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Tonle Om Gate: Mysteries & Marvels at Angkor Thom South Gate in Cambodia
Updated: Jul 24
Have you ever dreamt of journeying through time and stepping into the heart of a powerful ancient empire? The majestic Tonle Om Gate, also known as the South Gate, promises exactly that. This awe-inspiring monument serves as the grand entrance to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia. But Tonle Om Gate is more than just a gateway; it's a captivating historical landmark brimming with symbolism, architectural marvels, and hidden secrets.
In this blog post, we'll delve deep into the fascinating history of Tonle Om Gate. We'll explore its architectural wonders, from the towering faces to the intricate carvings. We'll also uncover the theories surrounding the submerged city beneath the causeway and the hidden purpose behind the enigmatic smiling faces. So, join us on this exciting exploration as we unlock the secrets of Tonle Om Gate and discover why it's an essential stop on your Angkor Wat adventure!
In this post, we tell you all about Tonle Om Gate and why you should visit, the history of Angkor and the Khmer Empire, ten interesting Tonle Om Gate facts, all you need to know about how to get there, the best time to visit, and even Angkor Site ticket information.
Table of Contents
● What is Tonle Om Gate, and why should you visit?
● The history of Angkor: The rise of the Khmer Empire
● 10 interesting facts about Tonle Om Gate
● Tips for visiting Tonle Om Gate and the Angkor site
● Angkor Pass tickets for Bayon Temple
● Tonle Om Gate opening times & best time to visit
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What is Tonle Om Gate (aka Angkor Thom South Gate) and why should you visit?
Standing as a guardian giant at the southern entrance to Angkor Thom, the Tonle Om Gate, also known as the South Gate, is a portal to Cambodia's glorious past. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII, it served as the grand entrance to the last capital of the Khmer Empire. This magnificent gate is more than just an entry point; it's a captivating monument steeped in history and symbolism.
Towering over 23 feet tall, the Tonle Om Gate is a testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural prowess. Crafted from laterite blocks, the gate features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Hindu mythology. The most striking feature is the four giant faces, believed to represent the Bodhisattva of compassion, gazing serenely outwards in each cardinal direction. These enigmatic faces might have served a dual purpose - welcoming visitors and warding off evil.
The causeway leading up to the gate is as impressive as the gate itself. This restored section, adorned with statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, hints at the grandeur Angkor Thom once possessed. Interestingly, theories abound about the causeway's past. Some believe it may have concealed a hidden city or royal audience hall, adding to the mystique of the site.
Tonle Om Gate's importance lies not just in its architectural beauty but also in the historical context it provides. It offers a glimpse into the Khmer Empire's power, religious beliefs, and engineering genius. The gate was a powerful symbol of the empire's might and the divine realm it contained. Walking through its threshold allows visitors to imagine the awe-inspiring experience of arriving at the heart of this once-powerful empire.
Today, Tonle Om Gate stands as a reminder of a glorious civilization. Restoration efforts are underway to preserve this significant monument for future generations. A visit to Tonle Om Gate is a journey back in time, offering a captivating glimpse into the Khmer Empire's grandeur, artistry, and enduring legacy.
Read on for more on the history of the Khmer Empire, some interesting facts about Tonle Om Gate, entry information, and some suggestions of other must-see temples nearby.
What was the Khmer Empire?
The Khmer Empire, which ruled from 802 to 1431 AD, was a powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdom centered in Southeast Asia, primarily in what is now Cambodia. They were named after the Khmer people, the dominant ethnic group of the empire.
The Khmer were brilliant hydraulic engineers, constructing a complex network of canals, reservoirs, and moats to manage the mighty Mekong River and its seasonal flooding. This innovation allowed them to cultivate vast rice fields, fueling a thriving agricultural society.
The Khmer were also master builders. Their most famous achievement is the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, a testament to their architectural prowess and religious devotion. Throughout their reign, they constructed numerous temples, palaces, and cities, many adorned with intricate carvings depicting their way of life, mythology, and military victories.
The Khmer Empire became a major cultural and political force in Southeast Asia, influencing neighboring kingdoms with their art, architecture, and religious beliefs. Their legacy lives on not only in the awe-inspiring temples but also in the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and the region.
The history of Angkor: The rise of the Khmer Empire
Angkor's history stretches back to the 9th century, marking the rise of the powerful Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II declared himself a "universal monarch" in 802, establishing Angkor as the capital and kickstarting a golden age.
The city flourished under successive kings, becoming a center of religion, art, and hydraulic engineering. Grand temples like Angkor Wat, initially dedicated to Hinduism, were built as testaments to the kings' power and devotion. Trade thrived, and the empire's territory expanded, reaching its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries.
However, environmental changes, political instability, and conflicts with neighboring kingdoms gradually weakened the empire. By the 15th century, Angkor was largely abandoned, succumbing to the jungle's embrace.
Though rediscovered in the 19th century, it wasn't until the 20th century that extensive restoration efforts began, revealing the magnificent legacy of the Khmer civilization to the world. Today, Angkor stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its captivating temples, intricate carvings, and silent testament to a glorious past.
10 interesting facts about Tonle Om Gate
We have cherry-picked the best facts we could find, but feel free to reach out if you have a gem we could add to the list!
1. Face Feast
While all the Angkor Thom gates feature giant sculpted faces, the Tonle Om Gate boasts the most - four enormous faces gazing outwards in each cardinal direction. These enigmatic faces are believed to represent the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara.
2. Hidden City?
The causeway leading up to Tonle Om Gate might be the most restored section of Angkor Thom, but some theories suggest it was once even grander. Legends whisper of a hidden city or royal audience hall submerged beneath the causeway, though no conclusive evidence has been found.
3. Recycling Kings?
Experts believe the construction of the Angkor Thom gates may have been a collaborative effort across reigns. While most are attributed to Jayavarman VII, stylistic variations, particularly in the Tonle Om Gate's lower levels, hint at possible earlier foundations or reused materials from past eras.
4. Lost and Found Gods
The Tonle Om Gate was once adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs depicting deities, likely Avalokiteshvara. While most are lost to time, fragments remain visible on the Victory Gate (another Angkor Thom gate), offering clues to the Tonle Om Gate's past grandeur.
5. Gateway to Grandeur
The scale of the Tonle Om Gate is awe-inspiring. Standing at over 23 feet (7 meters) tall, it served as a powerful symbol of Angkor Thom's majesty and the divine realm it contained. Imagine the impact on visitors arriving at the empire's capital!
6. Moat Mystery
The moat surrounding Angkor Thom, including the Tonle Om Gate, was once believed to be a purely defensive measure. However, recent studies suggest it may have also played a role in regulating water flow and maintaining a stable water table for the city.
7. Smiling Faces, Serious Purpose
While the giant faces on the Tonle Om Gate appear serene, they may have served a more practical purpose. Some scholars believe they functioned as a deterrent, their watchful gazes discouraging potential invaders or wrongdoers.
8. Gateway to the Dead?
Intriguingly, some believe the causeway leading to Tonle Om Gate may have been used in royal funeral processions. The ornateness of the causeway might have served to honor the deceased on their final journey.
9. Lego of the Ancients?
The laterite blocks used to construct the Tonle Om Gate are truly impressive. These giant reddish stones were meticulously carved and fit together without mortar, showcasing the incredible engineering feats of the Khmer Empire.
10. Modern Marvel in the Making
Restoration efforts on the Tonle Om Gate are ongoing. Laser cleaning techniques and meticulous stonework replacement are slowly bringing this gateway back to its former glory, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Tips for visiting Tonle Om Gate and the Angkor site
Being the main entrance to Angkor Thom, Tonle Om Gate is always pretty busy. That being said, it is more of a thoroughfare, and so is mostly for passing through. There is pedestrian access, but given the level of traffic, you are encouraged to move through fairly quickly. Here are some visitor tips for visiting Tonle Om Gate:
⪢ Dress appropriately: As Tonle Om Gate is a religious site, visitors should dress modestly. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. There are vendors selling scarves and sarongs outside the gate if needed, but it's always best to be prepared.
⪢ Consider the time of day: Like many popular tourist destinations, Tonle Om Gate can get busy, especially during peak season. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
⪢ Hire a guide: Hiring a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your experience at Tonle Om Gate. They can provide you with interesting information about the history and significance of the gate, as well as point out details that you might miss on your own.
⪢ Be aware of traffic: There is a lot to see at Tonle Om Gate, so it is hard to rush through your visit. Taking some time to appreciate the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the gate is important of course, but be careful of cars and tuk-tuks coming through, especially when taking pictures / videos. The bridge has walkways on either side, but the gate itself is very narrow.
⪢ Bring water and sunscreen: The weather in Cambodia can be hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
⪢ Be respectful: Tonle Om Gate is a sacred place for many Cambodians. Be respectful of their culture and religion by being quiet and refraining from taking photos of people who are praying.
⪢ Be wary of guards: The guards here at Tonle Om Gate are very nice and friendly, and they will offer to take photos for you. This is nice, but be aware that they will want some form of 'tip' afterwards (they will not lead in with this). If like us, you do not have cash on you, it can make things a little awkward.
Angkor Pass Tickets for Tonle Om Gate
The entry fee for Tonle Om Gate is included in the ticket for the Angkor Archaeological Park. All visitors to the Angkor site must present this pass, at various checkpoints throughout the site. There is no separate entrance fee to visit the temple.
The cost of the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket varies depending on the length of your stay:
1-day pass: $37 USD / $49.93 CAD / £28.78 GBP
3-day pass: $62 USD / $83.87 CAD / £48.22 GBP
7-day pass: $72 USD / $97.40 CAD / £56.00 GBP
Children under 12 years old are admitted free.
Please note that prices and conversions shown are correct at time of writing (March 2024). See the ticket link below for up-to-date information. Feel free to get in touch if you spot a discrepancy so we can update!
You can buy your Angkor Archaeological Park ticket online or at the Official Ticket Center, which is around 4km away from the main site (map below).
Tonle Om Gate opening times & best time to visit
Tonle Om Gate is open everyday between 7am and 6pm, with last entry at around 5.30pm. The general rule of thumb is from sunrise to sunset, so these times can shift around a little throughout the course of the year.
The Angkor Archaeological park itself is open between 5am and 7pm.
⪢ Best time to visit Tonle Om Gate
The best time to visit the Angkor site in general is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April.
⪢ Cool Season (November to February)
This is the peak tourist season in Cambodia. The weather is relatively mild, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's an excellent time to explore without being overwhelmed by the heat. However, do keep in mind that this is the busiest time for tourism, so expect larger crowds.
⪢ Hot Season (March to April)
During these months, the weather starts getting hotter, and temperatures can soar, especially in April. While it's not as crowded as the cool season, the scorching heat might make outdoor exploration less comfortable for you.
We visited at the back-end of March, and it was extremely hot, averaging 40+ degrees Celsius (104F) daily. Exploring Angkor involves a lot of walking and climbing, with much of it not undercover. It is essential to consider your personal preferences and comfort levels when choosing the best time to come here. If you prefer fewer crowds and can handle hotter temperatures, the hot season might work well for you. The trade-off for milder weather is bigger crowds, so pick wisely!
We do recommend you avoid the rainy season, which typically spans from May to October. During this period, Cambodia experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can make exploring challenging due to muddy and slippery conditions. Moreover, some areas may be inaccessible, and the landscape won't be as picturesque as during the dry season.
How to get to Tonle Om Gate
Walking isn’t really an option at the Angkor site as the temples are huge, the distance between each is vast, and the sun is searingly hot. We used a local Tuk-tuk driver, who we booked for a week through our Airbnb, to show us around. He was full of information and also doubles up as a guide, alongside always being on hand with a cold drink after a temple visit! Here are some of the main options:
⪢ By tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around Siem Reap and the surrounding area. They are relatively inexpensive and can take you to Angkor in about 20 minutes from the city center. As mentioned this is the option we chose, and we can recommend our very reliable and impressive driver if needed. Feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to share his details.
⪢ By bicycle
If you are feeling energetic, you can also cycle to Angkor. The ride is about 4 kilometers from the city centre and takes about 30 minutes. It is very hot however, so do remember to bring plenty of water and keep hydrated.
⪢ Consider taking a tour
There are many tour operators in Siem Reap that offer day trips to Angkor. This is a good option if you want to learn more about the temple and its history. We recommend using Klook, who offer a variety of different experiences with qualified tour guides and hotel pick up and drop off options.
● Visit the Angkor Thom complex where you will explore the fascinating beauty of Bayon Temple and the world-famous Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb-Raider Temple)
● Marvel at the enormous and beautiful Angkor Wat Temple, one of the largest religious monuments in the world
● The temples on this tour are among the biggest in the Angkor Complex
● Note that you will still be required to purchase the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket.
Address: CVH5+2RJ, ស្ពានក្លោងទ្វាខាងត្បូង, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours: 7am to 6pm, 7 days per week
Must-see temples near Tonle Om Gate
Take a peek at some of the other incredible temples in the vicinity of Tonle Om Gate that we highly recommend:
⪢ Baphuon Temple
The Baphuon Temple is a significant historical and architectural monument located within the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is a part of Angkor Thom, the great capital city of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries.
⪢ Angkor Wat
This is the most famous temple in Angkor and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a massive temple complex that was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II.
⪢ Ta Prohm
This temple is famed for the way large trees have intertwined with the ruins, creating a captivating blend of nature and history. The film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" brought global attention to Ta Prohm. It's not far from the Bayon temple.
Watch our Angkor Wat sunrise on YouTube
Angkor Wat is indeed a bucket list destination for many people being the largest spiritual grounds on earth! In this video we share with you some of our incredible sunrise footage from Angkor along with some tips on how to make your morning and day go a little smoother. We also show you where to pick up your temple day (or week) pass (you must be present as they take a photo and give you a tangible card).
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Check out all of the places we visited in Cambodia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
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Explore Siem Reap with special offers from Klook
Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Angkor. Whether you're looking for a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, a private tour of the temples, or a day trip to other temples in the region, Klook has something to offer.
In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers great deals on transportation, accommodation, and activities. All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Siem Reap. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience.
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