Victory Gate Angkor Thom
A majestic ceremonial gateway into Angkor Thom, once reserved for victorious armies, featuring iconic serene faces and intricate carvings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Victory Gate Angkor Thom
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic ceremonial gateway into Angkor Thom, once reserved for victorious armies, featuring iconic serene faces and intricate carvings.
"Less crowded than the South Gate, it offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy ancient architecture and nature."
🎯 Quieter Entrance Option
Skip the busy South Gate and enter Angkor Thom via the Victory Gate for a more peaceful start.
📸 Great Photo Spot
The serene faces and surrounding jungle offer fantastic, less crowded photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bayon-Style Faces
Gate towers
Serene stone faces gaze in four directions, mirroring the iconic Bayon Temple. A truly impressive sight.

Causeway Carvings
Causeway leading to the gate
See remnants of the 'Churning of the Sea of Milk' myth with devas and asuras holding a naga serpent.

Peaceful Atmosphere
The entire gate area
Enjoy a quieter, more contemplative experience away from the main tourist paths. Perfect for photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Victory Gate
Understand Its Royal Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don’t missed Victory Gate when you guys visit Angkor Wat Tour
🎯 Quieter Entrance Option
Skip the busy South Gate and enter Angkor Thom via the Victory Gate for a more peaceful start.
📸 Great Photo Spot
The serene faces and surrounding jungle offer fantastic, less crowded photo opportunities.
Victory gate of Angkor Thom
🚶♂️ Walk the Causeway
Explore the causeway with its mythological carvings before reaching the gate itself.
👑 Royal Procession Path
Imagine victorious armies marching through this grand, historically significant gateway.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Quieter Entrance Option
Skip the busy South Gate and enter Angkor Thom via the Victory Gate for a more peaceful start.
📸 Great Photo Spot
The serene faces and surrounding jungle offer fantastic, less crowded photo opportunities.
🚶♂️ Walk the Causeway
Explore the causeway with its mythological carvings before reaching the gate itself.
👑 Royal Procession Path
Imagine victorious armies marching through this grand, historically significant gateway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Victory Gate for its serene atmosphere and historical significance, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded South Gate. The impressive Bayon-style faces and detailed causeway carvings are highlights, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative experience within Angkor Thom. Some note it's a quicker visit but highly recommended for its unique charm.
"East Gate of Angkor Thom (Victory Gate) is a beautiful historic gate with a peaceful and quiet environment 🌿.
Less crowded compared to the South Gate, it offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy the ancient architecture and surrounding nature. A perfect spot to take photos and feel the calm side of Angkor Thom."
ARUN POV
"Victory Gate with Khen – Cambodia Private Taxi
Explore the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom with Khen, your trusted driver and local guide from Cambodia Private Taxi.
This majestic gate, once reserved for victorious armies returning from battle, offers a grand entrance into Cambodia's ancient Khmer empire."
Cambodia Private Taxi
"Another visually stunning example of old architecture. This stop won't necessarily take long, but we would absolutely recommend if in the area."
Matt Grimaldi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Victory Gate is located on the eastern wall of Angkor Thom. You can reach it by hiring a tuk-tuk, taxi, or joining a guided tour. Many tours enter Angkor Thom via the South Gate, but you can specifically request to start or visit via the Victory Gate.
Yes, Victory Gate is within the Angkor Archaeological Park, so a valid Angkor Pass is required for entry. Ensure you have your pass with you.
Hiring a local guide or driver is highly recommended. They can navigate the vast complex and highlight the significance of each structure, including the Victory Gate's historical context.
Cycling is a popular way to explore the temples. The roads within Angkor Thom are generally well-maintained, making it feasible to cycle to Victory Gate, though it can be hot.
Yes, there are designated parking areas for tuk-tuks and cars near the entrances of Angkor Thom, including areas accessible to Victory Gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, your Angkor Pass covers entry to all temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Victory Gate.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, including Victory Gate, is typically open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Angkor Passes are available for 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day durations. Prices vary, so check the official Angkor Enterprise website for the most current rates.
Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket center before entering the park, or sometimes online through their official portal.
Yes, Victory Gate is generally much less crowded than the South Gate, offering a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene Bayon-style faces, the mythological carvings on the causeway, and the atmospheric path leading into Angkor Thom. The early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
Visitors are generally not permitted to climb on the ancient structures for safety and preservation reasons. Stick to designated paths.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Drone usage is typically restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Check with park authorities for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gate and causeway. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the carvings. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Victory Gate was a ceremonial entrance for victorious armies returning to Angkor Thom, the capital of the Khmer Empire. It symbolizes military strength and royal triumph.
Victory Gate, like much of Angkor Thom, was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century.
This Hindu creation myth depicts gods and demons churning the cosmic ocean to extract the elixir of immortality. It's a common motif in Khmer art.
Victory Gate features similar serene, Bayon-style faces on its towers, connecting it visually and thematically to the iconic Bayon Temple within Angkor Thom.
Yes, Victory Gate is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding universal value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Consider hiring a tuk-tuk driver who can provide shade and transport between sites. The relatively flat terrain makes it easy for little ones to walk around, and the quieter atmosphere means less stress for parents.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Tip: Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the gate and the serene expressions of the faces. A wide-angle lens is excellent for the overall grandeur, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of the bas-reliefs. Be patient; the quieter nature of this gate allows for more time to compose the perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Entrance: History and Purpose
Architecturally, the gate is a testament to the Khmer Empire's engineering prowess and artistic vision. It features the iconic Bayon-style faces gazing serenely in the four cardinal directions, a motif that defines much of Angkor Thom. The causeway leading to the gate is also adorned with bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes, most notably the "Churning of the Sea of Milk," a powerful visual representation of ancient Khmer cosmology and beliefs.
While the South Gate is often bustling with activity, the Victory Gate offers a more tranquil experience. This allows visitors to truly appreciate the intricate details of the carvings and the sheer scale of the ancient city's defenses without the overwhelming crowds. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past and imagine the grandeur of the Khmer Empire at its zenith.
Experiencing Victory Gate Today: Tips for Visitors
When you arrive, take your time to walk along the causeway. Look closely at the rows of devas (gods) and asuras (demons) that once flanked the path, and imagine the naga serpent they are holding. The intricate carvings, though weathered by time, still tell compelling stories. As you approach the gate itself, pause to admire the imposing stone faces that seem to watch over the ancient city.
Many visitors find that the Victory Gate provides a more contemplative experience. It's an excellent spot for reflection, allowing you to absorb the history and grandeur of Angkor Thom at your own pace. Consider combining a visit here with nearby sites like the Bayon Temple or the Terrace of the Elephants, as the Victory Gate is strategically aligned with these important structures.
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