Phimeanakas, a 10th century Kleang styles three tier pyramid built as a Hindu temple. It stands close to the centre of a walled area that once housed the royal palace, not that there’s anything much left of the palace today except for town sandstone pools near the northern wall.
Phimeanakas literally being called “Celestial Palace”, and some scholars say that it was once topped by a golden spire. Today it only hints at this former splendour and looks a little worse for wear. Most of the decorative features were broken or have disappeared. Still, it is worth trudging up the second and third levels for good views of Baphuon.
The sandstone pools near the northern wall was once the site of royal ablutions, these are now used as sort of swimming pool by local children. It is fronted to the east by the Terrace of Elephants. Construction of the palaces began under Rajendravarman II, although it was used by Jayavarman V and Udayadityavarman I. It was later added to and embellished by Jayavarman VII and his successors.
