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Heritage & monuments

Neak Pean

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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

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Neak Pean

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Neak Pean Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Krol Ko

Heritage & monuments

Krol Ko

A Buddhist temple north of Neak Pean in the Angkor archaeological area, built in the Bayon style during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It offers a close-up look at Angkorian temple architecture.

0.6 km away

Ta Nei

Temples & religious sites

Ta Nei

A sandstone temple built under Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, located near the northwest corner of the East Baray reservoir. It's a worthwhile stop to add to your Angkor temple itinerary.

1.6 km away

Ta Som

Heritage & monuments

Ta Som

Ta Som is a late-12th-century Buddhist temple northeast of Angkor Thom and east of Neak Pean, built by Jayavarman VII in honor of his father. Like Ta Prohm, it has seen little restoration, so it still looks much as it did when overtaken by the jungle.

2.0 km away

Ta Keo

Temples & religious sites

Ta Keo

Ta Keo is a temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, known as the first Khmer temple built entirely of sandstone. Visitors can get a close look at its imposing tiered, pyramid-like structure.

2.4 km away

Preah Khan

Heritage & monuments

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is one of the Angkor ruins in Cambodia, located northeast of Angkor Thom. Both Buddhist and Hindu styles remain here, and it is also known for the story behind its name, which means "Sacred Sword."

2.5 km away

Thommanon

Heritage & monuments

Thommanon

A Hindu temple in the Angkor complex built during the reign of Suryavarman II, dedicated to the gods Shiva and Vishnu. Standing east of the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom and north of Chau Say Tevoda, it has a small, elegant presence.

2.6 km away