Cambodia Day 3, Part 2: The South Gate of Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was an enormous walled city, the capital of King Jayavarman VII, who ordered some of the Khmer's largest building projects.

The gate begins with a bridge whose railing is another depiction of the churning of the sea of milk. The naga with its head at the outer end of the bridge is held along its body by the devas and asuras.

The moat is large enough to appear to be a river.

Several people worked - gathering plants, perhaps? - along the moat's banks. 

The gate itself was a stone arch capped with  huge stone faces, one looking each cardinal direction.

To either side of the portal were three carved elephant heads.

Around back one could climb up to overlook the bridge, so naturally I did, bringing me face to giant face with the gate's top.

There certainly is an eclectic mix of transportation along the bridge entrance. 

I saw a second elephant riding tour as I entered the ancient city.