Terrace of the Elephants, Ancient ceremonial terrace in Angkor Thom, Cambodia.

The Terrace of the Elephants is a 350-meter-long stone platform in Angkor Thom, built in the late 12th century under King Jayavarman VII. Its eastern face, which looks toward the royal square, carries carvings of elephants with their Khmer mahouts, along with lions and garudas. Five stone outworks project from the terrace toward the central square: three in the middle and one at each end. The photograph shows a central stone staircase flanked by thick carved pillars and a decorated frieze.

The platform was built in the late 12th century under King Jayavarman VII as a viewing stand for military parades and ceremonial processions. It represents the height of Khmer architectural achievement during his reign.

The terrace takes its name from the elephant carvings on its eastern face. Near the stairs stand statues of three elephants gathering lotus flowers, and the retaining wall carries a parade of elephants with their Khmer mahouts, alongside garudas and lions.

Access runs from sunrise to sunset and is included with the Angkor Archaeological Park ticket. Visiting in early morning hours offers better light for photography and fewer crowds.

The central axis of the platform features five stone outworks positioned symmetrically, with three in the middle and one at each end. This arrangement follows a pattern rarely seen in royal architecture of that era.