At peace with Angkor

The Phnom Penh Post
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Dave Perkes

Looking for a peaceful and unusual route into Angkor Wat to avoid most of the crowds? A suggestion is to go via the eastern causeway that is mostly quiet in the low season. A morning approach is best, with the sunlight behind you. If you go through the eastern gateway, you get a nice view of the central tower framed by trees and, as you walk down the causeway, the rest of the five towers come into view. You will eventually see the entire eastern side in its full glory. Hopefully, you will get photos of this without the crowds. Continuing through the wood gate, you will see the centre tower and the large printed panels showing the Churning of the Ocean of Milk to your left. After visiting the central sanctuary, instead of following the path down the main causeway, head right to the north, where a path leads to the virtually unvisited Northern gate. In July the sun is to the north, so in late morning the north face of the gate is illuminated. If you have time, walk around the north and west of the walls along the moat, which is usually deserted, and exit by the western side. It's a very tranquil experience.