Terrace of the Elephants

Terrace of the Elephants

  • Travel Location Siem Reap
  • The Terrace of the Elephants 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 ...

OVERVIEW

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.

Video Travel Inspiration

Detail of Terrace of the Elephants

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.

REQUEST FOR TOUR
 

Popular Package Tours in Siem Reap

Tonle Sap Floating Village - Sunset Dinner Tour

from Siem Reap

Half-Day

Tonle Sap Floating Village - Sunset Dinner Tour

Enjoy a stunning sunset dinner on the great Tonle Sap Lake aboard the magnificent Queen Tara, the biggest boat on the lake. Visit the floating village and see the local schools, shops, fishermen and ...

Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei Temple Tour

from Siem Reap

Half-Day

Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei Temple Tour

Ta Prohm is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called ...

Angkor Wat Private Tuk-Tuk Tour from Siem Reap

from Siem Reap

8 Hours

Angkor Wat Private Tuk-Tuk Tour from Siem Reap

Visit Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples on a private tour by Tuktuk. Explore the magnificent Angkor Thom, Ta Keo, Banteay Kdei, and other sites at sunrise or ...

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

from Siem Reap

Full Day

Angkor Temple Daily Photography Tour

Discover Angkor Wat with one of our expert guides, and see why it’s one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth. Our guides will lead you to some of the best locations and give you an ...

Discover Cambodia Adventure

from Siem Reap

14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS

Discover Cambodia Adventure

Through Discover Cambodia Adventure Tour you will enjoy the combination of city tour; Khmer pottery products, Natural Mekong Dolphin, Eco-Tourism, cultural and historical of Cambodia. You would see ...

Phnom Kulen Mountain Trekking Tour in 2 Days

from Siem Reap

2 Days

Phnom Kulen Mountain Trekking Tour in 2 Days

Trekking through the sacred site of National Phnom Kulen with a private guide, It would take you about 3 hours to hike the mountain range and up to a day to tour the entire ...

 

Book Hotels in Siem Reap with our Top Pick!

Hillocks Hotel & Spa

Siem Reap

Damrei Residence & Spa

Siem Reap

The Cyclo Siem Reap Hotel

Siem Reap

Primefold Hotel

Siem Reap

Golden Temple Boutique

Siem Reap

Anantara Angkor Resort

Siem Reap

 

Recommended Cambodia Tour Themes

Couldn't find suitable trip for you? Let us help you!

Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.

Flag Counter