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Alongside the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King is one of the most visited sites in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The unusual name comes from a 15th century statue which was discovered at the site. The statue of the Hindu god Yama was completely covered in moss and locals thought it resembled somebody with leprosy.
It is thought that the 12th century terrace was used as a cremation site for the royal family.
Temple Facts
Late 12th century AD
Buddhism
Jayavarman VII
Unknown
Bayon
Anytime
15 - 45 minutes
Required
More information about the Angkor Temple Pass.
Location
The Terrace of the Leper King is located in the Royal Square inside the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It’s around 600m north of Bayon temple. Other nearby temples include Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Suor Prat Tower, North Khleang, Tep Pranam, and the Preah Pithu Group.
Getting There
Most visitors will enter Angkor Thom via the South Gate after visiting Angkor Wat. If you’re coming this way, keep heading north and you’ll eventually come across the Terrace of the Elephants on the left side. Continue north and you’ll see the the Terrace of the Leper King.
If you’re entering from the Victory Gate on the east of Angkor Thom, then continue straight along Victory Way. At the end, you’ll see the Elephant Terrace directly in front of you. Turn right and then the Terrace of the Leper King will be on the left side. If you’re entering from the North Gate, then head south for around 500m and you’ll see it on the right side.
Coordinates
13.4476291, 103.8567833
Distances
Siem Reap: 11.2km
Angkor Wat: 4.2km
Neak Pean: 5.7km
Banteay Kdei: 5.9km
Tours
You’ll find the Leper King Terrace on many tours of Angkor Wat. It features on the most popular tour of the park – the Angkor Small Circuit Tour. If you’re tour is passing through Angkor Thom, it’s likely that you’ll be stopping to see the two terraces, especially if you’re stopping at Baphuon or Phimeanakas. Other popular tours which include the Leper King Terrace include the Angkor Thom Tour, the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour and the Angkor Wat Sunset Tour.
Accommodation
There are no hotels inside the Angkor Park and it’s impossible for visitors to stay here. However, the tourist town of Siem Reap is just a few kilometres away and has hundreds of hotels to choose from. You will find hotels to suit all tastes and budgets with many special offers all year round.
Why Visit Terrace of the Leper King?
The Terrace is one of the most visited sites in the Angkor Park because it is located at the “hub” which takes you either east or north. If you head east, you’ll likely follow the path of the small circuit tour. Whereas, if you’re heading north, you’ll probably be taking the grand circuit. Whichever way you decide to go, you’ll go past this spot.
History
Not much is known about this terrace and what it was used for. What is known is that it was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It’s believed that it was used as a royal cremation site, but this can’t be confirmed.
Features were added to the terrace at later times. When it was built, it would have been a Buddhist structure. But a statue of the Hindu god Yama, who is the god of death in Hindu mythology, was added in the 15th century.
It is thought the name comes from this statue because when it was found it was completely covered in moss. The locals thought it resembled someone with leprosy. There is also the legend of King Yasovarman I, who apparently suffered from leprosy.
Layout and Design
The structure was built in a “U” shape which was believed to be a representation of Mount Meru – the home of the gods in Hindu mythology.
The terrace is 25m long and completely covered in carvings, mostly of female celestial beings, garudas and naga snakes.
There are inner and outer walls. The inner walls were the first to be built and were buried under the ground when the outer walls were built. The inner walls contain well-preserved carvings. The outer walls contain scenes depicting Shiva and a sword swallower.
On the top of the terrace is where the “Leper King” statue was found. Nowadays, you’ll see a copy of the statue as the original is stored away for safe keeping.
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