The stone monarch is absolutely naked, his hair is plaited and he sits in the Javanese fashion. The legs are too short for the torso, and the forms, much too rounded, lack the strong protuberances of manly muscles; but, however glaring are his defects, he has many beauties, and as a study of character he is perhaps the masterpiece of Khmer sculpture. Whilst his body is at rest his soul boils within him.
Terrace of the Leper King is located immediately north of the Terrace of the Elephants and it can be accessed from the main road. It was built at end of the 12th century by king Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1220)
The Terrace of the Leper King (or Leper King Terrace) (Khmer: ព្រះលានស្តេចគំលង់, Preah Learn Sdech Kunlung) is located in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, Cambodia.
It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from a 15th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue depicts the Hindu god Yama, the god of death.
The statue was called the "Leper King" because discolouration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because it fit in with a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian king Yasovarman I who had leprosy. The name that the Cambodians know him by, however, is Dharmaraja, as this is what was etched at the bottom of the original statue.
The U-shaped structure is thought by some to have been used as a royal cremation site.
Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half-meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and garudas spanning the front of Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Royal Palace area at the heart of Angkor Thom. The northern section of the wall displays some particularly fine sculpture including the five headed horse and scenes of warriors and dancers. Constructed in part by Jayavarman VII and extended by his successor. The wall faces east so the best lighting for photography before noon. The Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants.
The terrace of the Leper King carries on the theme of grandeur that characterises the building during Jayavarman VII's reign. It is faced with dramatic bas-reliefs, both on the interior and exterior. During clearing, the EFEO found a second wall with bas-relief similar in composition to those of the outer wall.
Some archaeologists believe that this second wall is evidence of a late rites, two meters wide of laterite faced with sandstone. It collapsed and a second wall of the materials, two meters wide, was built right in front of it without any of the rubble being cleared. Recently, the EFEO has created a false corridor which allows visitor to inspect the relief on the first wall.
The curious name of this terrace refers to a statue of the Leper King that is on the platform of the terrace. The one you see today is a copy. The original is in the court-yard of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. the figure is depicted in a seated position with his right knee raised, a position some art historians consider to be Javanese-style. Its nakedness is unusual in Khmer art.
Who was the Leper King ? Mystery and uncertainty surround the origin of the name. The long-held theory that Jayavarman VII was a leper and that is why he built so many hospitals throughout the empire has no historical support whatsoever. Some historians think the figure represents Kubera, god of wealth, or Yasovaraman I, both of whom were allegedly lepers.
Another ideas is based on an inscription that appears on the statue in characters of the 14th or 15th century which may be translated as the equivalent of the assessor of Yama, god of death or of judgment. Yet another theory suggests that the Leper King statue got its name because of the lichen which grows on it. The position of the hand, now missing, also suggests it was holding something.
Coedès believes that most of the Khmer monuments were funerary temples and that the remains of kings were deposited there after cremation. He thinks, therefore, that the royal crematorium was located on the Terrace of the Leper King. The statues, then, represents the god of death and is properly situated on the terrace to serve this purpose. Yet another theory derives from a legend in a Cambodian chronicle that tells of a minister who refused to prostrate before the king, who hit him with his sword. Venomous spittle fell on the king, who then became a leper and was called the Leper King thereafter.
Finish your day in the ancient capital of Khmer kingdom by visiting local villages, driving on country roads and watching the sun setting behind the palm trees. Every day: 5 ...
On this bicycle tour I will show you hidden gems of villages in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We will explore on the off road and hang out with the locals, eating local food, meet local villagers to explore ...
After your arriving at Siem Reap, take two days to explore the splendid temples in Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Then have a boat out to see the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which swells ...
This tour is a unique experience of Angkor temple visit by using bikes to access the secret approach to every temples and riding through the hidden villages of Siem Reap to learn on how people live ...
Joining Siem Reap Golf Holiday with Visit Cambodia Travel, you will enjoy a great memorable moment and experience the Cambodian golf ...
Few visitors to Cambodia witness rural Khmer life in such details, let alone enjoy this level of one-to-one time with a Cambodian Family in their own home. Our unique' village explorer' trip not only ...
House 169, Group 4, Steung Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Best for Traveller!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Offering an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, Siem Reap Pub Hostelis located 300 m away from the popular Pub Street in Siem Reap.
All rooms at the hostel are equipped with air conditioning, a wardrobe and ironing facilities. Rooms also include a safe, while certain rooms offer views of the garden or the city. Guests have access to a private or shared bathroom and toilet facilities, which includes slippers and free toiletries.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk readily assists guests with services such as bicycle and car rental, as well as laundry services which include dry cleaning. Other amenities offered are currency exchange and tour information.
The iconic Angkor Wat is 6 km from Siem Reap Pub Hostel and Angkor Night Market is 100 m away. The nearest airport is Siem Reap International Airport, located 7 km from the property. Airport shuttle is available at a surcharge.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Road 60 Angkor Cultural and Tourism Complex Junction Siem ReapKingdom o f Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Sokha Palace Siem Reap Hotel in Siem Reap provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Boasting a garden, the resort is close to several noted attractions, around a 7-minute walk from Angkor Panorama Museum and around 600 m from Apsara Theatre. The in-house restaurant serves Asian cuisine.
At the resort, the rooms have a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with free toiletries, rooms at Sokha Palace Siem Reap Hotel also have free WiFi, while some rooms have pool view. At the accommodation rooms include a seating area.
Guests at Sokha Palace Siem Reap Hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
The resort offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub, a sauna and a hammam. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 4-star resort.
Ironing facilities, and a business centre are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk.
The Old Market area and Pub Street are 4 km away from Sokha Palace Siem Reap Hotel. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 10.8 km from the property.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
# 522 Svay Dangkum, Old Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Apsara Centrepole Hotel is located just a 1-minute walk from Siem Reap City’s Pub Street and the many night markets. It features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a lounge bar. Free WiFi access is provided.
The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the temples of Angkor and a 20-minute drive from the floating village of Tonle Sap. It provides free pick-ups from Siem Reap International Airport, located 4.3 mi away.
Fitted with tiled or wooden flooring, air-conditioned rooms feature either a patio or a balcony. They offer a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea making facilities and a mini-bar. Private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Room service is provided.
Guests of Apsara Centrepole can request for a massage, or have a quiet read in the library. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with currency exchange, tour rental or shuttle services.
This is our guests' favorite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Road No. 6, Salakanseng Village, Svay Dangkum Commnune, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Housing a restaurant with views of the outdoor pool, Cambana d'Angkor Suites offers peaceful and elegant accommodation with free WiFi access throughout the property. It is conveniently 1 km from Angkor National Museum and 1.5 km from Pub Street. The property offers free airport pick-up.
With a blend of Cambodian and French traditional-styled furnishings, air-conditioned rooms come with a wardrobe, in-room safe, a flat-screen satellite/cable TV, minibar and electric kettle. The en suite bathroom includes a separate shower facility and hot tub, hairdryer and free toiletries.
At Cambana d'Angkor Suites, guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa. Operating a 24-hour front desk, the friendly staff can assist with laundry services, bicycle/car rentals and tour arrangements. Tour arrangements are available at the hospility desk.
The in-house restaurant serves a delectable spread of local and Western cuisine. Special diet dishes can also be prepared upon request, while after-meal drinks are offered at the bar.
ATM/cash machines are located just next door to the property. Situated just a 5-minute drive from downtown, the property is 8 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. Siem Reap International Airport is 6 km away.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.8 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Phum Chunlong, Sangkat Salakamrouek, Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Located in Siem Reap, Molito Blanc Postel has a spa & wellness center and garden. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. There's a restaurant.
A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.
The hotel has an outdoor pool.
King's Road Angkor is 1.9 km from Molito Blanc Postel, while Pub Street is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Angkor International Airport, 14.5 km from the accommodation.
We speak your language!
Svay Dongkom Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Nestled within private gardens, Visoth Angkor Residence offers accommodations away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoors swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
It is 0.9 mi to the vibrant Pub Street. Angkor Wat is 3.7 mi from Visoth Angkor Residence, while Angkor Night Market is 701 m from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 4.3 mi away. The property offers airport transfer services at an additional charge.
Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements and ticketing services. Car hire is also available.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Morgane
Country: United Kingdom
City: Singapore
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: Full-Day
.jpg)
