The name 'Neak Poan' refers to the two naga snakes that appear to encircle the base of the central temple.
The central pool was modeled after the mythical Lake Anavatapta, believed to be the source of all rivers and possessor of healing waters.
It is one of the few sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park built on a manmade island within a baray (reservoir).
The four satellite pools originally contained stone gargoyles in the shapes of a lion, a horse, an elephant, and a human head.
The temple was dedicated to the Buddha, but also functioned as part of a larger network of 102 hospitals established by Jayavarman VII.
Neak Poan is a Buddhist temple situated on a circular, manmade island in the center of the Jayatataka Baray at Angkor. Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, the site was originally designed as a medical facility for spiritual and physical healing. The central sanctuary sits atop a square island surrounded by four smaller satellite pools, representing the four cardinal directions. These pools are fed by a central circular pond, which symbolizes Lake Anavatapta in the Himalayas. Intricate stone carvings of horse figures, representing the bodhisattva Lokeshvara, are located on the east side of the island. The site is connected to the mainland by a long, raised wooden boardwalk that crosses the seasonal wetlands. During the rainy season, the surrounding baray fills with water, isolating the temple on its island. Archaeological evidence suggests the structure served as a 'hospital' where patients were believed to be cured by the healing properties of the water.
From the middle of the long wooden boardwalk looking back toward the island's entrance.
Walk the entire perimeter of the central island to view all four cardinal drainage spouts.
Bring sun protection as the wooden boardwalk offers no shade across the water.
Check water levels in advance, as the visual experience changes significantly between the dry and wet seasons.
Do not attempt to walk through the marshy reservoir bed if the water has receded, as the mud is unstable.
Access may be restricted during the peak rainy season if the wooden walkways become submerged or unsafe.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; remove hats when standing near the central sanctuary.
