Terrace of the Leper King
A 12th-century terrace in Angkor Thom, famed for its intricate mythological carvings and the elusive 'Leper King' legend.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Terrace of the Leper King
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century terrace in Angkor Thom, famed for its intricate mythological carvings and the elusive 'Leper King' legend.
"Marvel at the incredibly preserved bas-reliefs and discover hidden details like the five-headed horse."
🚶♀️ Combine with Elephant Terrace
Easily visited together with the Terrace of the Elephants. Save time by exploring both in one go!
🔍 Look for Hidden Details
Don't miss the intricate carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze on the western wall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Wall Carvings
Walls of the terrace
Marvel at the incredibly preserved bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and ancient Khmer life. The detail is astounding.

Hidden Horse
Internal corridor
Seek out the elusive five-headed horse carving hidden within the narrow internal passage. A rewarding discovery for keen-eyed explorers.

Maze of Bas-Reliefs
Western facing wall
Explore the wonderful maze-like patterns along the western wall, filled with detailed sculptures that tell ancient stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Elephant Terrace
Carvings are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What’s the best route to explore Angkor Wat efficiently by myself?
🚶♀️ Combine with Elephant Terrace
Easily visited together with the Terrace of the Elephants. Save time by exploring both in one go!
🔍 Look for Hidden Details
Don't miss the intricate carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze on the western wall.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun and fewer tour groups.
📸 Capture the Artistry
The detailed bas-reliefs are the main attraction. Take your time to photograph the incredible craftsmanship.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Combine with Elephant Terrace
Easily visited together with the Terrace of the Elephants. Save time by exploring both in one go!
🔍 Look for Hidden Details
Don't miss the intricate carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze on the western wall.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun and fewer tour groups.
📸 Capture the Artistry
The detailed bas-reliefs are the main attraction. Take your time to photograph the incredible craftsmanship.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Terrace of the Leper King for its incredibly detailed and well-preserved carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze-like patterns. It's seen as a worthwhile, albeit smaller, stop within Angkor Thom, often enjoyed in combination with the adjacent Terrace of the Elephants. Some note it's not a major temple but offers significant artistic merit.
"Two monuments right next to each other.. this one - Terrace of the Leper King and Terrace of the Elephants.. very easy to get to as it is on the road.. also small in comparison to previously visited monuments, but definitely worth the short stop to admire the carvings. There is also more carving on the walls of a narrow internal corridor."
Bridgitte *
"These are two terraces at the very end of the massive parade ground in front of the Terrace of the Elephants. Both are equally worth visiting. Hidden in the first is a horse with five heads that is a real treat to find, the final terrace has a wonderful maze along the western facing wall filled with bass-reliefs. Highly recommended."
David Walker
"The Terrace of the Leper is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia.
The carvings in the wall, next to terrace of elephants, are incredibly preserved. Flat walking. Recommended"
Lisa Waite
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Terrace of the Leper King is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia, on the main north-south road. It's easily accessible by tuk-tuk or bicycle as part of your Angkor Wat exploration. Many visitors combine it with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, which is right next door.
Yes, it's quite straightforward to find. It's situated on a main road within Angkor Thom, not far from the Bayon temple. Look for the multi-tiered structure with intricate carvings.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular and recommended way to explore the Angkor complex, including the Terrace of the Leper King. It allows you to set your own pace and stop whenever you like.
For navigating Angkor Thom, hiring a tuk-tuk for the day is a common and convenient option. Alternatively, renting a bicycle offers more freedom. Many visitors follow a 'Grand Circuit' or 'Small Circuit' route, which often includes the Terrace of the Leper King.
Yes, there is a parking area across the road from the terrace, which often has food and souvenir vendors. This makes it a convenient spot for a quick stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Terrace of the Leper King is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park. You will need a valid Angkor Pass to enter the park and visit all the temples, including this one.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, including the Terrace of the Leper King, is generally open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest official hours before your visit.
The Terrace of the Leper King is relatively small compared to other temples. A quick visit to admire the carvings might take 15-30 minutes. If you want to thoroughly examine the details, allow up to an hour.
As with other sites in Angkor Archaeological Park, dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid touching the carvings and be mindful of the historical significance of the site.
Yes, you can climb some stairs to the top of the terrace. From there, you can get good views of the surrounding area and sometimes find a seated Buddha statue.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, especially in the narrow internal corridor where the hidden horse is located. The western wall with its maze-like carvings also offers unique photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed at the Terrace of the Leper King, but always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Avoid using flash in enclosed areas or where it might damage the carvings.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the texture of the carvings. Midday sun can be harsh, but still allows for clear shots of the details.
Definitely capture the detailed mythological scenes on the main walls, the elusive five-headed horse, and the intricate patterns of the maze on the western wall.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is useful for capturing both wider scenes and close-up details of the carvings. A macro lens can be great for extreme close-ups if you're interested in the finest details.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Dating back to the 12th century, the terrace is believed to have been built by King Jayavarman VII. It's adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The name comes from a statue thought to depict a king with leprosy.
Expect to see a multi-tiered terrace with incredibly detailed bas-reliefs covering its walls. You can explore an internal corridor with unique carvings and climb to the top for views.
It can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season and midday. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds.
While official guides might not be stationed at every small terrace, you can hire a licensed guide for your entire Angkor tour. Alternatively, many visitors use guidebooks or apps to learn about the site.
The Terrace of the Leper King is known for its intricate mythological carvings and a hidden horse statue. The Terrace of the Elephants is a much larger platform, historically used for royal ceremonies and parades, featuring carvings of elephants and warriors. They are adjacent to each other.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's best visited in conjunction with the larger Terrace of the Elephants, making it part of a broader exploration of Angkor Thom. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure children are dressed respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) to adhere to temple etiquette. The shaded internal corridor can offer a brief respite from the sun.
🚶 Day-Trippers
Allocate about 20-30 minutes to appreciate the detailed carvings and find the hidden horse. Its proximity to parking and vendors also makes it an easy place to pause for a drink or souvenir without significant detours. It's a worthwhile addition to a packed itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic Carvings
One of the most fascinating aspects is the narrow internal corridor that runs along the terrace. Within this confined space, you can discover hidden gems, most notably the elusive five-headed horse carving. This discovery is often highlighted by visitors as a rewarding find for those who take the time to explore. The western-facing wall also features a captivating maze of bas-reliefs, offering a unique visual experience that draws you into its detailed patterns.
These carvings offer a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual world of the Khmer Empire. The level of detail is astounding, and many visitors express surprise at the preservation and artistry. It’s a testament to the skill of the ancient artisans and a key reason why this seemingly smaller terrace is a must-see within Angkor Thom.
Historical Context and Legends
The name 'Leper King' originates from a statue discovered at the site in the early 20th century. This statue, now housed in the National Museum of Cambodia, depicts a seated figure with a coiled serpent around its arm. It was initially believed to represent a mythical king named Yasovarman I, who was said to have suffered from leprosy. However, more recent interpretations suggest the statue might represent Yama, the god of death, or a representation of King Jayavarman VII himself, possibly in a meditative or divine pose. The legend adds an air of mystery to the site.
Archaeological research has uncovered evidence of ritualistic activities on the terrace, suggesting its importance in the religious and ceremonial life of the Khmer people. The intricate carvings themselves, depicting various deities and mythological scenes, further underscore its spiritual significance. Visiting the terrace offers a chance to connect with these ancient legends and the historical context of the Khmer civilization.
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