South Gate of Angkor Thom
City Gate in Siem Reap
The South Gate of Angkor Thom is one of the most iconic landmarks within the Angkor Archaeological Park, a must-see for visitors. Standing on the causeway and marveling at its immense scale, one can easily imagine the awe felt by those who approached the city during its prime—a truly unforgettable experience.
Also known as the Tonle Om Gate, the South Gate is one of the five ancient gates that date back to the 12th century, providing access through the 8-meter-high laterite walls of Angkor Thom. It features the best-preserved causeway, demonstrating the original architectural intent to impress and overwhelm. In its time, crossing this gate would have been akin to entering the domain of the gods, a sentiment that still resonates today.
The other gates of Angkor Thom include the West Gate (Thvear Ta Kev), North Gate (Thvear Ta Nok), Victory Gate (Thvear Chey), and East Gate (Gate of the Dead or Thvear Khnoch).
Approaching Angkor Thom, the first sight is the grand causeway spanning a 100-meter-wide moat, flanked on both sides by a naga balustrade. This begins with a massive stone carving of a seven-headed naga (mythical serpent) held by a multi-armed, multi-headed giant. On either side, 54 stone giants tug on the body of the naga serpent.
On one side, the giants are depicted as Devas with slender eyes and serene smiles; on the other side, as Asuras with bulging eyes and grimaces. This duality symbolizes the eternal tug-of-war between good and evil, the forces that drive the dynamics of life itself. Some scholars also link this to the myth of the Churning of the Sea of Milk, as famously depicted on the southern gallery wall of Angkor Wat, interpreting Angkor Thom as a giant mandala with the Bayon at its center, symbolizing Mount Meru.
The gates of Angkor Thom are designed in a cruciform layout, with side chambers that connect to the 8-meter-high laterite wall that encloses the citadel. The inner chamber contains a large pedestal, while the outer chamber, likely used as a guard post, has a door in the inner wall that was later blocked off.
The South Gate of Angkor Thom appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!
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Visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom
Nearby Attractions
- Angkor Thom North Gate (3.1) km
City Gate in Siem Reap - Phnom Bakheng (0.6) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Ta Prohm Kel (1.3) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Bayon Temple (1.5) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Baphuon (1.8) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (1.9) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Terrace of the Elephants (2.0) km
Historic Site in Siem Reap - Phimeanakas (2.1) km
Temple in Siem Reap - Kmoch Gate (Gate of the Dead) (2.1) km
City Gate in Siem Reap - Terrace of the Leper King (2.2) km
Historic Site in Siem Reap
