🛕 Prasat Suor Prat
ប្រាសាទសួរព្រ័ត
Also known as: Towers of the Rope Dancers
Province
Siem Reap
Era
Late Angkorian
Difficulty
🟢 Easy
Crowds
😌 Low Crowds
Key Facts
Built: 12th century
Built by: King Jayavarman VII
Religion: Buddhist
Entry Fee: Angkor Pass
Time Needed: 10–15 minutes
UNESCO: ✅ World Heritage Site
Twelve mysterious laterite towers facing the Royal Palace square — their original purpose remains debated by scholars.
Prasat Suor Prat consists of twelve laterite towers arranged in two rows of six, flanking the eastern approach to Angkor Thom's Royal Plaza opposite the Terrace of the Elephants. The name "Towers of the Rope Dancers" comes from a legend recorded by Zhou Daguan that acrobats would stretch ropes between the towers for performances. However, scholars believe the towers more likely served judicial, ritual, or ceremonial purposes. Some theories suggest they were used for a trial by ordeal — disputants would be placed in separate towers and the first to show signs of illness was judged guilty. The towers are currently under restoration by various international teams.
Highlights
- ✦ Twelve mysterious towers
- ✦ Facing the Royal Plaza
- ✦ Debated purpose — justice? performance?
- ✦ Zhou Daguan's account
- ✦ Under international restoration
Best Time to Visit
Combine with Angkor Thom visit
Visitor Tips
- 💡 Located opposite the Terrace of the Elephants — easy to include
- 💡 Most impressive viewed from the Terrace looking east
- 💡 The mystery of their purpose adds to the intrigue
Nearby Temples
13.4478°N, 103.8639°E
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