East (Death) Gate

Cambodia - Angkor temples overview

East (Death) Gate is not in itself one of the Angkor temples but one of the 5 gates into the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Not as well known as Victory Gate and South Gate, legend has it that it was through East (Death) Gate that convicts were sent to be executed. East (Death) Gate Highlights include statues of gods and nagas on the approach to the gate, and carved faces on top of the gate, reminiscent of those at Bayon.

East (Death) Gate tour notes

Travel from Siem Reap to East (Death) Gate is an 11.2km trip through Bayon (17 minutes by car, 23 minutes by Tuk Tuk and just over an hour by bike) or 16 Km through Srah Srang (24 minutes by car, 32 minutes by Tuk Tuk or an hour and a half by bike). You can Visit East (Death) Gate at any time of day, although the afternoon may be optimal to take in more of Angkor Thom.

Itinerary planning

East (Death) Gate Cambodia - South Gate, Death Gate, Victory Gate, Vihear Prampil Loveng, Suor Prat, Terrace of the Leper King, Elephant Terrace, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Bayon. A full day out from Siem Reap.
East (Death) Gate Cambodia - South Gate, Death Gate, Victory Gate, Vihear Prampil Loveng, Suor Prat, Terrace of the leper King, Elephant Terrace, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, Bayon. A full or a half day.

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East (Death) Gate history summary

East (Death) Gate is one of the five gates which guards the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century as part of the reconstruction of the city, following the victory over the Cham enemy army in 1181AD. Although scholars disagree on the symbolism of the magnificent five gates that guard the city, the most widespread theory is that the gods and demons holding the body of the naga represent the myth of creation as shown in the "Churning of the Ocean Milk", the famous relief at Angkor Wat.

PJ de Beerski wrote about the Angkor Thom Gates...

"Through here all comers to the city had to pass, and in honour of this function it has been built in a style grandiose and elegant, forming a whole, incomparable in its strength and expression"

ABOUTAsia Head Guide says

"The peaceful surroundings of East (Death) Gate transfer the visitors to the grandiose times of King Jayavarman VII, when the courage and prestige of men was represented in the beauty of their buildings"

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