“Victory Gate is the most beautiful and well-preserved eastern gate of Angkor Thom, featuring a spectacular causeway lined with devas and asuras pulling the Naga, and a famous tower decorated with the four faces of the Bodhisattva.”
Victory Gate is one of the five main gates of Angkor Thom, the ancient great city built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. This grand structure, built from sandstone, connects to the road leading to Ta Keo and Ta Prohm temples, signifying the pinnacle of architectural achievement during the reign of Jayavarman VII.
The gate's distinctive feature is the tower carved with the four faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, facing the four cardinal directions with serene smiles a ubiquitous art style found in temples from Jayavarman VII's era. The causeway leading to the gate features large Naga balustrades, flanked by rows of statues representing Devas (on the left) and Asuras (on the right) engaged in the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a Hindu cosmology narrative.
Victory Gate is particularly appealing to photographers and history enthusiasts. The archway provides a well-preserved frame, surrounded by lush jungle. Sunlight filtering through the arch creates stunning shadows and dimensions, making it an excellent spot for capturing architectural and historical landscapes.
How to Get There
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Tuk-tuk/Private Taxi: The most popular way to tour the Angkor temples. You can hire a vehicle directly from Siem Reap town, which takes only 15-20 minutes.
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Bicycle/E-Bike: For tourists who prefer self-paced exploration, bicycles can be rented to cycle through the temple complex.
Travel Tips
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Best Visiting Season: Visit between November and February, which is the dry and coolest season, ideal for walking and photography. Be prepared for higher tourist numbers during this period.
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Footwear and Attire: Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) as you are visiting a religious site, and wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces and old stone steps.
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Photography: Early morning before 8:00 AM and late afternoon after 3:30 PM offer the best light for photographing the archway and the four-faced tower. Be mindful of other tourists.
Admission Fee (Angkor Archaeological Park Pass):
- Local Visitors (Cambodian Citizens): Free Admission
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Foreign Visitors: 1 Day Pass: 37 USD, 3 Day Pass: 62 USD , 7 Day Pass: 72 USD
Opening Hours:
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General Daily Hours: 05:00 to 17:30 daily (The Angkor Pass is required for entry during these hours).