Elephants Terrace

Elephants Terrace is a huge platform running from north to south used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII to view his victorious army returning back home. Being the core of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a complex of ruined temples, the terrace was linked to the Hindu temple of Phimeanakas.

The platform is 2.5 meters tall and stretches more than 300 meters, composed by three main platforms and two secondary ones with Terrace of the Leper King on its north end while the Baphuon Templeon south end. Five staircases lead up to the ten-meter-high platform, which is adorned with nagarailings. Elephants and garudas are carved on the main wall of the pavilion, ridden by servants and princes and treading quietly as if they were on an excursion.

Among the gorgeous carvings in the northern section, you can see clearly before noon the most notable five-head horses bas-relief and the images of Khmer fighters and dancers. While on the south end, the full-size elephant carvings are unbelievably beautiful to look at, which takes you into the past time of Cambodia.

Viewing from the top of the terrace you'll see the vast courtyard in which people host rituals, important events and ceremonies. Inside the complex what you shouldn't miss is the Bayon Temple, a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple.

You can easily travel from Siem Reap to other fascinating Asian destinations. Take a look at this 18-Day Vietnam with Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang, which includes a visit to Elephant Terrace.