The Royal Plaza is an enormous series of fields in central Angkor Thom, just north of Bayon Temple.
The lengthy Elephant Terrace looks east along the length of the fields, opposite a row of towers and a pair of sandstone chambers. One can easily imagine a procession of the king’s army marching across the plaza and down the Victory Way to war.
According to 13th century Chinese emissary Zhao Daguan, monthly festivals were held in the Royal Plaza; thousands of spectators sat upon wooden bleachers to observe royal processions featuring thousands more, including women carrying candles and the queen and concubines riding stop sedan chairs. In the rear, the king, clutching the sacred sword, stood atop his war elephant, whose tusks were ornamented in gold, while attendants surrounded him with giant parasols.
Evening entertainment at these events included fireworks and likely circus performances (as suggested by carvings on Bayon temple and the Elephant Terrace). The king was also told to hold public gatherings from the Elephant Terrace, in which he would give audience to his subjects.
The Royal Plaza, located to the north of Bayon temple in the middle of Angkor Thom, extends several hundred yards north to south and 40-50 yards east to west. It is flanked on one side by the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King and on the other by the prasats-suor-proat and the khleangs.
Where to Go
- Prasats Suor Proat: A series of 12 mysterious towers lining the Royal Square, believed to have played a role in royal ceremonies or possibly judicial functions.
- Khleangs: A pair of long, narrow buildings flanking the Royal Square, thought to have served as royal storerooms or audience halls.
Need to Know
- What is it: A large, grassy clearing in the center of the royal city, extending north from Bayon and east from the Royal Palace enclosure.
- When to visit: The temples in Angkor Archaeological Park are best visited at the end of the rainy season, between November and January, when the surrounding vegetation is lush and green. The plaza and surrounding attractions are best visited in the early morning or near sunset, when the heat of the day is less severe.
- Nearest Town: Siem Reap
- Don’t Miss: Overlooking the Royal Plaza and Victory Way from the central platform of the Elephant Terrace.
- King: Jayavarman VII
- Date: late 12th century - early 13th century
- Religion: n/a
- Artistic Style: n/a