Situated close tot the Royal palace, Phimeanakas consists of a pyramid of 3 layers with a gallery that is a by-development of the one used at Takeo. Both Takeo en Phimeanakas use the Kleang-style, but unlike Takeo with its wooden roof and blind walls, Phimeanakas has a surrounding gallery with stone roofs and windows that are open on both sides. It is the first time that a temple with such a gallery was built and probably, this served a change in rituals and lead to an different destination for the buildings that were built around the temple.
It is built by the kings Jayavarman V and Udayadityavarman I with a later addition by king Suryavarman I, namely the top part inside the gallery.
Phimeanakas translates as "the air palace" with is certainly understandable taking the dazzling steep steps into account. On the west side, steps are acceptable and climbing is made easier by the installment of a modern wooden stairs. When reaching the top, take a close look at the way the gallery is constructed and how the part built by Suryavarman I nicely fits into it.
The location of the temple, how modest its size may be compared the Baphuon, is almost mystical. Situated between trees, it suddenly appears from the jungle. Next to it are the compounds of the Royal Palace with several ponds, a truly nice place to stroll and wonder about the kings that have resided here, with all their good and bad attitudes, power struggles, queen and consorts, intrigues...