Cambodia - Angkor temples overview

Victory Gate in Cambodia is not in itself one of the Angkor temples, but one of the gates into the ancient town of Angkor Thom. Of 5 separate gates, this is the 2nd most visited, but many consider it to be the most interesting. The gate can be reached at the end of the Royal Road that extends from the compound of the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom, near to the Terrace of Elephants, past the Prasat Suor Prat towers, and then eastwards toward Chau Say Tevoda. Victory Gate Highlights include the marvellous carved heads (Gopuras) leading up Victory Way to the gate, and then the similar carved faces which make up the head of the gate, which are representations of both Gods and Demons, facing in the four cardinal directions. Three headed Eyrawana elephants are located on the inner corner of the gate, having been well restored. Although not of the same size and stature, the heads are nevertheless worthy of comparison with nearby Bayon in Angkor.

Victory Gate tour notes

Travel from Siem Reap to Victory Gate is 12km through Bayon (18 minutes by car, 24 minutes by Tuk Tuk, or just over an hour by bicycle). Alternatively via Srah Srang it is 15.5km to the Gate (24 minutes by car, 31 minutes by Tuk Tuk, 1 1/2 hours by bicycle). You can visit Victory Gate at any time of the day, it depends on whether you want to see it in the full light of day, or maybe at dawn or dusk. The area will be generally quieter than the larger temples. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your visit and the journey between Siem Reap and the site.

Itinerary planning

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

 

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Victory Gate history

Victory Gate is one of the 5 gates which guard the ancient city of Angkor Thom, and is slightly less preserved than the South Gate. It was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th Century, serving as 1 of the 5 holy Buddhist gateways to Angkor Thom. Legend has it that this gate was important as during the reign of the King he would send his army into battle through this major gate when defending the Kingdom.

ABOUTAsia Head Guide says

"Relive Khmer military history and march through the gate through which King Jayavarman VII welcomed his returning Army after victorious battle. An impressive welcome to the majestic temples that lie within Angkor Thom"



Cambodia travel information and Angkor Wat tour specialists ABOUTAsia are based in Siem Reap just 4km from Angkor Wat. At the heart of the organisation is a guiding research centre providing Cambodia vacation advice and industry leading tours planning.

 

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Victory Gate - Angkor temples guides by ABOUTAsia.