Terrace of the Leper King, Siem Reap

Historic Site in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jasoneppink

The Terrace of the Leper King (Khmer: ព្រះលានស្តេចគម្លង់, Preah Lean Sdach Kumlung) is situated in the northwest corner of the Royal Square in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Built in the Bayon style during the reign of Jayavarman VII, the terrace gets its modern name from an 8th-century sculpture found at the site. An inscription from the 14th-15th century associates the statue with Dharmaraja, a title for Yama, the Hindu god of death, also known as the “ruler of the order.”

The statue was dubbed the “Leper King” because its discoloration and the moss covering it gave the appearance of leprosy, as well as a reference to a Cambodian legend about Yasovarman I, an Angkorian king believed to have suffered from leprosy. However, the local name for the figure is Dharmaraja, as indicated by the inscription at the base of the original statue.

The U-shaped structure is believed by some to have been used as a royal cremation site.

Legacy of Terrace of the Leper King

Yukio Mishima, the Japanese playwright, used the theme of the Terrace of the Leper King as inspiration for his final play, The Terrace of the Leper King (1970). The play tells the story of King Jayavarman VII, who returns victorious from battle against the Chams and commissions the construction of the Bayon Temple. As the project progresses, the king begins to show signs of leprosy, which worsens as the temple is built. Eventually, he becomes blind and dies upon the temple’s completion.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (783)

Preah Ponlea Sdach Komlong (Terrace of the Leper King) in Angkor Thom is a multi-tiered late 12th-century terrace noted for its intricate Hindu-mythology carvings and richly decorated retaining walls; it stands north of the Terrace of the Elephants and is relatively compact and easy to reach from the road, with visitors praising its finely executed bas‑reliefs, hidden carvings (including a five‑headed horse), a maze-like western wall and a small internal corridor filled with detailed sculpture, making it a rewarding short stop for history and photography enthusiasts.

Soun Sereyboth

2 months ago

"I recently had the pleasure of visiting Preah Ponlea Sdach Komlong, also known as the Terrace of the Leper King, and I must say it was anunforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty and historical significance of this site. The intricate carvings and detailed sculptures are absolutely stu ing, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer civilization. Walking along the terrace, I could feel the history come alive, imagining the stories and ceremonies that must have taken place here centuries ago. The atmosphere at the Terrace of the Leper King is both serene and awe-inspiring. It is a perfect place for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to experience Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. I particularly enjoyed observing the unique carvings on the walls, which are filled with symbolism and artistic detail. The site is well-maintained, and the surrounding views of the Angkor area add to its charm, making it a truly picturesque destination. Visiting Preah Ponlea Sdach Komlong gave me a deep appreciation for Cambodia’s history and artistry. I highly recommend this site to anyone traveling to Siem Reap or exploring the Angkor temples. It is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. Truly a must-visit!..."

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Elena Titkova

3 months ago

"The Terrace of the Leper King is just north of the Terrace of Elephants. Dating from the late 12th century, it is a 7m-high platform, on top of whichstands a nude, though sexless, statue. The front retaining walls of the terrace are decorated with at least five tiers of meticulously executed carvings. On the southern side of the Terrace of the Leper King, there is access to a hidden terrace with exquisitely preserved carvings...."

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Chetra Yoeurn

2 weeks ago

"The Terrace of the Leper King is located to the north of the Terrace of Elephants, which was constructed in the late 12th century. I visited for abrief period, yet I thoroughly appreciated the intricate details and decorations of the wall art carvings. Being there was a remarkable experience...."

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The Terrace of the Leper King appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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