Explore the Terrace of the Elephants

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Description

Often passed by because it is not a temple, Terrace of the Elephants has nicely carved elephants on parade along it's wall and elephant trunks as columns flanking staircases to the terrace. Take the time walk along the grass below the terrace for these unique carvings.

The Elephant Terrace is part of the Royal Palace complex serving as part of the east wall. The wall is located just north of Bayon and serves as an elevated path that connects the Leper King Terrace and the entrances to Baphuon Temple and Phimeanakas Temple. It is said that the Elephant Terrace is where the King would watch parades of his army. The front wall of the terrace has beautifully carved elephants. There are also three dimensional elephant heads with the trunks of the elephants acting as a decorative column. Many people miss this by walking on top of the terrace. Some great photo opportunities here if you walk in front of the terrace. Be sure to go early in the day because the terrace wall faces east, later in the day the elephant carvings are in the shadows.

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