The South and North Gates of Angkor Thom are two of the five main gates that served as entrances to the ancient Khmer city of Angkor Thom, located in present-day Cambodia. The city was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century and served as the capital of the Khmer Empire.

The South Gate is considered one of the most well-preserved and impressive gates of Angkor Thom. It is a monumental structure made of stone and features three towers, each topped with four giant faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as the "face-towers." The gate is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the daily life of the Khmer people. The central tower of the South Gate is the largest and tallest of the three towers, with a height of over 23 meters. The two smaller towers on either side of the central tower are about half its size. The entire structure is flanked by two sets of walls, each with a length of over 300 meters, creating a formidable entrance to the city.

The South Gate was not only a defensive structure but also had a symbolic significance in Khmer culture. The face-towers are believed to represent the god of compassion, and their placement at the entrance of the city was meant to provide protection and blessings to those entering the city. Today, the South and North Gates of Angkor Thom remain an important archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction. It is part of the larger Angkor Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

The North Gate is a massive stone structure that spans a distance of about 23 meters (75 feet) across. It is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities and mythological creatures. These carvings are well-preserved and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Khmer art. The North gate consists of three towers, each of which is topped by a face of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, which is also known as the "face-tower." These face-towers are a distinctive feature of Angkor Thom and are found at each of the gates to the city.

Beyond the North Gate lies a causeway flanked by 54 stone figures, half of which are demons and half of which are gods, each holding a naga, or serpent, that stretches along the bridge. This causeway leads to the center of Angkor Thom, where the Bayon temple, with its famous smiling faces, is located.