Victory Gate: A Royal Entrance to Angkor Thom

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Step through history at Angkor Thom's Victory Gate, where Khmer kings once paraded after triumphant battles. A must-see landmark in Cambodia.

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Cambodia
Oddar Meanchey
Victory Gate

The Victory Gate, one of five gates guarding the ancient city of Angkor Thom, served as a symbolic entrance for returning Khmer kings and their victorious armies. Adorned with impressive carvings and giant faces, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer empire.

A brief summary to Victory Gate

CVWF+C5H, Angkor, KH

Monday 7 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 7 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 7 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 7 am-5:30 pm
Friday 7 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 7 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 7 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photography.
Take time to walk along the ramparts near the East Gate for a tranquil experience away from the crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Bring water and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat.

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Getting There

Tuk-Tuk

From Siem Reap, hire a tuk-tuk for a direct ride to Victory Gate, located approximately 10 km away within Angkor Thom. Agree on a price beforehand, typically around $15-$20 USD for a half-day tour including the gate and other nearby temples. The journey usually takes 15-20 minutes. Remember to factor in the cost of the Angkor Archaeological Park pass, which is required to enter the area. A one-day pass costs $37 USD.
Bicycle

Rent a bicycle in Siem Reap and cycle to Angkor Thom. Follow the road signs towards Angkor Thom and then to Victory Gate. The distance is approximately 12 km and should take just over an hour. Once inside Angkor Thom, cycle along the main road towards the Royal Palace and Elephant Terrace; the Victory Gate will be on your left. Bicycle rental typically costs $1-$2 USD per day.

Discover more about Victory Gate

The Victory Gate, or Thvear Chey, stands as a remarkable entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, Cambodia. Constructed in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it is one of five gates providing access to the city. Unlike the other four gates which align with the cardinal points, the Victory Gate sits on a non-secular axis, connecting the Royal Palace and the Elephant Terrace.Historians believe that King Jayavarman VII used this gate to lead his army into battle against Champa, the Khmer empire's rival. Upon their victorious return, the king and his warriors would parade through this gate, signifying their triumph.Approaching the Victory Gate, visitors are greeted by a moat and a stone causeway. The causeway features a naga railing pulled by 54 stone giants, representing the struggle between good and evil from the Hindu myth of the Churning of the Sea of Milk. The gate itself is adorned with massive, beautifully carved faces pointing in each direction. These faces, believed to represent the king, wear diadems, diamond shapes on their foreheads, and ornate crowns, adding to the gate's awe-inspiring atmosphere. Above the faces, three prasats rise, with the central tower being the tallest and adorned with false levels, ornate lintels, and pediments, culminating in a lotus flower crown and spire.Today, the Victory Gate is a popular tourist destination, offering a quieter alternative to the more frequented South Gate. It provides a unique opportunity to witness the magnificence of Khmer architecture and immerse oneself in the rich history of the Angkor empire.