Victory Gate Angkor

The Victory Gate Angkor Thom, also known as the Victory Arch or Vrah Vishnulok, is an architectural masterpiece from the 12th century. It is one of the five gates of the ancient city of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, who ruled the Khmer Empire during a time of great expansion and military conquest. Victory Gate is located on the west side of Angkor Thom and is the main entrance to the city.

The Victory Gate is a large structure, with a large arch flanked by statues of the king’s army and the king himself, seated on his throne. The statues are depicted as Asuras, Hindu deities known for their strength and power. The gate also features bas-reliefs depicting scenes from daily life, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology, including battles and triumphs.

Victory Gate Angkor Thom was built as a symbol of King Jayavarman VII’s military conquests and served as a reminder of his power and authority. The king built many other structures across Angkor Thom, including the Bayon Temple, as part of his public works program, which also served to demonstrate his power and assert his legitimacy as ruler.

Victory Gate Angkor Thom still stands today and is a popular tourist destination. It has undergone restoration work to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Architecture

The Victory Gate Angkor Thom is a large structure, with a large arch, measuring approximately 7 meters high and 6 meters wide, flanked by statues of the king’s army and the king himself, seated on his throne. The statues are made of sandstone and are depicted as Asuras, Hindu deities known for their strength and power. The statues are approximately 8 feet tall. The gate also features bas-reliefs depicting scenes from daily life, as well as scenes from Hindu mythology, including battles and triumphs.

The Victory Gate Angkor Thom is built in the Bayon style which is characterized by the use of massive stone blocks and the presence of multi-sided towers. The gate is decorated with intricate carvings and bas-reliefs depicting a variety of scenes from daily life and Hindu mythology, including battles and triumphs. The bas-reliefs are considered one of the finest examples of Khmer art and are an important aspect of the Victory Gate architecture.

The architectural style of the Victory Gate is unique and is a blend of traditional Khmer and Indian styles, it is a symbol of the fusion of the two cultures, which took place during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who built many other structures across Angkor Thom and was a great patron of the arts.

Visit

Visiting the Victory Gate Angkor Thom is a popular tourist activity, as it is one of the most impressive and best-preserved structures in the ancient city. Visitors can access Victory Gate through the west entrance, which is the main entrance to Angkor Thom.

Upon entering Victory Gate, visitors will be greeted by the impressive archway and statues of the king’s army and the king himself, seated on his throne. The statues are depicted as Asuras, Hindu deities known for their strength and power, and are considered one of the finest examples of Khmer art.

As visitors pass through the arch, they will see the intricate carvings and bas-reliefs that adorn the gate walls. The bas-reliefs depict a variety of scenes from daily life and Hindu mythology, including battles and triumphs. They are considered one of the finest examples of Khmer art and are an important aspect of the architecture of Victory Gate.

Once inside Angkor Thom, visitors can explore the city’s other structures, including Bayon Temple, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, and Elephant Terrace, among others.

Opening hours

Most temples are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

• Angkor Wat : 5h – 17h30
• Baphuon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Banteay Srei : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bayon : 7h30 – 17h30
• Bakheng : 5h – 19h
• Srah Srang : 5h – 17h30
• Pre Khan : 7h30 – 17h30
• Prè Rup : 5h – 19h
• Phnom Bakheng : 5h – 19h

Times given as an indication, but guides and tuk-tuks know them very well.

You will easily find restaurants and merchants that offer good meals with good Khmer recipes for your meals during your visit. On the site, you will also find where to stay during your stay in Cambodia.