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Terrace of the Elephants

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Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)

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The Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive platform, over 300 meters long, located in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it served as a monumental ceremonial grandstand from which the sovereign watched his returning victorious armies and religious festivals in the central square. The terrace facade is famous for its life-sized bas-reliefs of elephants and their mahouts, which give the site its name. On the out-jutting sections, one can also find detailed carvings of garudas and lions that appear to symbolically support the base. The terrace forms the eastern boundary of the Royal Palace enclosure and is directly connected to the Phimeanakas temple. From here, there is a wide view over the vast parade grounds that once constituted the pulsating center of the Khmer Empire. Its architectural significance lies in the fusion of ceremonial function with elaborate artistic decoration, reflecting the power and grandeur of the Angkorian era. Today, it remains a key vantage point for visitors exploring the wider Angkor Thom complex.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272931312928272727272626
Rain mm12164675140168197195231138377

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive viewing terrace in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park and open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The terrace is accessible during Angkor Park hours, typically from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. An early morning visit is recommended to avoid crowds.
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Photography
Photography is allowed and very popular. The life-size elephant reliefs make great subjects - use early morning light for atmospheric shots.
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Time needed
A visit to the terrace takes about 20-30 minutes. Combine it with the entire Angkor Thom complex, for which you should allow at least 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the terrace with the nearby Bayon Temple and the Royal Palace. The Terrace of the Leper King is just a short walk away.
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Getting there
Angkor Thom is about 4 km north of Siem Reap. The terrace is easily reachable on foot or by bicycle within the park.
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Insider tip
Visit the terrace right after sunrise when the reliefs are bathed in golden light. A guide can explain the historical scenes on the reliefs.

Geography

Coordinates
13.44550, 103.85800

Facts

  • Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII.
  • The terrace spans a length of approximately 300 meters.
  • Used as a grandstand for royal ceremonies and army reviews.
  • Named for the nearly life-sized elephant reliefs on its walls.
  • Features intricate sculptures of garudas and lions acting as atlantes.
  • Connected to the Royal Palace and the Phimeanakas temple.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bayon TempleBayon Temple<1 km · NEExplore →
Preah KhanPreah Khan2 km · NExplore →
Siem ReapSiem Reap2 km · EExplore →
Ta ProhmTa Prohm3 km · NExplore →
Siem Reap Lotus FarmSiem Reap Lotus Farm6 km · SEExplore →
Ta SomTa Som6 km · NExplore →
Banteay SreiBanteay Srei12 km · NExplore →
Preah KoPreah Ko13 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Terrace of the Elephants (7)

Prasat Suor Prat📍 landmark

This ancient alignment of twelve laterite and sandstone towers stands imposingly along the eastern side of the royal square in Angkor Thom.

Wat Preah Vihear Bram Pi Lveng🏺 historical

These weathered stone ruins reveal the moss-covered foundations and crumbling pillars of an ancient Angkorian shrine.

South Khleang temple⛪ religious

Dating back to the 11th century, this elongated rectangular sandstone building once served a prominent ceremonial role in the ancient capital.

Terrace of the Leper King📍 landmark

Built in the 13th century, this U-shaped stone terrace is adorned with deeply carved bas-reliefs and a mysterious seated statue.

Angkor Thom Royal Palace🏺 historical

Enclosed by laterite walls, this vast archaeological site contains the stone foundations of what was once the grand wooden palace of the Khmer kings.

North Khleang temple⛪ religious

Constructed in the early 11th century, this imposing stone sanctuary features heavily decorated lintels and an elongated architectural layout.

វត្តព្រះអង្គតាំងទូក📍 landmark

Situated amidst ancient imperial ruins, this active Buddhist pagoda provides a quiet space for contemporary worship and meditation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the Terrace of the Elephants used for?
King Jayavarman VII used it as a viewing platform for public ceremonies and parades.
Why does it have this name?
Because of the nearly 300-meter-long stone wall decorated with numerous elephant reliefs.
Where is the terrace located?
It is located in the center of Angkor Thom, directly opposite the Victory Gate and the Royal Palace grounds.
How long does the visit take?
You can explore the terrace in about 15 to 20 minutes while passing through.
Is there shade there?
The terrace itself is in full sun, but the trees at the edge offer some protection.
Terrace of the Elephants: where is it located?
Terrace of the Elephants is located in Cambodia.
Terrace of the Elephants: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prasat Suor Prat, Wat Preah Vihear Bram Pi Lveng, South Khleang temple.
Terrace of the Elephants: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Terrace of the Elephants: why is it worth visiting?
The Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive platform, over 300 meters long, located in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom.
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Nearby cities

Siem Reap — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Siem Reap
Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.
Kampong Phluk — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Kampong Phluk
An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Baphuon — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Baphuon
A massive three-tiered temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Phimeanakas — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Phimeanakas
A Hindu temple in the shape of a step pyramid, located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom.
Phnom Bakheng — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Phnom Bakheng
A temple mountain in Angkor, famous for its breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat.
Thommanon — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Thommanon
A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.
Ta Keo — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Ta Keo
An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.
Banteay Kdei — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Banteay Kdei
A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.
East Mebon — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
East Mebon
A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.
Pre Rup — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Tonle Sap Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Bayon Temple — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Bayon Temple
A Buddhist temple in Angkor Thom, famous for its massive stone faces looking in different directions.
Angkor Wat — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument complex in the world and the national symbol of Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple.
Preah Khan — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Preah Khan
Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.
Ta Prohm — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.
Chreav Village Organic Farm — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Chreav Village Organic Farm
A community-based agricultural project that promotes sustainable farming methods and supplies Siem Reap's markets with fresh vegetables.
Neak Pean — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.
Siem Reap Lotus Farm — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Siem Reap Lotus Farm
A fascinating farm where lotus flowers are grown to extract fine and eco-friendly natural fibers from their stems.
Ta Som — Terrace of the Elephants (Cambodia)
Ta Som
A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.