Angkor Wat Photo Gallery - Angkor Thom Part 3

The Elephant Terrace stretches 300 m along the west side of the royal square. This was the place to watch royal receptions. Built in the late 12th century, the carvings include hunting elephants and lions with raised arms. An entrance from the Elephant Terrace leads to the Phimeanakas, or the royal palace that was used from the 11th to the end of the 16th century. Dating from as early as the late 10th century, the pyramid structure rises 3 levels of 12m each. The 7m-high Leper King Terrace is carved with many mythological scenes. Some of these are hidden so you need to access the trench via a narrow entrance. One particular statue is very controversial, representing an Angkor king that was believed to have been a leper. A row of 12 identical towers line the east side of the royal square. However, it is uncertain what they were used for. Then you make a grand exit from Angkor Thom through one of these impressive gates.