Angkor Thom North Gate

City Gate in Siem Reap

Angkor Thom North Gate
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.

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

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Visiting Angkor Thom North Gate

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

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