Terrace of the Elephants at Angkor Thom, a MUST SEE in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nestled within the sprawling Palace complex of Angkor Thom in Cambodia lies the Terrace of the Elephants, a striking testament to the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Khmer Empire. This ancient platform, adorned with intricate carvings of elephants, mythical creatures, and warriors, served as a ceremonial stage for King Jayavarman VII to observe his victorious armies and grand processions.
Visiting the Terrace of the Elephants is not just a step back into the rich history of Southeast Asia but an awe-inspiring experience that captures the essence of Khmer architectural genius. The Terrace of the Elephants stretches over 300 meters in length, showcasing some of the most exquisite stone carvings from the 12th century. As you walk in front of this majestic platform, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, from the trumpeting elephants to the triumphant cheers of the Khmer warriors.
This remarkable structure, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor, is in our opinion a must-visit for anyone keen on exploring the wonders of ancient civilizations and the enduring legacy of the Khmer Empire.
In this post, we will tell you more about this fascinating terrace, the history of Angkor and the Khmer Empire, ten interesting Terrace of the Elephants facts, all you need to know about how to get there, the best time to visit, and even Angkor Site ticket information.
Table of Contents
● What is the Terrace of the Elephants and why should you visit?
● The history of Angkor: The rise of the Khmer Empire
● 10 interesting facts about the Terrace of the Elephants
● Tips for visiting the Terrace of the Elephants and the Angkor site
● Angkor Pass tickets for Bayon Temple
● Terrace of the Elephants opening times & best time to visit
● How to get to the Terrace of the Elephants
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What is the Terrace of the Elephants and why should you visit?
The Terrace of the Elephants is a large viewing platform in Angkor Thom, which runs along the perimeter of the vast palace complex that sits within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Built in the late 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this platform was a gateway to the celestial temple of Phimeanakas, which was one of the most revered sites within this walled city.
The terrace was constructed as part of the extensive building program at the time, and was used primarily as a platform from which the king could view his victorious returning army and for public ceremonies. The bas-reliefs on the terrace depict scenes from battles, religious processions, and mythical events, providing valuable insights into the life and beliefs of the Khmer people.
The Terrace of the Elephants was discovered by Western explorers and archaeologists in the 19th century. The site, along with the larger Angkor complex, was largely abandoned and engulfed by the jungle after the fall of the Khmer Empire. Its rediscovery is part of the broader reawakening of interest in the Angkor ruins, which began with the French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
Henri Mouhot is often credited with bringing international attention to Angkor when he visited in the late 1850s and published his travels. However, the region had been known to local Khmer and some visiting foreigners before Mouhot's detailed accounts.
Following Mouhot's accounts, the École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) undertook significant archaeological and restoration work throughout the Angkor complex in the early 20th century. This included clearing vegetation, documenting the structures, and beginning the preservation and restoration processes that continue today. The Terrace of the Elephants, with its significant artistic and historical value, became an important focus for these efforts.
⪢ Why Visit the Terrace of the Elephants?
● Historical Significance: The Terrace of the Elephants is a crucial part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, providing a glimpse into the opulent ceremonies and parades of the Khmer Empire. Walking through the terrace is like stepping back in time to an era of kings and warriors.
● Architectural Marvel: The terrace showcases the advanced architectural skills of the Khmer builders, with its detailed carvings and grand design. The bas-reliefs depicting elephants, garudas, lions, and other mythical creatures are masterpieces of Khmer art.
● Cultural Experience: Visiting the Terrace of the Elephants offers a deep cultural experience, allowing you to connect with Cambodia's rich heritage. It's an ideal spot for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and tourists interested in the ancient Khmer Empire.
Read on for more on the history of the Khmer Empire, some interesting facts about the Terrace of the Elephants, entry information, and other must-see temples nearby.
What was the Khmer Empire?
The Khmer Empire, which ruled from 802 to 1431 AD, was a powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdom centered in Southeast Asia, primarily in what is now Cambodia. They were named after the Khmer people, the dominant ethnic group of the empire.
The Khmer were brilliant hydraulic engineers, constructing a complex network of canals, reservoirs, and moats to manage the mighty Mekong River and its seasonal flooding. This innovation allowed them to cultivate vast rice fields, fueling a thriving agricultural society.
The Khmer were also master builders. Their most famous achievement is the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, a testament to their architectural prowess and religious devotion. Throughout their reign, they constructed numerous temples, palaces, and cities, many adorned with intricate carvings depicting their way of life, mythology, and military victories.
The Khmer Empire became a major cultural and political force in Southeast Asia, influencing neighboring kingdoms with their art, architecture, and religious beliefs. Their legacy lives on not only in the awe-inspiring temples but also in the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and the region.
The history of Angkor: The rise of the Khmer Empire
Angkor's history stretches back to the 9th century, marking the rise of the powerful Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II declared himself a "universal monarch" in 802, establishing Angkor as the capital and kickstarting a golden age.
The city flourished under successive kings, becoming a center of religion, art, and hydraulic engineering. Grand temples like Angkor Wat, initially dedicated to Hinduism, were built as testaments to the kings' power and devotion. Trade thrived, and the empire's territory expanded, reaching its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries.
However, environmental changes, political instability, and conflicts with neighboring kingdoms gradually weakened the empire. By the 15th century, Angkor was largely abandoned, succumbing to the jungle's embrace.
Though rediscovered in the 19th century, it wasn't until the 20th century that extensive restoration efforts began, revealing the magnificent legacy of the Khmer civilization to the world. Today, Angkor stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its captivating temples, intricate carvings, and silent testament to a glorious past.
10 interesting facts about the Terrace of the Elephants
1. Length: The Terrace of the Elephants is approximately 350 meters (1,148 feet) long, making it one of the largest terraces in Angkor.
2. Elephant Carvings: The terrace is named for the life-sized carvings of elephants along its walls, which are among the most detailed and well-preserved in Angkor.
3. Purpose: It served as a ceremonial platform for the king to view military parades and public events.
4. Bas-Reliefs: Besides elephants, the bas-reliefs include garudas, lions, and mythological scenes.
5. Construction: Built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
6. Royal Stand: The central section of the terrace was the royal stand, where the king would sit during ceremonies.
7. Adjoining Structures: The terrace connects to the Baphuon temple and the Phimeanakas temple.
8. Restoration: Significant restoration work has been done to preserve the terrace, highlighting its historical importance.
9. Visitor Experience: Walking along the terrace offers a panoramic view of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.
10. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the Angkor complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Tips for visiting the Terrace of the Elephants and the Angkor site
The Terrace of the Elephants is one of the most popular sites in Angkor, although given its length, it is hard to get caught up in crowds, even at busy times. It is easily accessible thanks to a lengthy walkway which is set back from the wall, separated by grass. You are able to get up close if you like, but it is best to refrain from touching the wall in keeping with respectful tourism.
⪢ Consider the time of day: Be cautious about attending midday, as there is little cover from the sun here and it can get extremely hot.
⪢ Hire a guide: Hiring a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your experience at the Terrace of the Elephants. They can provide you with interesting information about the history and significance of the gate, as well as point out details that you might miss on your own.
⪢ Bring water and sunscreen: The weather in Cambodia can be hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Angkor Pass Tickets for the Terrace of the Elephants
The entry fee for the Terrace of the Elephants is included in the ticket for the Angkor Archaeological Park. All visitors to the Angkor site must present this pass, at various checkpoints throughout the site. There is no separate entrance fee to visit the temple.
The cost of the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket varies depending on the length of your stay:
1-day pass: $37 USD / $49.93 CAD / £28.78 GBP
3-day pass: $62 USD / $83.87 CAD / £48.22 GBP
7-day pass: $72 USD / $97.40 CAD / £56.00 GBP
Children under 12 years old are admitted free.
Please note that prices and conversions shown are correct at time of writing (July 2024). See the ticket link below for up-to-date information. Feel free to get in touch if you spot a discrepancy so we can update!
You can buy your Angkor Archaeological Park ticket online or at the Official Ticket Center, which is around 4km away from the main site (map below).
Terrace of the Elephants opening times & best time to visit
The Terrace of the Elephants is open everyday between 7am and 5.30pm, with last entry at around 5.30pm. The general rule of thumb is from sunrise to sunset, so these times can shift around a little throughout the course of the year.
The Angkor Archaeological park itself is open between 5am and 7pm.
⪢ Best time to visit the Terrace of the Elephants
The best time to visit the Angkor site in general is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April.
⪢ Cool Season (November to February)
This is the peak tourist season in Cambodia. The weather is relatively mild, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's an excellent time to explore without being overwhelmed by the heat. However, do keep in mind that this is the busiest time for tourism, so expect larger crowds.
⪢ Hot Season (March to April)
During these months, the weather starts getting hotter, and temperatures can soar, especially in April. While it's not as crowded as the cool season, the scorching heat might make outdoor exploration less comfortable for you.
We visited at the back-end of March, and it was extremely hot, averaging 40+ degrees Celsius (104F) daily. Exploring Angkor involves a lot of walking and climbing, with much of it not undercover. It is essential to consider your personal preferences and comfort levels when choosing the best time to come here. If you prefer fewer crowds and can handle hotter temperatures, the hot season might work well for you. The trade-off for milder weather is bigger crowds, so pick wisely!
We do recommend you avoid the rainy season, which typically spans from May to October. During this period, Cambodia experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can make exploring challenging due to muddy and slippery conditions. Moreover, some areas may be inaccessible, and the landscape won't be as picturesque as during the dry season.
How to get to the Terrace of the Elephants
Walking isn’t really an option at the Angkor site as the temples are huge, the distance between each is vast, and the sun is searingly hot. We used a local Tuk-tuk driver, who we booked for a week through our Airbnb, to show us around. He was full of information and also doubles up as a guide, alongside always being on hand with a cold drink after a temple visit! Here are some of the main options:
⪢ By tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around Siem Reap and the surrounding area. They are relatively inexpensive and can take you to Angkor in about 20 minutes from the city center. As mentioned this is the option we chose, and we can recommend our very reliable and impressive driver if needed. Feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to share his details.
⪢ By bicycle: If you are feeling energetic, you can also cycle to Angkor. The ride is about 4 kilometers from the city centre and takes about 30 minutes. It is very hot however, so do remember to bring plenty of water and keep hydrated.
⪢ Consider taking a tour: There are many tour operators in Siem Reap that offer day trips to Angkor. This is a good option if you want to learn more about the temple and its history. We recommend using Klook, who offer a variety of different experiences with qualified tour guides and hotel pick up and drop off options.
● Visit the Angkor Thom complex where you will explore the fascinating beauty of Bayon Temple and the world-famous Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb-Raider Temple)
● Marvel at the enormous and beautiful Angkor Wat Temple, one of the largest religious monuments in the world
● The temples on this tour are among the biggest in the Angkor Complex
● Note that you will still be required to purchase the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket.
In terms of the Terrace of the Elephants, it is located along a main pathway that runs parralel with the perimeter of Angkor Thom's outer boundary. You can easily walk there from the tuk-tuk road drop off point.
Address: CVW5+9G3, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 7am to 5.30pm, 7 days per week
Must-see sites near the Terrace of the Elephants
Take a peek at some of the other incredible sites at the Angkor Thom Palace Complex that we highly recommend:
⪢ Tonle Om Gate
Uncover the mysteries of Tonle Om Gate, the grand southern entrance to Angkor Thom. Explore its history, symbolism, and architectural marvels!
⪢ Bayon Temple
One of the most important temples in the Angkor Thom palace complex, meet the 200 faces that will look down on you at Bayon. If you come into Angkor Thom through Tonle Om Southern Gate, which is one of the main entrances, you will meet Bayon Temple on the road to Baphuon.
⪢ Baphuon Temple
The Baphuon Temple is a significant historical and architectural monument located within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is a part of Angkor Thom, the great capital city of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. This temple is just a short walk away from Phimeanakas.
⪢ Phimeanakas Temple
Unveil the secrets of this celestial pyramid, explore its rich history, and learn surprising facts about this Angkorian gem. Located just a short walk in-between Baphuon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.
Watch our Angkor Wat sunrise on YouTube
Angkor Wat is indeed a bucket list destination for many people being the largest spiritual grounds on earth! In this video we share with you some of our incredible sunrise footage from Angkor along with some tips on how to make your morning and day go a little smoother. We also show you where to pick up your temple day (or week) pass (you must be present as they take a photo and give you a tangible card).
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Explore Siem Reap with special offers from Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Angkor. Whether you're looking for a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, a private tour of the temples, or a day trip to other temples in the region, Klook has something to offer.
In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers great deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities. All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Siem Reap. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience.
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