Terrace of the Leper King
Archaeological Site Angkor terrace adorned with enigmatic stone bas-reliefs
Within Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Leper King offers dense bas-relief carvings and a raised platform associated with royal ceremony; visitors focus on the sculpted faces and Khmer archaeological detail.
The Terrace of the Leper King is a raised stone terrace within the royal precinct of Angkor Thom at the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province. It is noted for its carved bas-reliefs and for a prominent sculpted figure from which the name is derived.
The terrace is decorated with bas-reliefs that depict mythological and ceremonial scenes and has a multi-level stone platform rising above the surrounding ground. The name ‘Leper King’ comes from a later interpretation of one of the sculptures and is not an original historical designation.
The terrace is located on the eastern side of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, close to the Bayon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants, and is part of the main visitor circuit through the central Angkor monuments.
- Location within Angkor: Located on the eastern side of the royal enclosure of Angkor Thom, it is often visited together with the nearby Bayon and the Terrace of the Elephants.
How to Get to Terrace of the Leper King #
The Terrace is inside Angkor Thom, a few minutes by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap town centre. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk driver for a half- or full-day circuit of Angkor sites; cycle routes are also possible for fit riders.
Tips for Visiting Terrace of the Leper King #
- Visit at sunrise to see the terrace silhouette against the light and to avoid midday heat.
- Climb carefully-the stone reliefs are worn and some steps are slippery; wear shoes with grip.
- Bring a good zoom lens for photographing the bas-reliefs of the Leper King untouched by ropes and viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Terrace of the Leper King #
Dry season (Nov-Feb) is best for comfortable visits and photography; arrive at dawn for iconic light and fewer people.
Weather & Climate near Terrace of the Leper King #
Terrace of the Leper King'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.
