South Gopura Guide
The South Gopura is the most popular entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It is located about 1.7 kilometers north of the western entrance of Angkor Wat.
The South Gopura is the best restored of the five gateways into Angkor Thom. It has the most number of intact statues of gods and demons lining both sides of the causeway. The figures appear to be holding - or in fact tugging - the body of a giant serpent, the naga which rears its seven heads at the forefront of the causeway. This is a three-dimensional representation of the Hindu creation myth from Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a common motif in ancient Khmer art. The pivot of the churning, in the case of Angkor Thom, centers on the state temple of Bayon, located right at the heart of the ancient city.
Sights within Angkor Thom
I place a ( * ) for what I deem as sights of considerable interest and ( * * ) for sights of major interest.
Entrances
- South Gopura *
- North Gopura *
- East Gopura
- West Gopura
- Victory Gopura *
Monuments
- Bayon * *
- Vat Preah Ngok
- Vihear Prampil Loveng
Getting there
South Gopura of Angkor Thom is located about 1.7 km north of the western entrance of Angkor Wat.
Accommodation in Angkor
If you are visiting Angkor, for sure you will be seeking accommodation in the town of Siem Reap, located just 4 kilometers south of the Angkor Archaeological Park. In the last ten years, Siem Reap has become the biggest construction site in all of Phnom Penh, and hotels, guest houses and boutique establishments of all sizes sprout across town, providing accommodation that caters to all sizes of the wallet. You can find here a wide range of Siem Reap accommodation. For budget accommodation in other destinations, use the Budget Accommodation Guide. Although I intended it for budget travelers, you will also find a few establishments which can be considered nothing short of luxurious. So, if you're looking for accommodation for Angkor, view the list and take your pick!
Associated Sites
Angkor Thom South Gate in AsiaExplorers
Angkor Thom South Gate in EarthDocumentary
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South Gopura of Angkor Thom (24 February 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Location Map of South Gopura of Angkor Thom
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View of the causeway at the South Gopura of Angkor Thom (24 February 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Statues of the demons on the causeway (24 February 2006)
© Timothy Tye
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