Abandoned in the 15th century, the whole city was largely forgotten for hundreds of years until French naturalist, Henri Mouhot, published an account of his exploration to Angkor in 1860. This successfully managed to stir a considerable amount of western interest in the jungle temples. So much so that in 1908 a huge effort began to clear away the jungle vegetation that was slowly destroying the ruins and restore the temples to something like their former glory. This continues to this day (although was stopped in the mid 1970’s due to the rise of the Khmer Rouge and the eventual civil war).

When visiting the temples, try and in keep in mind that during the 9th to 13th centuries, the Angkor Kingdom (meaning capital or holy city) in Cambodia was the largest, most powerful and prosperous nation in South East Asia.

This was principally due to its first King, Jayaverman II, who kicked-off the Angkorian era in 802AD and ruled for 48 years. Jayavarman was a warrior, who after returning to Cambodia from Java, managed to subdue enough Khmer rival states to declare one sovereign kingdom under his rule. He also declared a ‘god king’ rite and legitimized his power through the setting up of a ‘royal linga worshipping cult’ which remained central to Angkorian kingship, religion, art and architecture for centuries.

Thirty years after his death, Indravarman II decided to construct Preah Ko, the first member of the Roluos Group, in honour of Jayavarman II. Shortly after, he constructed Bakong, which marked the beginning of grand temple building that lasted for centuries, and was also responsible for the first large baray (water reservoir). The three defining characteristics -- the linga-cult, temple construction and reservoir building -- of the Angkor Kingdom had been established.

Many great temples were then built over the proceeding centuries including the most famous, Angkor Wat, which was constructed by King Suryavarmman II in the first half of the 12th century. Today, Angkor Wat is one of the greatest religious monuments in the world, and the remarkable masterpiece continues to attract and amaze visitors to this day.

During the second half of the 12th century, battle losses against neighboring rivals, uprisings in the provinces and internal infighting brought turmoil to the Angkor kingdom. In 1165, a usurper, Tribhuvanadityyavarman, took full advantage of the chaos and seized power at Angkor. He remained in control for twelve years until he was killed right in the heart of the capital by the Cham (a neighboring Indianised state from south central Vietnam) which had successfully invaded and conquered Angkor thanks to a covert navel attack via the Tonle Sap River in 1177. After four years of occupation, the most famous Angkor king, Jayavarman VII, managed to force the Cham out of Cambodia through a series of successful counterattacks.

Not long after, Jayavarman VII, who ruled until 1220, went on a series of military campaigns that extended the Khmer empire to Malaysia in the south, to the borders of Myanmar in the west, Laos in the north and even central Vietnam. It was also Jayavarman VII who abandoned Hinduism (which had been the state religion since its inception) for Mahayana Buddhism. But it is his incredible grand temple building for which he his best remembered and is indeed responsible for most of the most interesting constructions seen around Angkor (including three of the four most famous: Bayon, Ta Prohm and Preah Khan).

Despite his achievements, Jayavarmen VII’s death actually marked the end of grandiose temple building. His successor, Indravarman III, continued some of the temple construction left unfinished by Jayavarmen VII but the age of grand temple building was finally over.

In fact, the long reign of Jayavarman VIII in the late 13th century appears to have signaled the beginning of the end of the Angkor Kingdom. It suffered an invasion for the first time from the Mongols in 1283 and was facing repeated attacks by the Thai’s from the west. It was also Jayavarman VIII who reverted the kingdom back to Hinduism. This led to most of Jayavarmen VII’s Buddhist monuments being defaced and Hindu images crudely put into their places. Following Jayavarman VIII abdication in favor of his brother in law, Crindravarman, Theravada Buddhism was adopted (probably due to pressure from Siam) and this remains the Cambodian state religion to this day.

The reign of Crindravarman ended in 1327 and after this date, little is known about the final years of the Angkor Kingdom. But what is definite is that King Ponhea Yat moved the capital from Angkor to Phnom Penh in 1432 following a long drawn out siege from the Thais (it later migrated to Lovek and Oudong). Nevertheless, it is important to note that, although Angkor stopped being the capital and was largely left to the jungle, some sites around the complex have never been fully abandoned as people imagine. Indeed, the reason for why Angkor Wat is so well preserved today is principally thanks to Buddhist pilgrims continually maintaining it throughout the centuries.

Be that as it may, the Angkor complex has gone through many periods of ‘rediscovery’ on the part of Cambodian kings, and western explorers and missionaries. In 1550, it was ‘rediscovered’ for the first time by King Ang Cham while hunting. The King was apparently so impressed with what he saw that he moved his Court there (although the capital remained in Lovek). This ended in 1594 when the region of Angkor was conquered by Thailand.

Angkor was occasionally ‘rediscovered’ by Portuguese and Spanish explorers and missionaries in the 16th to 19th centuries. Meanwhile, Father Charles-Emile Bouillevaux published the first modern account of Angkor in 1857. But it was naturalist Henri Mouhot’s book, Travels in Siam, Cambodia, Laos and Annam that led to notable western interest in the temples and the first restoration expedition in 1908 from France (the country most credited for restoration work undertaken around Angkor).

Ak Yum
Late 8th - Early 11th
Hinduism
A visually unimpressive but archaeologically important ruin. The earliest elements date from the pre-Angkorian 8th century, though inscriptions indicate that a temple dedicated to the Hindu ‘god of the depths’ was previously located on the same spot. Ak Yom is the earliest known example of the 'mountain-temple' architectural design formula, which was to become a primary design formula for many of the Angkorian period temples including Angkor Wat.. 

Angkor Thom
Late 12th - Early 13th
Buddhism
Jayavarman VII
Bayon
Angkor Thom (Big Angkor) is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkor's greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour of the temples.

Angkor wat
Early - Mid 12th
Hinduism
Suryavarman II
Angkor wat
Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

At the apex of Khmer political and military dominance in the region, Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive 'temple-mountain' dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It served as his state temple, though the temple’s uncommon westward orientation has led some to suggest that it was constructed as Suryavarman II’s funerary temple. Other temples of the same style and period include Thommanon, Banteay Samre, Wat Atwea and Beng Melea, which may have served as a prototype to Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple itself is 1 km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower. The walls of the temple are covered inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the walls throughout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology, and the historical wars of Suryavarman II. It is in the viewing of the bas-reliefs that a tour guide can be very helpful.

The northern reflecting pool in front is the most popular sunrise location. For sunrise, arrive very early, well before sunrise begins. The sun will rise behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of Angkor’s distinctively shaped towers against a colored sunrise sky. Some of the best colors appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon.

The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. As you pass through the outer gate and get your first glimpse, its size and architecture make it appear two dimensional, like a giant postcard photo against the sky. After you cross through the gate and approach the temple along the walkway it slowly gains depth and complexity. To maximize this effect you should make your first visit in optimal lighting conditions, i.e. after 2:00PM. Do not make your first visit to Angkor Wat in the morning when the backlighting obscures the view.

The first level of the Angkor Wat is the most artistically interesting. Most visitors begin their exploration of the temple with the bas-reliefs that cover the exterior wall of the first level, following the bas-reliefs counterclockwise around the temple. Bas-relief highlights include the mythological Battle of Kuru on the west wall; the historical march of the army of Suryavarman II, builder of Angkor Wat, against the Cham, followed by scenes from Heaven and Hell on the south wall; and the classic ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ on the north wall.

The temple interior is not as densely carved as the first level exterior, but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology. Again, a guide can be quite helpful in explaining the stories of the various chambers, statues and architectural forms to be found in the interior. At the upper-most of your tour of the temple, the central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Theravada Buddhism became Cambodia’s dominant religion in the 14th century. Some say that it is good luck to pay homage to all four Buddha images before departing Angkor. 

Banteay Kdei
Late 12th - Early 13th
Buddhist
Sprawling, largely unrestored, monastic complex in much the same style as Ta Prohm. It was originally constructed over the site of an earlier temple, and functioned as a Buddhist monastery under Jayavarman VII. As with other works of Jayavarman VII's era, it is a tightly packed architectural muddle, which like Bayon, suffered from several changes in the plans at the time of construction. It was also built using an inferior grade of sandstone and using poor construction techniques, leading to much of the deterioration visible today. A restoration project is underway on many of the towers and corridors, and some areas are blocked off. The foundation stele of the temple has not been found so there is no record of to whom it is dedicated. The 13th century vandalism of Buddha images that is seen on many Jayavarman VII temples is quite apparent on Banteay Kdei. Combine with a visit to Srah Srang, which is just opposite the east entrance. 

Banteay Samre
Mid 12th
Hinduism
Large, relatively flat temple about 3 km off of the grand circuit, near the southeast corner of the East Baray. The temple underwent extensive restoration this century by archaeologists using the anastylosis method. Banteay Samre was constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat. The style of the towers and balustrades bear strong resemblance to the towers of Angkor Wat and even more so to Khmer temple of Phimai in Thailand. Many of the carvings are in excellent condition. The trip there is a nice little road excursion through villages and paddies. Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with a stop at Banteay Samre on the way back.

Banteay Srey
Late 10th
Hindu
Banteay Srey loosely translates to ‘citadel of the women’, but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srey displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple's relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance. The colors are best before 10:30 AM and after 2:00 PM, but there are fewer tourists in the afternoon. This temple was discovered by French archaeologists relatively late, in 1914. The temple area closes at 5:00 PM. Banteay Srey lies 38 km from Siem Reap, requiring extra travel time. Drivers usually charge a fee in addition to their normal daily charge for the trip. Banteay Srey is well worth the extra effort. Combine a visit to Banteay Srey with Banteay Samre.

Baphuon
Mid 11th
Hindu
Angkor Thom: Huge temple-mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom. Largely collapsed and in ruined condition, the main temple area is undergoing extensive restoration and is not open to the public. The exterior entry gate and elevated walkway are open. Note the unique animal carvings at the walkway entrance, and the large reclining Buddha on the west side, added to the temple at a much later period.  

Bayon
Late 12th
Buddhist
If you see only two temples, Angkor Wat and Bayon should be the ones. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most but not all sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points. Who the faces represent is a matter of debate but they may be Loksvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of Buddha and Jayavar-man VII. Bayon was the Jayavarman VII's state-temple and in many ways represents the pinnacle of his massive building campaign. It appears to be, and is to some degree, an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century.

The best of Bayon are the bas-reliefs on the exterior walls of the lower level and on the upper level where the stone faces reside. The bas-reliefs on the southern wall contain real-life scenes from the historical sea battle between the Khmer and the Cham. It is not clear whether this represents the Cham invasion of 1177AD or a later battle in which the Khmer were victorious. Even more interesting are extensive carvings of unique and revealing scenes of everyday life that are interspersed among the battle scenes, including market scenes, cockfighting, chess games and childbirth. Also note the unfinished carvings on other walls, likely indicating the death of Jayavarman VII and the subsequent end of his building campaign. Some of the reliefs on the inner walls were carved at a later date under the Hindu king Jayavarman VIII. The surrounding tall jungle makes Bayon a bit dark and flat for photographs near sunrise and sunset.

Beng Melea
Early 11th
Hindu
Sprawling jungle temple covering over one square kilometer. The temple is largely overrun by vegetation. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype of sorts for Angkor Wat. Very few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident and may never have existed. When the temple was active, the walls may have been covered, painted or had frescos. In its time, Beng Melea was at the crossroads of several major highways that ran to Angkor, Koh Ker, Preah Vihear (in northern Cambodia) and northern Vietnam. Regular admission ticket not required but there is a separate $5 entrance fee. Beng Melea is located 60km east of town and requires an arduous 3-hour journey to get there. The area has only recently become available to visitors, being demined just last year. Poor roads through beautiful countryside, and lack of visitors at the temple give the trip a real expedition feel. Graded dirt road with occasional flooding in the rainy season. Consider contacting a tour guide that specializes in the distant temples such as Terre Cambodge.

East Mebon
Late 10th
Hindu
Jayavarman IV, a usurper to the throne, moved the capital from Angkor to Koh Ker in 928AD. Sixteen years later Rajendravarman II returned the capital to Angkor and quickly constructed East Mebon on an island in the middle of the now dry Eastern Baray. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in honor of the king’s parents. Inscriptions indicate that it was also built to help reestablish the continuity of kingship at Angkor in light of the recent interruption when the seat of power had been moved to Koh Ker. There seems to be some scholarly debate as to whether East Mebon should be categorized as a temple-mountain. Inscriptions record activity at the temple as early as 947AD, but East Mebon was not consecrated until 952AD. 

Kbal Spean
11th - 13th
Hindu/Buddhist
A river of 1000 lingas’ is at Phnom Kulen. There are also carvings of Buddha and Buddhist images in the rock that date from a later period than the lingas. Entrance to the area closes at 3:00PM. Combine with a visit to Banteay Srey and allow a half-day for the two. Take the road straight past Banteay Srey about 12km. Look for the sign and parking area on the left side. Requires a moderately easy 45-minute uphill walk though the woods.

Neak Pean
Late 12th
Buddhism
When constructed, this small island temple was located in the middle of the last reservoir (baray) to be constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area. The small central temple sits in the center of a cross or lotus pattern made up of eight pools. At time of construction, the temple was called Rajasri but took its modern appellation, Neak Pean, which means ‘coiled serpents’, from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function, and the waters were thought to have healing properties. During the dry season when the water is low, check out the animal and human headwater spouts at the outside center of each pool. Neak Pean is most photogenic in the wet season when the pools are full.

Phimeanakas
Late 10th - Early 11th
Hindu
The king’s temple or royal temple. The lack of surviving carvings leaves it artistically uninteresting, but it is the tallest scalable temple in Angkor Thom, providing a nice view from the top. The western staircase (at the back) is the most easily ascended. Legend has it that the golden tower crowned the temple and was inhabited by a serpent, which would transform into a woman. The kings of Angkor were required to make love with the serpent every night, lest disaster befall him or the kingdom.

Phnom Bakheng
Late 9th - Early 10th
Hindu
The construction of this temple mountain on Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng Hill), the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area, marked the move of the capital of the Khmer empire from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD. It served as Yasovarman I's state-temple at the center of his new capital city Yasodharapura. The foundation of Bakheng is carved from the existing rock edifice rather than the laterite and earthfill of most other temples. Bakheng's hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset location in the area, offering a view of the Tonle Sap Lake and a distant Angkor Wat in the jungle. Often overcrowded at sunset. Elephant rides up the hill are available.

Phnom Kulen
9th
Hindu
This is where the 500-year long Age of Angkor began. Phnom Kulen is the mountain on which Jayavarman II initiated a royal 'god of the king' linga cult in 802AD, declaring a unified and independent Cambodia under a single ruler. Soon after, he moved his capital from Kulen to Roluos where it was to remain for almost a century before moving to the Angkor area. Several sites including hundreds of linga stands in the Siem Reap River. Waterfalls and active pagoda. It’s a bit over 50 km each way from Siem Reap so set aside at least a half day for the trip there and back. Regular admission ticket is not required. There is a separate entrance fee of $20 for Phnom Kulen.

Prasat Kravan
Early 10th
Hindu
Reconstructed, unique brick towers containing large wall sculptures of Vishnu and Lakshmi in the brick. Originally constructed by a nobleman rather than a king. Reconstructed by archaeologists in the early 20th century. Look for modern replacement bricks labeled "CA". Photographically better in the morning with the light on the front of the towers. 

Pre Rup
Late 10th
Hindu
Architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Historically important in that it was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor after a period of political upheaval when the capital had been moved to Koh Ker.

Preah Khan
Late 12th
buddhist
Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. Full of carvings, passages and photo opportunities. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. 'Preah Khan' means 'sacred sword.’ In harmony with Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII's mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: Like most of Jayavarman VII's monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple. It is one of the only examples of round columns and may be from a later period..

Roluos Group
Late 9th
Hindu
The Roluos Group is a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian era Khmer Empire. It has become known as the ‘Roluos Group’ due to its proximity to the modern town of Roluos. The ancient capital was named for Hari-Hara, a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Though there was an existing settlement in the area before the rise of Angkor, Hariharalaya was established as a capital city by Jayavarman II and served as the Khmer capital for over 70 years under four successive kings. Setting the pattern for the next four centuries, the first great Khmer temples (Bakong, Preah Ko, Lolei - see listings) and baray (reservoir) were constructed at Hariharalaya. The last king at Hariharalaya, Yasovarman I, built the first major temple at Angkor, Phnom Bakheng, and moved the capital to the Bakheng area in 905 C.E. With the exception of a 20 year interruption in the 10th century, the capitol would remain at Angkor until 1422 C.E. 12km (20 minutes) from Siem Reap.

Lolei
Late 9th
Hindu
Roluos Group: An island-temple consisting of four brick towers on a double laterite platform. Located in the center of the first large-scale baray constructed by a Khmer king. The last major temple built at Roluos before Yasovarman I moved the capital to the Angkor area. Though the towers are in poor condition, there are some good lintel carvings, which display the distinctively detailed Pre Ko style. An active pagoda has been built amongst the ruins. Of the Roluos group ruins, allocate the least time for this temple. See ‘Roluos Group’. 

Preah Ko
Late 9th
Hindu
In the Roluos Group. One of the first major temples of the empire at the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers. Many of the carvings are in very good condition providing excellent examples of the deep, vivid Preah Ko style Khmer art. Also see ‘Roluos Group’

Bakong
Late 9th
Hindu
Roluos Group: The most impressive member of the Roluos Group, sitting at the center of the first Khmer capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong stands 15 meters tall and is 650x850 meters at the outer wall. Constructed by the third Angkorian-era king as his state-temple, Bakong represents the first application of the temple-mountain architectural formula on a grand scale and set the architectural tone for the next 400 years. The temple displays a very early use of stone rather than brick. Though begun by Indravarman I, Bakong received additions and was expanded by later kings. The uppermost section and tower may have been added as late as the 12th century AD. Some of the lintel carvings, particularly on the outer towers, are in very good shape. Picturesque moat and vegetation surround Bakong.  

Srah Srang
Mid 10th and Late 12th
Buddhist
Picturesque Baray opposite the east entrance of Banteay Kdei. Originally constructed by the same architect that built Pre Rup. Remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII's massive building campaign. The very sparse remains of an island temple can be seen in the middle of the lake during the dry season when the water is low. Srah Srang offers a pleasant, much less touristed, sunrise alternative to Angkor Wat. 

Ta Keo
Late 10th - Early 11th
Hindu
Towering but plainly decorated temple-mountain dedicated to Shiva. Known in its time as ‘the mountain with golden peaks.’ The first temple to be constructed wholly of sandstone. Constructed as a state-temple by Jayavarman V. Unlike previous kings, he built Ta Keo outside of his main capital area. Many Angkorian temples are partially unfinished, but Ta Keo seems to have stopped construction particularly early in the decoration phase of construction, as there are very few carvings. Ta Keo is an interesting temple well worth a visit, but if you are pressed for time, see Pre Rup instead.

Ta Prohm
Mid 12th - Early13
Buddhist
Of similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei, this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle overgrowth. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best ‘tree-in-temple’ photo opportunities at Angkor. Flocks of noisy parrots flit from tree to tree adding to the jungle atmosphere. Ta Prohm is well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII's first major temple projects. Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother. (Preah Khan, built shortly after Ta Prohm in the same general style, was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father.) Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of control over 3000 villages, thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. Of the monastic complex style temples, Ta Prohm is a superior example and should be included in almost any temple itinerary.

Ta Som
Late 12th
Buddhist
The most distant temple on the grand circuit. Small but classic Jayavarman VII temple consisting of a relatively flat enclosure with towers much like the temple Ta Prohm on a much smaller scale. The execution of the apsara carvings is better than many late 12th century works. Many of the carvings show an uncommon individuality in the faces and bodies. Face towers on the gopuras. A huge tree grows from the top of the east gopura. It is destroying the gate but it is a photo classic. It is best photographed in the early morning when the sun is low from the outside of the enclosure. Currently undergoing renovation.

Terrace of the Elephants
Late 12th
Buddhist
Impressive, two and a half-meter tall wall spanning the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon and Phimeanakas. Carved elephants and giant garudas adorn the wall. Constructed in part by Jayavarman VII and extended by his successor. The wall faces east so the best lighting for photography occurs before noon. The Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants..

Terrace of the Leper King
Late 12th
Buddhist
A double terrace at the north end of the Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved nagas, demons and other mythological beings. The terrace was named for the statue of the leper king that sits on top. Why the statue is known as the 'leper king' is less clear. Some argue that when the statue was found, its lichen-eaten condition gave it the appearance of leprosy. Others have argued that it is a statue of the leper king of Khmer legend, or that the condition of the statue inspired its connection to the legend. The model for the statue is also a matter of debate. Suggestions include a couple of different Hindu gods, and the Khmer kings Yasovarman I and Jayavarman VII. Recent scholarship favors a combination of Jayavarman VII and Buddha. The statue of the leper king on display at the terrace is a replica. The original resides in the National Museum in Phnom Penh.