Royal Palace of Angkor Thom

One of the tower gates of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom, as seen from the Terrace of the Elephants. (25 February, 2006)


The Royal Palace of Angkor Thom is the ancient palace of King Suryavarman I, located north of the Baphuon. It is bordered by the Terrace of the Elephants to the east and Preah Palilay to the north.The royal palace was built between the 12th to the 13th centuries during the reign of King Suryavarman I, and was subsequently added to it by latter kings. Within its compound is the step pyramid called Phimeanakas. However, the most noticeable thing about the Royal Palace is its absence.

As most of the buildings within the Royal Palace complex are for non religious purposes, they are constructed mainly of wood, which is perishable. Today only the religious structures and ponds are still visible reminders of the grandeur of ancient times.

The Royal Palace grounds are enclosed by a five-meter high wall that runs for 246m along on the north-south axis and 585m on the east-west axis. There are give sandstone gopuras on this wall - two on the northside, two on the south, and one on the east, which opens into the Terrace of the Elephants.

Within the Royal Palace grounds are the remains of buildings that used to stand there. Now only traces of these buildings remain. It takes a bit of imagination for us to picture how the place was like during the time of the ancient Khmer kings. What is a bit more surprising is that there are rural houses within the area. I wondered to myself why the people are allowed the privilege to live right in the midst of the ancient monuments, thereby giving them a upper hand to earn tourist income over their cousins living outside the heritage park.

Rural houses within the compound of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. (25 February, 2006)


One of the gates into the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. (25 February, 2006)


Trees growing within the enclosure of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. (25 February, 2006)

Sights within the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom

I mark ( * ) for sights I deem to be of considerable interest and ( * * ) for sights of major interest.

How to reach the Royal Palace

Royal Palace is located within Angkor Thom, about 200 meters directly north of the Baphuon, from where you enter the Royal Palace compound through a gopura in the southern enclosure wall.

If you are travelling on a packaged tour, then your itinerary is more or less decided, as is the amount of time in your hands to explore the grounds. However, if you are travelling independently, then the best option is to hire a tuk tuk. Ask him to wait for you at the food stalls opposite the Baphuon while you go and explore the sites.

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