Angkor Thom North Gate, Siem Reap

City Gate in Siem Reap

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

The North Gate of Angkor Thom, also known as Dei Chhnang Gate, is one of the five grand entrances (gopuras) into Angkor Thom. Like the other gates-South Gate (Thvear Tonle Om), West Gate (Thvear Ta Kav), Victory Gate (Thvear Chey), and East Gate (Gate of the Dead or Thvear Khnoch)-it features a massive gopura with iconic smiling faces at each cardinal point. Approaching the gate, visitors cross a grand causeway over the moat, lined with a Naga balustrade where 54 demons (Asuras) on one side and 54 gods (Devas) on the other appear to pull a giant Naga serpent, leading to the imposing gate entrance.

Flanking the doorway are tri-headed elephants (Airavata), lifting lotus flowers with their trunks, with remnants of detailed artwork visible around them. Above these elephants are three figures, likely a depiction of Indra, the god holding the sacred Vajra, flanked by two divinities. Above them is a row of devata in prayer, crowned by four enormous, serene faces facing in each direction. Between these faces, single devata figures with long, flowing hair evoke the native vines of the region.

Each of the four faces is adorned with a diadem, a diamond motif on the forehead, and an elaborate crown. Topping the structure are three prasats, with the central tower rising highest, embellished with false levels, ornate lintels, and pediments, culminating in a lotus-shaped crown and spire.

For more details on features common to all gates, see the South Gate (Thvear Tonle Om), which includes an illustrated reconstruction.

Unique Features

Like the other gates, the North Gate has additional laterite chambers on either side of the entrance. The chamber to the right (north side) is particularly well-preserved and remains something of a mystery.

On the northwest side of the entrance, a unique carving can be found: a double-cobra among lotus, with a Hamsa and, higher up, a figure in prayer emerging from a lotus bud. The three divinities above the elephants also have distinct differences, notable in their headdresses and the items they hold. While many believe these figures represent Indra and his devata atop Airavata, some speculate they could represent a king and his two wives.

One recent alteration to the North Gate is its causeway, which has been modified with culverts to allow water flow, effectively converting it into a bridge. Inside, you can climb the wall for excellent views of the iconic faces framed by the trees overtaking the structure. A walk along the wall takes about 20-30 minutes to reach either Prasat Chrung in the northeast or northwest corners of the wall, offering an impressive tour of the historic site.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (261)

Gate of the Dead, an eastern entrance to Angkor Thom located east of the Bayon Temple, is a multi-faced tower gate flanked by rows of demon and god statues along a causeway; tucked into the jungle, it offers a quiet, atmospheric and largely untouched vibe best reached on foot, by bike, or remoulk, with a nearby path that climbs for views of the surrounding nature, though its sculptures are reported to be less well preserved than those at the more visited South Gate.

Darin Heng

a month ago

"One of the multiple-faced tower gates into Angkor Thom One of the two interesting gate entrances to Angkor Thom to the east is the Gate of the Deadwhich is located directly east of the Bayon Temple. What you will see is a multi-faced tower gate which is just like the famous South Gate and Gate of Victory a bit further north of here. On the other side of the city gate tower, will find a row of demons and a row of gods on the two sides of a causeway crossing the canal. The gate and statues are not in as good of condition as the more famous South Gate so best to concentrate your efforts there instead if you are only visiting the temples for a short period. If you are doing a more comprehensive, multiple day visit, you might want to check out this particular gate as well as part of your time spent at Angkor Thom...."

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Sokleng Srou

3 weeks ago

"Really love this gate 😍❤️ The Gate of the Dead is a quiet and atmospheric entrance of Angkor Thom, surrounded by jungle and ancient stone faces. Itspeaceful path, mysterious carvings, and untouched beauty make it a meaningful stop for those exploring the hidden sides of Angkor...."

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Chetra Yoeurn

a month ago

"The Gate of Death is a concealed location within the Angkor Archaeological area. This gate, constructed in the late 12th century by King JayavarmanVII, serves a significant purpose. Additionally, there is a pathway leading upwards to reveal the hidden beauty of the surrounding nature near the temple, and visitors can also ride around the gate too...."

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The Angkor Thom North Gate appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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