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Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Elephants

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Terrace of the Elephants

Overview

The Terrace of the Elephants is a stone platform within Angkor Thom, the historic walled city in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park. Historically used as a viewing stand for royal ceremonies and military parades, the structure is notable for its continuous bas-relief wall carved with life-sized elephants and mythological figures.

Getting There

Located about 10 kilometers north of downtown Siem Reap, the site can be reached by tuk-tuk, private car, or bicycle. The drive from the city centre takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, entering Angkor Thom through the South Gate.

Time to Allow

Allow 30 to 45 minutes to inspect the stone carvings along the base and walk across the upper terrace.

When to Go

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures. The site has minimal shade and becomes hot by noon, which is also when tour groups are most numerous.

Nearby Attractions

The site sits within easy walking distance of several neighboring ruins:

  • Terrace of the Leper King: 0.2km north.
  • Khleangs: 0.2km east.
  • Prasat Suor Prat: 0.2km east.
  • Preah Palilay: 0.3km northwest.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Terrace of the Elephants

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Terrace of the Elephants Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Angkor 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Angkor grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Angkor 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Angkor grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Khleangs

Heritage & monuments

Khleangs

Two buildings standing side by side, north to south, east of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom and behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat. Their exact purpose remains unknown, but they are said to have been built during different reigns.

0.2 km away
Terrace of the Leper King

Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Leper King

A site located at the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. It's a good stop to include when touring the Angkor temple complex.

0.2 km away
Prasat Suor Prat

Heritage & monuments

Prasat Suor Prat

Twelve laterite and sandstone towers lined up north to south, east of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. Standing in front of the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, they flank the road leading to the Victory Gate.

0.2 km away
Preah Palilay

Heritage & monuments

Preah Palilay

Preah Palilay is a small Buddhist temple set in the forest about 400 meters northwest of Phimeanakas within Angkor Thom, Cambodia. It's a pleasant stop along the quiet forest path north of the royal palace.

0.3 km away
Phimeanakas

Heritage & monuments

Phimeanakas

A Hindu temple within the royal palace grounds of Angkor Thom, notable for its three-tiered pyramid tower. Located north of Baphuon, it pairs well with nearby stops on an Angkor exploration route.

0.3 km away
Angkor Thom

Heritage & monuments

Angkor Thom

The remains of the last capital of the Khmer Empire, located within the Angkor archaeological site in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Walking through the grand ruins built by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, visitors can feel the presence of the ancient dynasty.

0.3 km away