Neak Pean
នាគព័ន្ធ
A round shrine on a small island in the middle of an artificial lake, with a main pool linked to four smaller ones symbolising healing. You reach it along a long boardwalk.
Neak Pean is a water shrine built in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII, in the middle of the Jayatataka baray, which has mostly dried up. The central round island holds a small tower, its base encircled by two intertwined naga serpents, and the temple's name means 'entwined serpents.' Four spouts shaped like elephant, horse, lion and human heads link the main pool to four smaller pools, symbolising the four elements. People in ancient times believed that bathing here could cure illness.
Visitors cannot approach the main pool. They can only view it from the platform at the end of the walkway, so the visit is brief. You walk about 300 metres along a wooden boardwalk over the water. The views are best in the rainy season, when the lake is wide.
The temple lies east of Preah Khan and is a stop on the Grand Circuit. It requires an Angkor Pass (US$37 for 1 day, US$62 for 3 days, US$72 for 7 days).
Opening hours
07:30–17:30