angkor. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is 4.3 mi away, while Siem Reap International Airport is accessible within an 5 mi drive.
Offering garden/pool views from the balcony, air-conditioned rooms come with a desk, wardrobe, electric kettle and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom has a bathtub or shower, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.
Friendly staff at La Villa du Bonheur can assist guests with bicycle/car rentals, luggage storage, laundry and concierge services. Airport transfers can also be arranged upon request at a surcharge. Daily housekeeping service is available.
The in-house alfresco restaurant serves an appetizing selection of local and Western dishes. After-meal drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.
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 9.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Taphul St, Taphul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Hima Boutique offers accommodation in Siem Reap, 700 m from Pub Street. Featuring a restaurant and a business centre, it also offers free parking and complimentary WiFi access in its public areas.
Each room features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. The en suite bathroom offers shower facilities and toiletries. Select rooms offer a balcony and city views. Room service is provided.
Guests can request a massage, or rent a car or bicycle to explore the surroundings. Travel arrangements can also be made at the tour desk. Staff at the 24-hour reception can assist with airport shuttle, luggage storage, laundry and ironing services.
Angkor Wat is 6 km from Hima Boutique, while Royal Residence is 600 m away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7 km from Hima Boutique.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
No. 481, Sivatha Street, Vihear Chem Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
Situated near the Siem Reap River, Siem Reap Riverside Hotel offers well-appointed rooms with free WiFi throughout the property, just 7 km from Angkor Wat. A chlorine and salt-free outdoor pool as well as a rooftop restaurant are available at the property.
Featuring 38 air-conditioned guest rooms, each room is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator and a tea/coffee maker. A private bathroom with hot shower facilities is included in all rooms.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Other facilities include laundry and dry cleaning service and ticketing service at an additional charge. Excursions to local attractions can also be arranged at the property.
The on-site restaurant serves Western and Asian dishes. Great views of Siem Reap River accompany meals.
Siem Reap Riverside Hotel is within a walking distance from shopping, dining and entertainment options. The Night Market and Pub Street are 700 m away from the property. Siem Reap International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Airport pickup services can be arranged upon request.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
#166, Wat Bo street #22, Sangkat Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap Center, Cambodia,(Near Wat Bo Primary School), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Price!
Conveniently located close to Siem Reap's main attractions, just a 15-minute walk from the Night Market and the vibrant Pub Street, Champey Villa features free WiFi throughout the property and a 24-hour room service. Free private parking is available on site.
The rooms are fully air conditioned and well equipped with a cable TV, a writing desk and a wardrobe. They also come with a fridge and an en suite bathroom.
Other facilities at Champey Villa include an outdoor swimming pool and massage treatments. Staff are able to assist guests with tour arrangements and ticketing services.
You can engage in many activities including golfing and horse riding. The property is located about 8 km from Siem Reap International Airport and the majestic Angkor Wat Temple. The Resident Royal Palace and the Angkor National Museum are both within a 15-minute walk away.
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: Mr. Reggie Pawle
Country: United States
City: Kyoto, Japan
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 2026-01-19
Booked: Mondulkiri Gibbon Trekking + Elephant Forest Tour
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: 3 Days
