The Royal Palace Within Angkor Thom
The Royal Palace forms the core of Angkor Thom, the walled capital built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Unlike the towering spires of Angkor Wat, this area reveals the daily and ceremonial life of Khmer royalty through low-lying foundations, a central pyramid temple, and expansive terraces that once supported wooden palace halls long vanished to time and climate.
What to See and Do
Begin at the Royal Enclosure, where the rectangular layout still shows clear traces of moats and walls. The standout feature is Phimeanakas, a three-tiered laterite and sandstone pyramid that served as the king’s personal temple. Climb its steep steps for views across the surrounding forest canopy. Adjacent terraces provide the most vivid surviving details: the Terrace of the Elephants stretches nearly 350 meters with intricate carvings of elephants, garudas, and processions, while the nearby Terrace of the Leper King displays dense bas-reliefs of mythical beings and underworld scenes.
Walk the shaded paths between these monuments to appreciate the scale of the original wooden palace buildings, whose post holes remain visible in the stone platforms. Allow time to observe the changing light on the carvings, especially in late afternoon when shadows emphasize the depth of the reliefs.
Practical Exploration Tips on Site
- Follow the logical circuit from the east entrance through Phimeanakas then south along the terraces to avoid backtracking.
- Carry water and wear a hat; the open terraces offer little shade once the morning mist lifts.
- Look closely at the elephant trunks on the Terrace of the Elephants; each trunk holds different objects, revealing symbolic details about royal processions.
Getting There and Best Time to Visit
The Royal Palace lies inside the Angkor Archaeological Park, roughly 1.5 kilometers north of Angkor Wat. Most visitors reach it by tuk-tuk or minibus from Siem Reap town, combining it with a full-day circuit of Angkor Thom sites. The dry season from November through February offers the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies for photography, while the shoulder months of March and April bring hotter conditions but fewer crowds.
Nearby Attractions
After exploring the palace grounds, continue to the Bayon temple at the center of Angkor Thom for its famous smiling faces, or head west to Baphuon and the Terrace of the Leper King extensions. The entire Angkor Thom complex rewards a full day on foot or bicycle, with the Royal Palace serving as an ideal starting point before the midday heat intensifies.
