Cambodia | Angkor Thom | Terrace of the Leper King | Dec 2009

The small platform that is the Terrace of the Leper King dates back from the late 12th century. The exact function of this terrace, which appears to be an extension of the Terrace of the Elephants, is not clear. It was probably used either for royal receptions or cremations.

The terrace is marked by two walls, both beautifully decorated with exquisite bas-reliefs. Of the two, the inner one is more remarkable, and is covered with figures of the underworld deities, kings, celestial females, gods, warriors and strange marine creatures.
However, the outer wall is more popular because it is exposed to public view from outside, hence it is more pictuesque.
Opposite the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King is the Prasat Suor Prat. These are twelve nearly identical laterite and sandstone towers. The towers do not display the classic Bayon-style characteristics. It has been argued that they may be post-Bayon or perhaps much earlier, as early as 11th century.
A few meters to the east of Prasat Suor Prat is the Victory Gate, one of the Angkor Thom's access way.