The 'leper' statue found on the site is a copy; the original is held in the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
The hidden inner wall was discovered in the 1960s after clearing debris from the site.
The bas-reliefs on the inner wall include detailed depictions of sea monsters, naga serpents, and multi-armed figures.
Archaeologists believe the original statue may actually represent the god of death, Yama, rather than a historical king suffering from leprosy.
The structure is oriented to face the royal palace area of Angkor Thom.
The Terrace of the Leper King is a 12th-century stone platform located within the Angkor Thom archaeological site in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It features a labyrinthine, sunken walkway formed by a double wall constructed after the original exterior was completed. The outer wall hides an inner wall adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting underworld deities and complex mythological figures. The structure is named after a 15th-century statue found at the site, which depicts a seated figure often associated with the Hindu god Yama or a legendary leprous king. The carvings on the inner wall are better preserved than the outer facade due to the protection provided by the later construction. It serves as a funerary site, with its elevated design suggesting it may have been used for royal cremations. The current physical layout requires visitors to navigate narrow corridors to view the hidden carvings. Its architecture utilizes sandstone blocks consistent with the Bayon style prevalent during the reign of Jayavarman VII.
Inside the sunken corridor, where the contrast between light and shadow highlights the depth of the bas-relief carvings.
Walk through the narrow corridor between the two walls to see the well-preserved inner carvings.
Look for the statue replica perched at the top of the terrace stairs.
Bring a wide-angle lens, as the corridors are tight and make it difficult to capture full relief panels.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the exposed relief walls, as the sandstone is fragile.
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this sacred archaeological site; avoid touching the stone carvings as oils from skin cause damage.
