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.
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7 Markara St, Sala Kamreuk, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Deal!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap. Located in Siem Reap, 100 m from King's Road Angkor, Blanc Smith Residence has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, as well as free WiFi. Popular points of interest nearby include Pub Street and Old Market. The hotel has a business centre, as well as an ATM machine that guests can use.
All guest rooms feature air conditioning, a shower, free toiletries, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD Player. The rooms come with a private bathroom and a hair dryer, and some rooms at the hotel have a terrace. At Blanc Smith Residence, all rooms are fitted with a seating area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. Guests can enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant, which specialises in European, Asian and American cuisine and also offers vegetarian options.
Guests at Blanc Smith Residence will be able to enjoy activities in and around Siem Reap, like cycling.
The hotel provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Speaking English and Khmer at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help.
Popular points of interest near Blanc Smith Residence include Angkor Trade Centre, Platinum Cineplex Siem Reap and Artisans D'Angkor. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 13 km from the property, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 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 Veal, Khum Kouk Chak, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our top picks in Siem Reap – and a guest favorite.
Set in Siem Reap, 1.9 mi from Pub Street, Shintana Saya Residence features a year-round outdoor pool. The resort has a barbecue and views of the garden, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The resort also offers car hire. Angkor Wat is 2.2 mi from Shintana Saya Residence, while Wat Thmei is 0.6 mi from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 3.1 mi away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfers.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. You will find a kettle in the room. Extras include bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Complimentary use of bicycles are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
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 9.3 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!
City Center, Angkor Night Market Road, Old market areas, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Cheathata Suites Hotel is located in Siem Reap just a short 100 m stroll from Angkor Night Market. Guests enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool overlooking panoramic views of the city. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
This modern accommodation is centrally located only 300 m from the vibrant Pub Street. Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat is about 6.5 km away while Siem Reap – Angkor International Airport is only 8 km away. The property offers complimentary two-way airport transfer services.
Rooms are fully air-conditioned and clean. Fitted with parquet flooring, all the rooms have a minibar, seating area and electric kettle. Coffee/tea making facilities and 2 complimentary bottles of drinking water are also provided. The attached bathroom comes with a bathtub, shower, fluffy bathrobes, toothbrushes and free toiletries. Slippers are included in all rooms.
A 24-hour front desk will be happy to assist you with meeting facilities, barbecue facilities and currency exchange. Staff can also arrange for horse-riding, fishing and cycling activities. You can also rent a bicycle or car to explore the area.
Both local and international dishes will be served at the in-house restaurant. Light snacks and local beer can be enjoyed at the bar.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 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!
Steung Thmey, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best for Couple!
One of our best sellers in Siem Reap!
Bayon Shadow Villa provides a free pickup from Siem Reap International Airport, a 15-minute drive away. The villa offers free WiFi throughout the building. Guests can request for a pickup from any local bus station.
Bayon Shadow Villa is located in the heart of Siem Reap, a 5-minute walk from Old Market and Pub Street. Angkor Wat temple is a 15-minute drive away.
Cambodian-style rooms feature colorful local fabrics. Both air conditioning and a fan are provided in all villas.
Massage services can be arranged by staff of the guest house. Bicycle rental and ticketing services are available. Laundry and currency exchange services are also offered at the property.
Guests can enjoy Western meals or traditional Cambodian cuisine in the restaurant.
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 9.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
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!
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. Lyn
Country: Philippines
City: Manila
N.of Person: 1 pax
Travel date: 23-09-2024
Booked: Ream National Park Kayaking & Boat Trip Day Tour
Tour Style: Beach Break Holiday
Duration: Full Day
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