Neak Pean ("Coiled Serpents") is a small but uniquely atmospheric temple on an artificial island in the centre of the now-dry Jayatataka baray, the northern reservoir of Angkor Thom. Built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, the temple represents the legendary Himalayan lake of Anavatapta, whose waters were said to cure all illness. A long wooden walkway leads out across the old reservoir bed to the island; the approach through the dry landscape dotted with trees has an almost otherworldly quality.
The central tower is encircled by two interlocked naga serpents (the "Neak Pean"), their tails crossing at the back of the island. In the wet season, when the baray partially floods, the reflection of the tower in the water is beautiful. The four surrounding ponds each have a carved outlet in the form of a different creature (horse, elephant, lion, human), through which water would flow in ancient times. Neak Pean is smaller and less visited than the main Angkor circuit temples; it makes a logical pairing with Preah Khan, which lies nearby.