Heritage & monuments
Neak Pean
Overview
Neak Pean is an artificial island temple in the Angkor archaeological site in Cambodia, set in the middle of the Jayatataka reservoir. Built alongside Preah Khan under King Jayavarman VII, the complex features a central stone sanctuary within a square pool surrounded by four smaller basins. Visitors cross a wooden boardwalk over the water to reach the central island, where the temple appears to float.
Getting There
Located north of Siem Reap, the site is reachable by tuk-tuk or private vehicle as part of the Angkor Grand Circuit route. The journey from the city centre takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
Suggested Duration
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes. The ruins are compact, and walking across the wooden bridge over the reservoir accounts for a large part of the visit.
When to Visit
The wet season (around June to November) is optimal because the reservoir fills with water, creating the intended island setting. During the dry season, the reservoir and ponds frequently dry up. Early morning offers cooler weather. The site receives regular tour groups but is less crowded than major circuit temples.
Nearby Attractions
The temple can be combined with these neighboring sites:
- Krol Ko: 0.6 km
- Ta Nei: 1.6 km
- Ta Som: 2.0 km
- Ta Keo: 2.4 km
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors