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Often included on tours of the Angkor Temples, the Terrace of the Elephants is among the highlights of Angkor Thom, located close to the Terrace of the Leper King, Bayon Temple, and the Royal Palace of Phimeanakas.
Half- and full-day tours run to the Angkor temples from Siem Reap, and most combine a visit to Angkor Thom and the Terrace of the Elephants with stops at other ruins such as the “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and, of course, world-famous Angkor Wat. Opt to travel around the vast temple site by tuk-tuk; hire a bike and cycle between the ruins; or, for extra comfort, choose a private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The Terrace of the Elephants is one of the most visited sites in the Angkor Park. It is a 2.5m tall and 300m long platform which was used by King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious returning armies.
Most of the original structure has disappeared as it was built with perishable materials such as wood. What can be seen today is the ornate foundations which contain many carvings of elephants, hence the name “Terrace of the Elephants”.
It is a popular spot because if you’re going through Angkor Thom, then there’s no way you can miss it. The huge viewing platform is in the Royal Square and is passed on nearly every tour of the ancient city.
The terrace, which stretches nearly 1,150 feet (350 meters) across a grassy expanse, once served as a ceremonial platform and foundation for the Khmer king’s royal audience hall. Leave ample time to admire the relief stone carvings—the intricate designs include elephant parades, elephant trunks, circuslike scenes of acrobats, and wrestling matches.
Angkor’s peak season is from November to February, when huge crowds descend on the temples. The best time to visit the Terrace of the Elephants is in the morning, when the soft light is ideal for admiring the fine stonework and taking photos.
The Angkor Archaeological Park is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of Siem Reap in Siem Reap Province. Travelers can arrive by tuk-tuk or choose a guided Angkor tour with round-trip transportation from the city. The Terrace of the Elephants is located in Angkor Thom, around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Angkor Wat.
The tiny 12th-century Buddhist temple of Neak Pean (sometimes written Neak Poan or Neak Poun sits on a circular stone island in a square pool, framed by four more pools, all built on an island in the middle of a lake. The temple’s name means “entwined serpents.”
A favorite Angkor sunset spot, Pre Rup is a 3-tier mountain temple topped with five sanctuary towers. Built in 961 AD as a temple to the Hindu god Shiva, Pre Rup’s name means “turn the body,” and some believe it was used for cremations. Its warm brickwork and red laterite stone look beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
The sprawling temple complex of Angkor Thom, an ancient Khmer capital formerly ringed by a crocodile-infested moat, surpasses the world-famous Angkor Wat in both size and scale. Each of the site’s five gates are heralded by avenues lined with 108 deities that represent good and evil, which provide spectacular photo opportunities before you even step inside.
The Siem Reap Art Center Night Market is open from morning until late in the evening, but it is more of a night market than an art center. Close to the Old Market (Phsar Chaa or Phsar Chas), the site boasts a wealth of stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, the obligatory elephant pants, and snacks.
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Terrace of the Elephants
