asia, virtuoso

Elephant Terrace, Angkor Thom

The Virtuoso Gala event at Angkor Wat began with a cocktail reception at the foot of the Bayon, a site within the temple of Angkor Thom.  After a brief presentation here, we were led down a long walkway that was lined with ice sculptures (remember it's still around 90 degrees) torches and candles before arriving at the Elephant Terrace. It was in front of this massive wall that we enjoyed dinner.  Everyone was very, very impressive with the "Big Wow" that Virtuoso created here.  Absolutely amazing! 

Facts from the Angkor Wat Website:
Just under 1000 feet long, the Elephant Terrace is made of carved sandstone; the stairways are buted with three-headed elephants. The carvings portray hunting scenes, with an emphasis on lions and tigers.

The Bayon is of the last temples built in Angkor and is one of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor. Over 200 large faces adorn the 54 towers plus two sets of bas-reliefs, which depict an unusual combination of mythological, historical and mundane events.