The Elephant Terrace

This stronghold is located in the heart of the archaeological site of Angkor Thom, just near the Royal Palace to the east. It is a royal ceremonial terrace that holds the history of famous events in the city of Angkor, Cambodia. To relive the glorious era of the Angkorian empire, this place is like a viewing platform where you can appreciate all the key moments. It is one of the most famous sites in Angkor Thom.

History

Built in the 12th century under the reign of Jayavarman VII, the Elephant Terrace served as a royal ceremonial platform. It was specifically designed for the king to quietly observe the soldiers and elephants during spectacles and parades.

In the 13th century, a Chinese envoy named Zhou Daguan visited Cambodia. According to the accounts left by this figure, the Elephant Terrace once had a wooden pavilion, which has since been destroyed, and mirrors framed in gold.

Along with the site of Angkor Thom, the Elephant Terrace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Visiting the Elephant Terrace

The Elephant Terrace majestically overlooks the ancient city of Angkor. Elevated on a platform ranging from 3 to 5 meters high depending on the sections, it is supported by walls and accessed by stairs on the sides. The base of the platform covers an area of 4,500 m², approximately 300 meters long and 15 meters wide.

The Elephant Terrace is accessed by secondary and central staircases. There are exactly five staircases: three in the center and one at each end. The main staircase, the most important, is located between the central staircases. Due to the height of the terrace, at the top of the main staircase, you will have an unobstructed view of the entire site.

The architecture of the Elephant Terrace is specifically designed to highlight Khmer art. The stairs are guarded by Naga balustrades. As you climb the stairs, you will find a well-decorated platform in the middle, adorned with elephant sculptures and a lotus seat.

As the name suggests, the Elephant Terrace is richly decorated with sculptures or bas-reliefs of elephants. On the sandstone walls that support it or on the stairs, the facades are also decorated with sculptures or bas-reliefs featuring elephant motifs. You will be able to admire a procession of war elephants, harnessed and ridden by mahouts. The most beloved sculptures at the site are the three elephant heads holding lotus bouquets in their trunks.

In addition to the elephant sculptures, the site also features sculptures of soldiers with raised, armed arms. There are also sculptures of Atlantean lions and Garuda, a mystical being from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. At the base of the terrace, engravings of genies, a five-headed horse followed by warriors or Khmer dancers, can be seen.

The Elephant Terrace is like a history book, containing the story of Angkor Thom. It is the former royal terrace of King Jayavarman VII. Visiting it is essential, as it allows you to imagine yourself in the king's position, standing at the very spot where he proudly watched his victorious army parade back from the war against the Chams. 

How to get there

Located about 10 km from Siem Reap, the Elephant Terrace is accessible by tuk-tuk or bicycle.

Hours

The Elephant Terrace is located inside the Angkor Thom site.

The ticket to visit the vast ancient city of Angkor is valid for all the temples and sites within it, including Angkor Thom and the Elephant Terrace.