subject: Vimean Akhar The Palace Of Air [print this page] The Vimean Akhar is a Royal Palace built by three kings, also known as the Palace of Air. This is a beautiful structure which you may find while travelling north along the Baphuon. The impressive structure was built within the period of 944 to 1045 by Jayavarman II and Jayavarman V as well as Suryavarman I, who are three kings of great renown according to Cambodian history.
The structure has been built specifically in honour of the Hindu god Shiva and stands 12 metres high. The temple consists of 3 levels and which is believed to represent each of the three kings. At the top, visitors will find a gallery which is rather narrow. The climb to the top of the temple is a bit tricky and the best path to the take is the western pathway.
At the foot of the building you may find refreshments to get you energized as well as wonderful manmade ponds which are believed to have been used by the kings themselves. The largest pond is 125m long. Many of the tourists that visit the area stand awestruck at the impressive architecture and engineering that has made this building endure into the modern era.
Further enhancing its beauty, the temple itself is surrounded by the flora and fauna, making the area an incredibly peaceful and relaxing one. The ambience is bound to relieve any tensions and stresses travellers may carry with them.
Many of the hotels and resorts in the area are well up to standard and most tourists who visit the area have no complaints about the quality. The most famous of these would have to be Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor which is an Angkor Hotel that is considered the best luxury hotel Siem Reap can offer.
