Victory Gate Angkor Thom - a stone wall with a window in it
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Victory Gate Angkor Thom

4.7
·546 reviews·Angkor, Cambodia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Victory Gate Angkor Thom - a stone wall with a window in it

Victory Gate Angkor Thom

Best Time

Early morning

Golden light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(546 reviews)

"Less crowded than the South Gate, it offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy ancient architecture and nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bayon-Style Faces

Bayon-Style Faces

Gate towers

Serene stone faces gaze in four directions, mirroring the iconic Bayon Temple. A truly impressive sight.

Causeway Carvings

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

Peaceful Atmosphere

The entire gate area

Enjoy a quieter, more contemplative experience away from the main tourist paths. Perfect for photos.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Victory Gate

While the South Gate is the main entrance to Angkor Thom, the Victory Gate offers a more serene experience. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and tour groups, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of this historically significant site. Reddit

Understand Its Royal Significance

This gate was once the ceremonial entrance for victorious armies returning to the Khmer Empire's capital. Imagine the grand processions as you walk through, appreciating its role in military triumphs and royal parades. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Golden light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Softer light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

The serene faces and surrounding jungle offer fantastic, less crowded photo opportunities. Reddit

reddit.com

Victory gate of Angkor Thom

🚶‍♂️ Walk the Causeway

Explore the causeway with its mythological carvings before reaching the gate itself. Reddit

👑 Royal Procession Path

Imagine victorious armies marching through this grand, historically significant gateway. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Great Photo Spot

The serene faces and surrounding jungle offer fantastic, less crowded photo opportunities. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Walk the Causeway

Explore the causeway with its mythological carvings before reaching the gate itself. Reddit

👑 Royal Procession Path

Imagine victorious armies marching through this grand, historically significant gateway. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(546 reviews)

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

Peaceful atmosphere
Bayon-style faces
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Can be a quick visit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there are designated parking areas for tuk-tuks and cars near the entrances of Angkor Thom, including areas accessible to Victory Gate. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, your Angkor Pass covers entry to all temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park, including Victory Gate. Reddit

The Angkor Archaeological Park, including Victory Gate, is typically open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Reddit

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. Reddit

Tickets can be purchased at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket center before entering the park, or sometimes online through their official portal. Reddit

Yes, Victory Gate is generally much less crowded than the South Gate, offering a more peaceful experience. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Visitors are generally not permitted to climb on the ancient structures for safety and preservation reasons. Stick to designated paths. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Check with park authorities for current regulations. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit

Victory Gate, like much of Angkor Thom, was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Reddit

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. Reddit

Victory Gate features similar serene, Bayon-style faces on its towers, connecting it visually and thematically to the iconic Bayon Temple within Angkor Thom. Reddit

Yes, Victory Gate is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Victory Gate offers a less crowded and more manageable introduction to the wonders of Angkor Thom for families. The imposing stone faces are often a hit with children, sparking their imagination about ancient kings and warriors. The causeway carvings, depicting mythological battles, can also be a fun way to engage kids in storytelling. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers' Paradise

For photographers, Victory Gate is a dream. The Bayon-style faces offer iconic shots, especially when framed by the surrounding jungle. The causeway carvings provide intricate details and storytelling opportunities. The key is to visit during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – to capture the best light and avoid harsh midday shadows. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Royal Entrance: History and Purpose

The Victory Gate (also known as the East Gate) of Angkor Thom holds a special place in the history of the Khmer Empire. Unlike the more commonly visited South Gate, the Victory Gate served a more specific ceremonial purpose. It is believed to have been the grand entrance through which King Jayavarman VII and his victorious armies would return after successful military campaigns. Imagine the spectacle: soldiers marching, elephants adorned, and the cheers of the populace echoing as they passed through this monumental gateway into their magnificent capital. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing Victory Gate Today: Tips for Visitors

Visiting the Victory Gate today offers a chance to step back in time and experience a less-trodden path within the vast Angkor Thom complex. While most tourists enter through the South Gate, making the Victory Gate a quieter alternative, it's still important to plan your visit. The best times to explore are early morning or late afternoon. These periods offer softer, more atmospheric light for photography and help you avoid the intense midday heat and the largest tour groups. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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