Terrace of the Elephants
Archaeological Site Large Angkor terrace used for royal processions and elephants
Long ornate terrace in Angkor Thom known for carved elephant reliefs; tourists include those following the Angkor archaeological circuit, photographers and people studying Khmer sculpture and urban planning.
The Terrace of the Elephants is a long ceremonial platform located in the Royal Palace area of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. It is decorated with carved elephant motifs and other bas-reliefs and served as a royal audience and viewing platform.
The terrace’s face is carved with life-size elephants and secondary figures; visitors can walk along its length to see the reliefs and the elevated platforms that provided space for royal displays and ceremonies. It remains one of the most recognisable stone monuments in Angkor Thom.
The terrace was constructed as part of the late 12th-century building program attributed to King Jayavarman VII and formed an element of the central ceremonial and administrative complex of Angkor Thom. Over time it fell into ruin and has been conserved and presented for visitors.
The Terrace of the Elephants sits within Angkor Thom, near the former royal compound and close to other major Angkor monuments in Siem Reap province.
- Length and decoration: The terrace extends for approximately 350 metres and is decorated with large-scale elephant carvings and other bas-reliefs.
What to See #
- Elephant frieze: Long carved frieze panels and reliefs showing elephants and other figures that run along much of the terrace face and are visible at ground level.
- Royal viewing platform: Raised royal viewing platform used for ceremonies and public appearances, with steps and platforms providing viewing lines over park and procession routes.
How to Get to Terrace of the Elephants #
The Terrace of the Elephants is inside Angkor Thom within the Angkor Archaeological Park, just northwest of Siem Reap town. From Siem Reap centre most visitors take a tuk‑tuk, taxi or bicycle to the park; the ride is roughly 10-20 minutes (about 5-7 km) depending on where you start in town. Once inside the park you can reach the terrace on foot from the main park road or nearby car parks within a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Terrace of the Elephants #
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when Angkor's light is best and large tour groups are concentrated at Bayon and Angkor Wat, giving you clearer views of the terrace's bas-reliefs.
- See the Terrace of the Elephants as part of the Angkor Thom circuit rather than as a standalone stop-pair it with Bayon and the Terrace of the Leper King to understand its role as the royal viewing platform.
- Take time to study the low-level elephant friezes and damaged panels at ground level; many visitors only photograph the upper cornice and miss the rich carved detail at eye height.
- To avoid the biggest crowds, visit during the last hour before closing or first hour after opening-midday is when coach parties usually arrive.
Best Time to Visit Terrace of the Elephants #
Best visited in the dry season (November-April) for cooler, drier weather and easier access to the Terrace and nearby Angkor sites.
Weather & Climate near Terrace of the Elephants #
Terrace of the Elephants's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1322 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (186 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (269 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (193 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
