Terrace of the Leper King - Masada - Mid Day - September 2023
1 / 10

Terrace of the Leper King

4.6
·762 reviews·Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Terrace of the Leper King - Masada - Mid Day - September 2023

Terrace of the Leper King

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(762 reviews)

"Marvel at the incredibly preserved bas-reliefs and discover hidden details like the five-headed horse."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Wall Carvings

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

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

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Combine with Elephant Terrace

The Terrace of the Leper King is right next to the Terrace of the Elephants. Many visitors find it efficient to explore both in one go, saving time and maximizing your Angkor Thom experience. Look for the hidden horse carving!

Carvings are Key

The main draw here is the incredibly detailed bas-reliefs on the walls, depicting mythological scenes. Take your time to appreciate the artistry, especially in the internal corridor. It's a short but rewarding stop.

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Midday
Why
Quick stop between sites
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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! Reddit

🔍 Look for Hidden Details

Don't miss the intricate carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze on the western wall. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun and fewer tour groups. Reddit

📸 Capture the Artistry

The detailed bas-reliefs are the main attraction. Take your time to photograph the incredible craftsmanship. Reddit

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! Reddit

🔍 Look for Hidden Details

Don't miss the intricate carvings, especially the hidden horse and maze on the western wall. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun and fewer tour groups. Reddit

📸 Capture the Artistry

The detailed bas-reliefs are the main attraction. Take your time to photograph the incredible craftsmanship. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(762 reviews)

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

Intricate carvings
Hidden horse discovery
Well-preserved details

What People Dislike

Smaller scale

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Terrace of the Leper King offers a manageable and engaging stop for families. Its relatively compact size means kids won't get too tired exploring it. The intricate carvings can spark imagination, and the hunt for the hidden horse can turn into a fun game. Reddit

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

For day-trippers focused on seeing the highlights of Angkor, the Terrace of the Leper King is an excellent quick stop. It's conveniently located on the main routes within Angkor Thom, often visited alongside the Terrace of the Elephants and Bayon Temple. Reddit

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

The Terrace of the Leper King is renowned for its exceptionally detailed and well-preserved bas-reliefs. These carvings, dating from the 12th century, adorn the terrace walls and depict a rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, scenes of daily life, and various deities. Unlike the grander narratives found at other temples, the carvings here are often more intricate and focused on smaller, symbolic figures. Visitors are encouraged to look closely at the textures and stories etched into the stone. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Historical Context and Legends

The Terrace of the Leper King is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (late 12th to early 13th century), a prolific builder and one of the most powerful rulers of the Khmer Empire. The terrace's original purpose is debated, but it's thought to have been part of the royal palace complex or a ceremonial platform. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2