Gates galore

You can just see the Gate of the Dead through the forest of trees, outside the walled city

From the Prasat Chrung shrine in the southeast corner of Angkor Thom to the Gate of the Dead (East Gate) is less than five minutes by bicycle, though a big hole in the wall and the track meant one short diversion through the adjoining forest of trees. The moat at the foot of the wall had been replaced with rice fields and a few farmers shouted their hellos, as I carried by mountainbike down the embankment for a quick ride through the secluded gate and into the forest to see where the track took me. After five minutes I was still surrounded by trees, so turned back and climbed the other side of the East Gate to continue my ride along the top of the wall until I reached the Victory Gate. I highlighted both of these massive gates topped by the engaging four faces in recent blog entries, so will just post a few new pictures from my latest trip to the eastern wall of Angkor Thom.

A large hole in the wall of the ancient city and the track disappeared as well The shaded track as I approach the Gate of the Dead (East Gate)

The face of Jayavarman VII on the southern approach to the East Gate

Outside the city of Angkor Thom, this is the secluded East Gate through the trees

Praying figures on the side panel of the East Gate

The face of Jayavarman VII looks eastwards from the Gate of the Dead

The Victory Gate, from outside the ancient city looking eastwards

The east entry to the Victory Gate and the heads of the demon guardians

The imposing face of Jayavarman VII at the Victory Gate

A row of five praying worshippers on the Victory Gate