The sight is located within Angkor. To prepare for your visit, read the AsiaExplorers Angkor Travel Guide for useful information. Visitors to Angkor stay at the town of Siem Reap. If you are looking for budget accommodation in Siem Reap, use the Cambodia Budget Accommodation Guide to find a place to stay.
The South Gopura is the most visited gopura of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. For many visitors, this is their first encounter with the spectacular ruins of Jayavarman VII, the prolific ruler of ancient Khmer who built most of the temples in Angkor. Entering through the South Gopura, visitors will eventually reach the centre of the ancient city, arriving at the Bayon.
View of the asuras on the causeway leading to the gopura of Angkor Thom South Gate.
The enigmatic stone faces of the South Gopura. These faces face north, south, east and west, and are believed to resemble either Jayavarman VII or the Avalokitesvara.
This is the moat of Angkor Thom at South Gopura. It used to be full of water, but now, although the water is still there, the depth is much reduced.
How to go to Angkor Thom South Gate
The South Gopura of Angkor Thom is the most accessible part of Angkor Thom. You can easily reach it by taking the road past Angkor Wat and driving north. Any tuk tuk driver worth his salt should be able to bring you here, although he is most likely to take you straight through the south gopura without stopping, depositing you when you arrive at the Bayon. Tell him to stop if you wish to view the South Gopura before proceeding into Angkor Thom. The South Gopura is one of the most spectacular introduction to Angkor Thom, and I recommend that you do not miss it.
Click thumbnail to visit the Gateways into Angkor Thom.
South Gate
Victory Gate
North Gate
East Gate
West Gate
Exploring Angkor, Unesco World Heritage Site
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About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
