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Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Elephants

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Terrace of the Elephants

Terrace of the Elephants

Located within the walls of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, this structure is a long platform decorated with carvings of elephants and other animals. It served as a viewing stand for public ceremonies and royal processions during the Angkor era. Visitors go here to observe the scale of the ancient city's royal center and the remaining stone reliefs.

Getting There

The site is located outside the city center of Siem Reap. Most travelers reach it via tuk-tuk or motorbike. The journey typically takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic and the specific starting point in town.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to walk the length of the terrace and observe the carvings.

Timing and Crowds

The area is open to the elements, meaning there is little shade. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat. This is a popular stop on the Angkor Thom circuit and often gets crowded with tour groups.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location within the royal enclosure, this site can be easily combined with other nearby ruins on foot:

  • Terrace of the Leper King (0.2km)
  • Khleangs (0.2km)
  • Prasat Suor Prat (0.2km)
  • Phimeanakas (0.3km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Khleangs

Heritage & monuments

Khleangs

These are two buildings standing behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat, flanking the road that connects the Angkor Thom royal palace to the Victory Gate. Though built by different kings in different eras, they share a similar style, making them worth visiting together.

0.2 km away

Terrace of the Leper King

Heritage & monuments

Terrace of the Leper King

The Terrace of the Leper King is a stone statue at the northwest corner of the royal square in Angkor Thom. It makes a convenient stop while touring the Angkor temples.

0.2 km away

Prasat Suor Prat

Heritage & monuments

Prasat Suor Prat

Twelve laterite and sandstone towers line up north to south on the east side of the royal square in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap. They stand right in front of the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, flanking the road to the Victory Gate, though their exact purpose remains unknown.

0.2 km away

Preah Palilay

Heritage & monuments

Preah Palilay

Preah Palilay is a small Buddhist temple set in the forest north of the Angkor Thom royal palace, not far from Phimeanakas. It's a quiet hidden gem worth a brief stop along a peaceful forest path.

0.3 km away

Phimeanakas

Heritage & monuments

Phimeanakas

Phimeanakas is a Hindu temple located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom, part of Cambodia's Angkor site. Built in the late 10th century as a three-tiered pyramid, it lets visitors explore traces of the ancient royal palace just north of Baphuon.

0.3 km away

Angkor Thom

Heritage & monuments

Angkor Thom

This was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, built in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII. Its grand gates and ruins let visitors trace the legacy of the ancient empire.

0.3 km away