Neak Pean: A Guide to Angkor's Ancient Island Hospital
King Jayavarman VII
Late 12th Century
Bayon
A symbolic hospital
Floating in the middle of a vast, man-made lake (baray), Neak Pean is one of the most unique and atmospheric temples in the entire Angkor complex. Built by the great King Jayavarman VII, this was not a temple for worship, but a place of healing—a symbolic representation of a mythical Himalayan lake whose waters were said to cure all illness.
The Serene Approach
Your journey to Neak Pean begins with a walk along a long wooden causeway that stretches across the Jayatataka Baray. This beautiful walk is an experience in itself, especially during the rainy season when the baray is full, offering stunning reflections of the sky and surrounding trees.
The Four Pools of Healing
The temple is a simple, elegant layout. A central circular island, with its sanctuary tower entwined by two naga (serpents), represents the mythical lake Anavatapta. This main pool then feeds four smaller pools, each representing one of the four great elements, which were believed to balance the body and cure disease.
Water
The main element, representing the life-giving and cleansing properties of the central pool.
Earth
This pool was meant to balance ailments related to the body's solid structures.
Fire
Believed to balance the body's heat and internal energy or "fire."
Wind
Associated with breath and the movement of energy throughout the body.
Ancient pilgrims would come here to bathe in the sanctified water from the appropriate pool to cure their specific illnesses.
Healer's Notes: Planning Your Visit
CRUCIAL TIP: To see Neak Pean as it was intended, with its pools full of water, you **must visit during the rainy season (roughly June to November).** During the dry season, the pools are empty, and the temple loses much of its magic.
How to Get There: Neak Pean is part of the "Grand Circuit" of the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is located just east of Preah Khan temple, making it easy to visit the two sites together.
Don't Miss: Look for the magnificent statue of the flying horse, Balaha, on the main island. It depicts a story of sailors saved from a shipwreck and is a masterpiece of Bayon-style art.
