Bayon Temple, The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King Terrace

The purpose of this post is to document three areas of the Angkor complex I visited in addition to Angkor Wat.

*Bayon Temple is interesting in that it was built later than Angkor Wat, around 1200. By this time the transition from Hindu to Buddhism had begun.  This temple definitely has aspects of both religions present as Khmer kings during the 13th Century continually modified this temple based on the religious preferences of the moment. Most famous here are the multitude of "Smiling Buddha" reliefs, which are an iconic symbol of Cambodia which one can see depicted in various paintings and artwork, as well as being prominently featured in tourist brochures and marketing.

*The Elephant Terrace, very near Bayon Temple, was the foundation of the pavilions where the royalty conducted formal celebrations and festivals. Elephants, as you can see, form the major motif of this terrace.

*Finally, the last couple pictures show The Leper King Terrace.  Its story and exact date of origin are a bit uncertain, but the reliefs that have been reconstructed are incredibly detailed and among the most prominent in the Angkor complex.



Bayon Temple








Elephant Terrace






The Leper King Terrace






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