Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate (East Gate)

Victory Gate tours

Victory Gate (East Gate) is not considered as a destination for tourists. If you like to see it, go by tuktuk, or just ask the driver to stop briefly during your Angkor Wat tour.

East Gates of Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom has two eastern gates, called the Gate of the Dead and the Gate of Victory (Victory Gate). It is said that the victorious warriors passed through this gate when they returned in triumph. It is located directly in front of the royal palace. By the way, the Gate of the Dead is directly in front of Bayon. But there is only a dirt road to the Gate of the Dead.

Victory Gate

The Victory Gate is an entrance to the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. It is located in the western wall of the complex and is one of the five main gates to the temple. The Victory Gate is particularly notable for its size and grandeur, as well as the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its walls.

The Victory Gate was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, and is considered one of the most important structures in the Angkor Wat complex. The gate features two towering structures that are adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings of apsaras, or celestial nymphs, as well as images of lions and other mythical creatures.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Victory Gate is also significant for its historical and cultural significance. It symbolizes the triumph of King Suryavarman II and the Khmer empire, and is considered an important symbol of Cambodian cultural heritage. Today, the Victory Gate remains one of the most popular attractions in the Angkor Wat complex, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its beauty and rich history.

Above the Victory Gate, like the other gates of Angkor Thom, there are large carvings of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on the four sides, north, south, east and west. Just by looking at the photo below, you might think that it is no different from other gates, just that it is less popular.

Angkor Thom's Victory Gate (East gate)

How about this photo? You might think it’s just a close-up of Kannon Bodhisattva’s face. But you can see that there is no road in front of the face. Actually, it was taken from the top of the upper right wall of the gate after climbing the stone steps seen in the lower right of the above photo.

Angkor Thom, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva at the Gate of Victory

No one else seemed to know that you can climb to the top right of the Victory Gate and take pictures.

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2 responses to “Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate (East Gate)”

  1. […] are actually more beautiful. There are far fewer people there, so if you want to take pictures, Gate of Victory (East Gate) and Bokudaemun. I recommend […]

  2. […] Thommanon temple was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Suryavarman II, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Angkor Wat-style architecture. You find this temple just outside of the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. […]