Angkor Thom South Gate and the five gates
A wall of about 12 km and a wide moat surround Angkor Thom. Five gates cut through it: the South, North and West Gates and two in the east. Each gate tower carries four faces at the top, and an elephant with three heads decorates the gates. The gate towers rise to about 23 m. That is the height of the structure, not the clearance of the passage.
The South Gate is also called Tonle Om Gate. The causeway in front of it carries the stone figures of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which has its own page: the churning myth. If you want a guided pass through the gates, compare Angkor Thom tours first.
Our pick: along the city wall by bike
A guided afternoon ride from the south gate along the moat and the wall to the west gate.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Angkor Thom gate tours and day trips
Guided days, bike tours and tuk-tuk trips that pass the city gates, with live prices and availability. Check each listing for whether the Angkor Pass is included.
The South Gate
A causeway lined with figures leads to a gate tower with faces.
The South Gate is about 2 km from Angkor Wat, depending on where you measure. Figures line the causeway, and the serpent of the churning scene forms the balustrade beside the road. The tower above the opening carries four faces.
A wall restoration beside the gate is under way in 2026. Scaffolding and work areas may be in view. Treat older photos as a guide, not a promise.
The Victory Gate
The Victory Gate is the eastern entrance of the palace area. It stands on the axis of the palace and terrace zone. The causeway is lined with the figures of the churning scene.
In 2026 the heads of two deva statues at this gate were reattached in a blessing ceremony. That does not mean every figure has been restored.
The Gate of the Dead
The second gate in the east.
The other east gate is called the Gate of the Dead. It lies on the line of the Bayon, in the centre of the city. The name is a traditional label. It does not show how the gate was used, so treat claims about who passed through it with caution. Together with the Victory Gate it makes two eastern entrances.
North Gate and West Gate
The North Gate is the gate you pass on the way to Preah Khan. The West Gate completes the five. Add them on a bike day or when you travel around the city by tuk-tuk.
Do not expect to walk the wall from gate to gate. A bike suits stretches of the wall, and you should stay on marked paths where the ground is closed or under work.
The five gates compared
Direction, setting and what to look for.
| Gate | Direction | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| South Gate | South | Causeway with figures, the naga balustrade, wall restoration |
| Victory Gate | East | Causeway figures, the palace and terrace axis |
| Gate of the Dead | East | On the line of the Bayon |
| North Gate | North | The gate on the way to Preah Khan |
| West Gate | West | The fifth gate |
For most first visits, the South Gate and the Victory Gate give the clearest view of the gate design. Add the North and West Gates if you have a bike day or a tuk-tuk.
Visiting the gates
What the pass covers and what to expect.
Ticket
The gates are covered by the Angkor Pass, which costs $37 for one day, $62 for three and $72 for seven in 2026. See Angkor Pass prices.
Photos
Do not count on an empty gate. Visit early or late and be ready to wait for a gap. Photos from before the restoration may not match what you see.
Stone and steps
The stone is uneven and slippery when wet. Stay on the marked paths and do not climb on the figures.
Dress
Cover your shoulders and knees at the temples inside the city.
Continue with the Baphuon and the terraces inside the walls, or read the history of the city.
Angkor Thom gates: frequently asked questions
How many gates does Angkor Thom have?
Five: the South, North and West Gates and two in the east. The Victory Gate is one of the eastern gates. The other is the Gate of the Dead.
What are the faces on the gates?
Each gate tower carries four faces at the top. The gates are also decorated with the three-headed celestial elephant.
Is the South Gate under restoration?
A wall restoration beside the gate is under way in 2026, so work areas may be visible. The Angkor Pass covers the area. Check what is open when you arrive.
Can I walk along the wall?
Not as a continuous route. Parts of the wall can be explored by bike, but stay on marked paths and away from work areas.
Why is it called the Gate of the Dead?
It is the traditional name of the second east gate. The name alone does not show how the gate was used.