The Terrace of the Elephants (Khmer: ព្រះលានជល់ដំរី) is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a ruined temple complex in Cambodia. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army. It was attached to the palace of Phimeanakas (Khmer: ប្រាសាទភិមានអាកាស), of which only a few ruins remain. Most of the original structure was made of organic material and has long since disappeared. Most of what remains are the foundation platforms of the complex. The terrace is named for the carvings of elephants on its eastern face.
The Elephant Terraces, or Terrace of the Elephants, is part of the Angkor Thom temple complex and was used by King Jayavarman VII as a platform to view his victorious returning army about 1,000 years ago. You can also various scenes of carved court figures, elephants, and garudas (bird-like creatures). In the beginning of the video, we see an ancient celestial Hindu temple called Phimeanakas which was built by King Rajeandravarman II and rebuilt by King Suryavarman II.
The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience hall. It has five outworks extending towards the Central Square-three in the centre and one at each end. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with life size garuda and lions; towards either end are the two parts of the famous parade of elephants complete with their Khmer mahouts.
The elephants are ridden by servants and princes, and tread as quietly as if they were on an excursive promenade. The steps of even length have no respect for any obstacle. Terrace of the elephants is located in the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.
Accessible entry from the road at the east. It was built at the end of the 12th century, dedicated to Buddhist and replica to Bayon style of art.
Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half-meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and garudas spanning the front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace area at the heart of Angkor Thom. The northern section of the wall displays some particularly fine sculpture including the five headed horse and scenes of warriors and dancers. Constructed in part by Jayavarman VII and extended by his successor. The wall faces east so the best lighting for photography before noon. The Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants.
You will also visit the southern Gate of Angkor Thom flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side - gods to the left and demons to the right – and the fortified city of Angkor Thom. At ‘The ...
We then head into the bush to the remote Angkor capital of Koh Ker is an Angkorian site in northern Cambodia 70 miles northeast of Siem Reap; it was briefly the capital of the Khmer empire between ...
Spend 4 hours riding on country roads around Siem Reap, visit villages, stop at local schools, and make sure you take lots of ...
The tour will start from the hotel. Our walking guide will brief on the tour. Transfer to the back road behind Angkor Thom where we begin to walk exploring the Angkor temples complex to visit the ...
The best time to Beng Mealea and Kompong Khleang is from November to February when the weather is a bit cool and everything looks green, and fresh. Due to the distance, Beng Mealea is always less ...
This itinerary is designed specifically with family friendly activities. Visit UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat and other temples in the Angkor Park including the fine-carving Banteay Srei ...
Guest Name: Mr. Reggie Pawle
Country: United States
City: Kyoto, Japan
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 2026-01-19
Booked: Mondulkiri Gibbon Trekking + Elephant Forest Tour
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: 3 Days