Angkor Thom North Gate, Siem Reap

City Gate in Siem Reap

Angkor Thom North Gate
Angkor Thom North Gate
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek

Angkor Thom North Gate (Dei Chhnang Gate) is one of the five grand gopura entrances into Angkor Thom, within the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Like the other city gates, it is built as a towering stone portal crowned with serene, smiling faces looking out to the cardinal directions, and reached by a broad causeway that crosses the moat.

What stands out here is the approach: a naga balustrade where 54 devas on one side and 54 asuras on the other appear to pull a giant serpent toward the gate. Up close, I look for the tri-headed elephants (Airavata) by the doorway, the figures above them (often identified with Indra holding a vajra), and the smaller devata details tucked between the large faces. It’s best for travelers who enjoy slow-looking-carvings, weathered stonework, and short, scenic walks along the wall.

History and Significance of the Angkor Thom North Gate

Angkor Thom’s ceremonial entrances

The North Gate is one of Angkor Thom’s principal entrances, designed as a monumental threshold into the walled city. Its plan follows the same grand concept as the South, West, East (often called the Gate of the Dead), and Victory gates: a causeway over the moat leading to a tall gopura that signals arrival and authority.

The gate's sculptural program is also consistent with the other entrances, using repeated motifs to create a unified “city edge” experience. The multi-faced tower, the naga balustrade, and the flanking guardian imagery work together to frame passage into Angkor Thom as a formal, symbolic act rather than a simple crossing.

Later additions and changing water flow

As with the other gates, laterite chambers sit to either side of the entry. At the North Gate, the chamber on the right (north side) is notably well-preserved and is still something of a puzzle in terms of original use.

A more recent change affects the approach: the causeway has been modified with culverts to allow water to pass, effectively making it function more like a bridge. This practical alteration is a reminder that the gate is part of a living landscape of water management as well as a historic monument.

Things to See and Do in the Angkor Thom North Gate

I start by walking the causeway slowly, because the naga balustrade is the main event: devas on one side and asuras on the other, all aligned as if hauling the serpent toward the gate. At the gopura itself, I spend time on the doorway zone-tri-headed elephants lifting lotus flowers, the figures above them, and the row of praying devata below the four large faces. Looking up, the three prasats on top (with the central tower rising highest) give the whole structure a layered silhouette.

For a more detailed stop, I seek out the distinctive carving on the northwest side of the entrance: a double-cobra among lotus with a hamsa, and a higher figure in prayer emerging from a lotus bud. If conditions allow, I also climb up to the wall for a close view of the faces framed by encroaching trees, then follow the wall walk (about 20-30 minutes) toward a corner Prasat Chrung for a compact, atmospheric circuit.

How to Get to the Angkor Thom North Gate

The nearest airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), with onward road transfer to Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

Siem Reap has rail service via the new station outside town; from there, continue by road transport into the city and onward to Angkor. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, you can approach via the Angkor road network and stop near the gate area, but it's often simplest to include it as part of a broader Angkor Thom loop rather than a standalone drive.

Is the Angkor Thom North Gate Worth Visiting?

Yes-Angkor Thom North Gate is worth a short stop if you want a calmer alternative to the busier entrances and you enjoy close-up stone details, especially the naga causeway and the carved figures around the doorway. The exterior and approach are the highlights; the “inside” is mainly about the wall walk and views rather than interior rooms. It's less essential if you're tightly time-limited and already plan to see another Angkor Thom gate (the overall design language is shared), and you can treat it as optional if you're not interested in carvings or short walks.

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...."
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...."
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...."
phlezk
4 weeks ago
"So cool! No cars allowed so it's a totally different, almost untouched vibe. Bike or remourke access. Or walk."
WT
8 months ago
"A hidden and forgotten gate of the Angkor Thom. Most tourists only know the main 4 gates but this is the extra one that was built for a main reason.In a great conduction and also there is a path to go up for a hidden beauty of the nature around The temple. Can also ride around on the gate as well...."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Angkor Thom North Gate

  • Best time to visit: Go early or later in the day for softer light on the faces and a quieter approach along the causeway.
  • How long to spend: Allow 15-30 minutes for the gate and carvings, or 45-60 minutes if you add the wall walk toward a corner Prasat Chrung.
  • Accessibility: The approach is on uneven historic surfaces, and climbing the wall involves steps and narrow areas; it may not suit limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Facilities are limited at the gate itself, so plan restrooms and water stops as part of your wider Angkor Archaeological Park visit.

Where to Stay Close to the Angkor Thom North Gate

For most travelers, the best base is central Siem Reap near the Old Market/Pub Street area if your priority is easy dining, tour pickups, and a culture-heavy itinerary with early starts into Angkor. From there, you can reach Angkor Thom efficiently while still having plenty of evening options back in town.

If you want a well-known, comfortable base with a central location, consider Park Hyatt Siem Reap. For a resort-style stay with more space and a calmer feel while still being convenient for Angkor day trips, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is a classic choice. If you prefer a large, full-service property close to the main road toward Angkor, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort can suit travelers who value on-site amenities and a quieter setting.

FAQs for Visiting the Angkor Thom North Gate

Getting There

It sits on the north side of Angkor Thom within the Angkor Archaeological Park, outside Siem Reap, and connects to the city’s moat-and-wall perimeter.
Most visitors don’t walk from central Siem Reap due to distance; the simplest plan is to travel to Angkor Thom by road first, then walk the causeway and nearby wall sections on foot.
Take road transport from the station into Siem Reap and continue to the Angkor Archaeological Park, then follow the Angkor Thom loop roads to the North Gate.
There are places to stop near the gate area, but it’s usually most efficient to visit as one stop on a wider Angkor Thom circuit rather than driving out just for the gate.

Tickets & Entry

Angkor Thom is within the Angkor Archaeological Park; access to the area is generally controlled by the park’s ticketing system rather than by a separate gate ticket.
There isn’t a separate North Gate ticket; park access typically covers Angkor Thom and its gates as part of visiting the wider Angkor area.
Most travelers arrange Angkor park tickets as part of their overall visit plan; the North Gate itself doesn’t require a separate advance booking.
As an outdoor monument within the park, it is generally visited year-round; exact access hours are governed by Angkor Archaeological Park rules rather than the gate alone.
Be mindful around climbs and fragile stonework, and avoid touching carvings; if you go up on the wall, stay within areas that are clearly used by visitors.

Visiting Experience

Plan 15-20 minutes to walk the causeway, look up at the faces, and check the main carvings around the doorway.
It can be worthwhile if it fits naturally into your Angkor Thom route, but it’s not a priority over major temples if your day is tightly packed.
Combine the gate with a short wall walk toward a corner Prasat Chrung, or pair it with other Angkor Thom stops as part of a loop.
The carvings and faces are still interesting in overcast light, but rain can make the wall climb and uneven surfaces less comfortable.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It’s more commonly visited as part of broader Angkor day itineraries; dedicated walking tours may focus on central Angkor Thom areas and add a gate depending on the route.
A guide helps interpret the figures and motifs, but it also works well as a quick independent stop if you mainly want photos and a short walk.
Spend time at the gate and causeway, then climb up for views and walk along the wall toward a nearby corner Prasat Chrung before returning the same way.

Photography

Yes-the long causeway, the aligned figures on the balustrade, and the large faces framed by trees create strong compositions.
Early morning or late afternoon usually gives softer shadows on the faces and more depth on the carved surfaces.
As an outdoor gate, photography is generally straightforward, but be respectful of any posted rules and avoid risky positions on the wall.
Stand back on the causeway to frame the gopura and faces head-on, then take a second set from the wall to capture faces close-up with surrounding trees.

Accessibility & Facilities

The approach involves uneven historic stone and steps if you choose to climb; it may be challenging for limited mobility.
Facilities are not a defining feature at the gate itself, so it’s best to plan breaks around other park stops.
You can usually find spots along the approach or near the gate to pause briefly, but seating is informal rather than purpose-built.
Families can enjoy the causeway and faces, but strollers may struggle on uneven surfaces, and the wall climb is better for older kids with close supervision.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Most people plan meals back in Siem Reap or around other Angkor park stops rather than relying on options directly at the gate.
Pair the visit with food stops in central Siem Reap, where you’ll have the widest choice after your time in Angkor.

Safety & Timing

It’s a quiet, wooded monument area; visiting is generally best during normal park touring hours rather than late evening.
Early morning and late afternoon tend to feel calmer and give more flattering light on the faces and carvings.

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

Moira & Andy
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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Planning Your Visit

Address: Tonle Om Gate (Southern Gate), Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 10 km

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