Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance: The Smart Traveler’s Secret to Avoiding Crowds
The Quiet Eastern Entrance Could Change the Way You See Angkor Wat Forever!
Looking for a way to skip the crowds at Angkor Wat? The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance gives you a peaceful way to see this amazing temple without fighting through tourist groups.
What Makes the Eastern Entrance Special?
The Eastern Entrance of Angkor Wat lets you enjoy the world’s largest religious monument in peace. Most tourists use the grand western gate, leaving this back door quiet and empty. You’ll see parts of the temple that most visitors miss.
You might wonder why more people don’t use this secret entrance. The answer is simple: most tour buses stop at the main western gate because it’s more famous. This works in your favor! While others crowd together for sunrise photos, you can have whole sections of the temple to yourself.
9:45 AM Pickup – Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Sunset in Angkor Wat Golden Hour Tour
7 Reasons to Choose the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance for Your Visit
1. Skip the Tourist Crowds
The western entrance of Angkor Wat gets packed with tourists, especially at sunrise. Hundreds of people gather with their cameras, all trying to get the same photo. The Eastern Entrance offers a totally different story.
When you enter from the east:
- You might see only 5-10 other visitors
- No large tour groups blocking your view
- No waiting in line to climb the stairs
- Perfect quiet for taking in the temple’s magic
One visitor shared: “I couldn’t believe the difference! We had entire gallery hallways to ourselves for almost an hour while we could see crowds at the main entrance from a distance.”
2. Better Morning Light for Photos
The Eastern Entrance of Angkor Wat gives photographers a big advantage. When you enter from the east at sunrise, the light hits the temple stones in a way that makes them glow golden.
Photo benefits include:
- Dramatic lighting on the temple’s eastern walls
- Fewer people in your shots
- Unique angles that most tourism photos don’t show
- Perfect backlighting for silhouette shots of the towers
A professional photographer told us: “I always take my clients through the Eastern Entrance. The morning light creates shadows that really show off the carvings in a way you just can’t get from the western side.”
3. Recently Restored Access
The APSARA National Authority finished fixing up the Eastern Entrance in late 2024. This work fixed broken roof sections and made the sandstone stairs safer.
The restoration included:
- Fixing collapsed stones in the roof
- Making the stairs stronger and safer
- Adding a new red gravel path
- Building a small bridge crossing
These improvements make visiting easier but haven’t brought big crowds yet. This gives you a short window to enjoy the entrance while it’s still quiet but has better access than before.
4. See the World’s Longest Bas-Reliefs Without Crowds
The eastern gallery of Angkor Wat holds some of the most amazing stone carvings in the world. These bas-reliefs tell stories from Hindu myths and show scenes from the Khmer Empire. When you use the Eastern Entrance, you see these first – and often alone.
What you’ll see:
- The Churning of the Ocean of Milk (a famous Hindu story)
- Battle scenes with amazing details
- Over 1,000 apsara dancers carved into the walls
- Devata carvings (female divine figures) with unique hairstyles and jewelry
“I spent almost an hour looking at one wall of carvings,” one visitor said. “I could take my time because there weren’t other tourists pushing past me.”
5. Experience the Original Temple Design
While Angkor Wat now faces west (unusual for Hindu temples), it was built with both western and eastern gates. Using the Eastern Entrance lets you experience the temple as many people did during the Khmer Empire.
Original design elements visible from the east:
- The temple’s layout showing Mount Meru (home of the gods in Hindu beliefs)
- Clear view of the five lotus towers rising like mountain peaks
- The moat crossing that mirrors the cosmic ocean
- The temple’s perfect east-west line showing how the builders worked with the sun’s path
Walking this path connects you to centuries of history in a way that feels more real than following today’s main tourist route.
6. Perfect for Sunrise Without the Usual Hassle
Everyone wants to see sunrise at Angkor Wat, but few know you don’t need to use the western entrance to enjoy it. From the Eastern Entrance, you get equally amazing views but with an important difference – space to enjoy them.
Benefits of eastern sunrise viewing:
- Watch the sun come up behind the temple towers
- Get silhouette photos that look magical
- Find a quiet spot to sit and take in the moment
- No pushing through crowds for a good view
“I’ve seen sunrise at Angkor Wat from both sides now,” says a repeat visitor. “From the east, I actually got to enjoy the moment instead of worrying about someone bumping my camera or stepping in front of me.”
7. Access to the Less-Visited Eastern Sections
The gopura (gateway buildings) and libraries on the eastern side get far fewer visitors. This gives you time to really look at details others miss.
Hidden treasures to spot:
- Special pediment carvings above doorways
- Unique Vishnu statue placements
- Small shrines that most tour groups skip
- Quiet corners perfect for reflection or meditation
“Our guide showed us tiny details in the carvings that told stories about daily life during the Khmer Empire,” one visitor shared. “We had time to really learn about them because we weren’t being pushed along by crowds.”
How to Access the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance
Getting to the Eastern Entrance takes a bit more planning than showing up at the main gate, but it’s not hard. Here’s what you need to know:
Getting There
You’ll need transportation to the eastern side of Angkor Wat. This means taking a slightly different route than most tourists.
Transport options:
- Private tour with a guide who knows the eastern route
- Tuk-tuk with directions to the eastern side (show them “Angkor Wat East Gate” on your map)
- Bicycle if you’re staying in Siem Reap (allow extra time)
- Private car through a hotel or tour service
The road to the Eastern Entrance is less used and has fewer signs. Make sure your driver knows where you want to go before starting out.
Best Times to Visit
While the Eastern Entrance is always less crowded than the western gate, some times work better than others:
Best times:
- Sunrise (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM): Perfect for photos and quiet exploration
- Late afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Beautiful golden light on the stone
- Midday during rainy season: Fewer tourists overall
Avoid Chinese New Year and Christmas/New Year weeks when even the eastern side gets more visitors.
What to Bring
Since the Eastern Entrance has fewer services nearby, come prepared:
- Water bottle (bring more than you think you need)
- Hat and sunscreen (less shade on the eastern approach)
- Insect repellent (especially during rainy season)
- Small flashlight if arriving before sunrise
- Camera with extra batteries
- Temple-appropriate clothing (covered shoulders and knees)
“I wish I’d brought more water,” said one visitor. “There aren’t drink sellers near the eastern gate like there are at the main entrance.”
Experience Cambodia’s Rich Culture Through Expert-Led Tours
Cambodia offers so much more than just temples. This small Southeast Asian country holds treasures that range from ancient ruins to beautiful beaches. Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the famous Angkor Archaeological Park, but the town itself mixes old charm with new energy.
At Journey Cambodia, we craft tours that show you sides of the country most visitors never see.
Seamless Airport Transfers for a Stress-Free Start
Your Cambodian adventure should start smoothly. Our Siem Reap Airport Transfers make sure you don’t waste time figuring out transportation after a long flight. Our drivers meet you with a sign, help with bags, and get you to your hotel without hassle.
What makes our transfers special:
- Air-conditioned, clean vehicles
- English-speaking drivers
- Bottles of cold water waiting for you
- Local SIM cards available on request
- No waiting for other passengers
“After 20 hours of flying, seeing our driver waiting with a smile made all the difference,” one guest told us.
Catch the Magic Hour with Our Sunset Tours
While sunrise gets all the attention, sunset at Angkor Wat creates equally stunning views with softer crowds. Our Angkor Wat Sunset Tour takes you to perfect spots for golden hour photos.
What you’ll experience:
- Expert timing to beat the crowds
- Perfect lighting for photography
- Cooler temperatures than midday visits
- The temple stones glowing golden and red
- Time to sit and soak in the atmosphere
“Our guide knew exactly where to position us for the best sunset photos,” a guest shared. “Then he found us a quiet spot to just sit and watch the light change. It was magical.”
For those who want to specifically enjoy sunset from the eastern section, our Sunset in Angkor Wat tour focuses on this less-visited area.
Start Your Day Right with Sunrise Tours
If sunrise viewing tops your list, our Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour gives you the best of both worlds. We know the quiet spots where you can watch dawn break over the temples without fighting through selfie sticks.
What sets our sunrise tour apart:
- Small groups (maximum 6 people)
- Early pickup to secure prime viewing spots
- Breakfast packed for you to enjoy while watching the sunrise
- Visiting key temple areas while other groups are still at breakfast
- Options to use the Eastern Entrance when available
“I was worried sunrise would be too crowded to enjoy,” said a recent guest. “But our guide took us to a spot away from the main crowd. We got amazing photos and really got to enjoy the moment.”
Practical Tips for Visiting the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance
Ready to try the road less traveled? These tips will help make your visit to the Eastern Entrance even better:
1. Start Early
Even though the Eastern Entrance gets fewer visitors, starting early still gives you the best experience:
- Cooler temperatures for comfortable exploring
- Better lighting for photos
- More time before tour groups arrive from any entrance
- Peaceful atmosphere to really connect with the site
Plan to arrive at the site entrance by 5:00 AM for sunrise visits.
2. Hire a Knowledgeable Guide
The eastern side has fewer information signs than the main tourist areas. A good guide makes the experience much richer:
- They can explain the meaning of the bas-reliefs
- They know which carvings are most special or rare
- They can share stories about the temple’s use and history
- They help you find the best photo spots
Look for guides with deep knowledge of Khmer history and temple architecture.
3. Dress Appropriately
Angkor Wat is still an active religious site. Proper dress shows respect:
- Shoulders must be covered
- Knees must be covered
- Comfortable walking shoes (not flip-flops)
- Light, breathable fabrics for the heat
“I brought a light scarf to cover my shoulders,” one visitor suggested. “It worked great when it was hot but still met the dress code.”
4. Plan Your Whole Day
Using the Eastern Entrance might change how you visit other temples:
- Consider visiting Angkor Wat early, then heading to more distant temples
- Plan a midday break to avoid the worst heat
- Think about returning to Angkor Wat for sunset from a different angle
- Allow time for unexpected discoveries
Many visitors find they want to spend more time at Angkor Wat than they planned once they escape the crowds.
5. Respect the Site
The Angkor Archaeological Park is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of worship:
- Don’t climb on structures not meant for climbing
- Don’t touch carvings (oils from hands damage the stone)
- Keep your voice low, especially near people praying
- Take all trash with you
- Don’t feed wild monkeys (they become aggressive)
“It’s hard to remember it’s not just an old building but a place people still come to pray,” noted one visitor. “Watching locals making offerings helped me show proper respect.”
Why Choose Journey Cambodia for Your Angkor Experience
When planning your visit to the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, choosing the right tour company makes a huge difference. Journey Cambodia offers benefits that mass-market tours simply can’t match:
Small Group Sizes
We keep our groups tiny:
- Maximum 6 people per guide
- Personalized attention
- Flexibility to adjust timing based on interests
- No waiting for stragglers
- Better photo opportunities without other group members in your shots
“I was worried about taking a tour, but with just four of us, it felt like going with friends,” a guest told us.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides offer more than basic facts:
- Many grew up near the temples
- All have formal training in Khmer history
- Deep knowledge of Buddhism and Hinduism
- Personal connections to local communities
- Insight into parts of Cambodian life tourists normally miss
“Our guide didn’t just know the history—he shared stories from his grandfather about how locals related to the temples during recent times. It added such depth to our visit.”
Custom Experiences
No two travelers are the same, so why should tours be?
- Tell us your interests before booking
- Photo enthusiasts get more time at scenic spots
- History buffs get deeper stories
- We adjust pace for older visitors or families
- Early risers can start before dawn, night owls can sleep in
“They built the day around what we wanted to see, not just the usual stops,” said a family who toured with us.
Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance: The Future of Smart Temple Visiting
As more people learn about the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, will it stay quiet? Signs point to this secret staying safe for now:
- Most tour buses are too large for the smaller eastern road
- Major tour companies have set routines they rarely change
- Most tourists follow social media trends showing the western approach
- APSARA limits daily visitor numbers to protect the site
Still, the smartest travelers know to visit soon, before word spreads too far.
Conclusion
The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance offers what every traveler hopes to find – a way to experience an amazing place without the crowds. I still remember my first visit, walking through the quiet gateway as dawn broke, having whole sections of this massive temple to myself. It felt like stepping back in time.
Ready to try it yourself? Start by booking a guide who knows the eastern approach. Pack water, your camera, and comfortable shoes. Get up early. Most importantly, slow down and really look at what’s around you.
This different way to see Angkor Wat won’t stay secret forever. Plan your visit now, and feel free to contact us with any questions about making your Angkor trip truly special.
Useful Resources:
- Official Angkor Enterprise Website – For current ticket prices and opening hours
