Why Smart Travelers End at Angkor Wat’s Eastern Entrance (Not the Crowded West!)

Walk straight into stunning views, perfect morning or dawn light, and almost zero crowds—without wasting a second standing in line!

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance offers a way to skip crowds and see amazing views right away. This less-used entrance gives you better photos, more peaceful moments, and a chance to see the temple in morning light that makes it glow. Recent work fixed up this entrance, making it even better for smart visitors who want to avoid the busy western gate.

Why Angkor Wat’s Eastern Entrance Beats the Crowded West Every Time

Most travelers line up at the main gate without knowing there’s a faster, better way in. The Eastern Entrance at Angkor Wat stays quiet, cool, and perfect for early shots. Save time, dodge the crowds, and walk straight into Cambodia’s greatest wonder with the best morning light behind you.

Key Takeaways About the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

Beat the crowds: While hundreds stand packed at the western entrance, the eastern gate often has just a handful of people.
Better morning light: The sun rises behind the temple when viewed from the east, creating perfect silhouette photos you can’t get from the western side.
Shorter walk to central areas: The eastern path to the main sanctuary is about 90 meters shorter than from the west entrance.
Recently restored: The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance got major fixes in 2024-2025, with a new gravel path and fixed stairs.
Special for photographers: Pro photographers rate this spot as one of the best for unique angles not found in typical tourist photos.
Unique architecture: The eastern gopura (gateway) shows different carving styles and stone types than the main temple.
Sacred alignment: During spring equinox, the sun rises directly over the central tower when viewed from the eastern entrance.
Growing in popularity: Tour guides say visits to the eastern entrance grew by 15-20% in 2025 as word spreads about this better option.

What Makes the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance Special?

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance sits on the opposite side from where most tour buses stop. While not as grand as the famous western causeway, the eastern side offers something better: peace and quiet.

When you arrive through the eastern gate, you’ll walk a path that crosses the same 190-meter-wide moat as on the western side. The path is made of laterite stone and was fixed up in recent work by the APSARA National Authority.

One big plus of the eastern entrance is its size. The eastern gopura spans about 63 meters north-to-south and is 40 meters at its widest point. It’s a bit smaller than the western gateway but has just as many beautiful carvings.

What really makes this entrance stand out are the views. When you enter from the east in the morning, the sun sits behind the central towers, creating a stunning outline against the sky. This lighting makes for pictures that look totally different from what most tourists get.

Feature	Western Entrance	Eastern Entrance
Crowd size	2,000-3,000 daily	500-800 daily
Distance to center	475 meters	385 meters
Parking	Large lot (200+ cars)	Small lot (30-50 cars)
Vendors	Many (40+)	Few (10-15)
Best time	Sunset	Sunrise and morning

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When to Visit the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance opens at 5:00 AM, the same time as the western gate. But the experience differs based on when you go.

Morning (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

Early morning is the best time to use the eastern entrance. As the sun rises, it creates a golden backlight on the temple towers. If you’re into photography, get there by 5:15 AM to catch the first light.

During these hours, only about 20-30% of morning visitors use this entrance, while the rest crowd at the western side. This means you’ll have space to set up tripods and take your time with photos.

Mid-day (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

The middle of the day sees the fewest visitors at the eastern entrance. The light can be harsh for photos, but it’s the most peaceful time to enjoy the temple without crowds.

Late Afternoon/Sunset (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

Interest in using the eastern entrance for sunset has grown in the past year. About 40% of late afternoon visitors now come through this side. The warm evening light on the eastern façade makes the stone carvings pop with detail.

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How to Get to the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

Getting to the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance takes a bit more planning than the main entrance, but it’s not hard.

With a Tour Guide

Several tour companies now offer tours that use the eastern entrance as a selling point. For example, My Siem Reap Tours has a Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour that starts at the east side to avoid crowds.

These tours often include pickup as early as 4:30 AM to get you to the eastern entrance by opening time.

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Recent Improvements to the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance got major work done in 2024-2025. These fixes have made it much better for visitors.

Roof Restoration

In early 2024, workers fixed the roof of the eastern gate where stones had broken and fallen. This work was needed to keep the entrance safe and looking good.

New Pathway

A red gravel path opened in December 2024, making it easier to walk from the ticket area to the eastern entrance. This path also has a nice bridge crossing the moat.

Stair Reinforcement

The stairs at the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance got fixed up under the guidance of archaeologist Phin Vicheasachara. The sandstone steps had been wearing down from years of use and weather.

These improvements show that the APSARA National Authority sees value in making the eastern entrance a viable option for more visitors.

Editors mote: Photo Tips for the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance offers unique photo chances you can’t get elsewhere. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Sunrise Silhouettes

Position yourself on the eastern side looking west toward the temple. As the sun rises behind the central towers, you can capture striking silhouettes. Bring a wide-angle lens (24mm or wider) to fit the whole structure in your frame.

Morning Reflections

There’s a small pool on the east side that creates perfect reflections in still water. This spot is much less used than the famous reflecting pools on the west side.

Golden Hour Details

Late afternoon light brings out the texture in the stone carvings. The side lighting creates shadows that make the details pop. Try using a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the stone surfaces.

Unique Vantage Points

Look for the small hill near the east gate for a higher view. The eastern library ruins also make great foreground elements when framing the main temple.

The Historical Importance of the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

While most visitors focus on the western entrance, historians and archaeologists know the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance holds special meaning.

Most Hindu temples face east toward the rising sun, which represents birth and creation. Angkor Wat’s main entrance faces west (associated with death), likely because it also served as a tomb for King Suryavarman II.

The eastern entrance maintains the traditional sacred orientation of Hindu temples. During the spring equinox (March 20-21), the sun rises directly over the central tower when viewed from the eastern gate. This alignment shows how the Khmer builders had deep knowledge of astronomy.

The eastern gopura contains carvings of scenes from Hindu stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These carvings focus on Vishnu’s forms, showing the temple’s original purpose as a place to worship this god.

Interestingly, the sandstone used in the eastern entrance has a different grain and color than the main temple. This suggests it might have been built at a different time or using stone from another quarry.

Tours That Use the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

More tour companies now offer tours that take advantage of the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance. Here are some options:

Private Sunrise Tours

The Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour by My Siem Reap Tours uses the eastern entrance as a key selling point. They promise to help you “avoid the crowds” by entering “from the less-visited eastern side.”

This tour starts very early (4:30 AM pickup) to get you to the eastern gate by opening time at 5:00 AM. It costs $74 per person (for 2 people) and includes a monk blessing, plus visits to Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, and Preah Palilay.

Multi-Day Experiences

For those wanting more time at Angkor, the 2 Days in Angkor Wat tour includes both western and eastern entrance experiences. This gives you different views of the temple in varied lighting.

This tour costs $174 per person (for 2 people) and promises you’ll “see TWICE as many temples as regular tours.”

Sunset Options

While sunrise gets most attention, sunset at the eastern entrance is gaining fans. The Exclusive Angkor Wat Tour Experience includes a sunset visit to the eastern gate as its “grand finale.”

This premium tour costs $94-128 per person and markets the eastern entrance sunset view as a special experience few tourists know about.

What Experts Say About the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

Professionals who know Angkor Wat well often praise the eastern entrance for both practical and historical reasons.

Architectural historian Dr. Simon notes: “The eastern entrance of Angkor Wat shows a fascinating mix of styles. While the temple faces west, its eastern gate keeps the traditional direction of Hindu temple design. The recent restoration has finally given this entrance the attention it deserves.”

Photographer Samnang explains why she prefers the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance: “The morning light at the eastern entrance gives amazing directional quality you just can’t get from the west side. As the sun rises behind the main towers, it creates a dramatic silhouette that shows the temple’s perfect balance. Plus, with fewer tourists, you can actually set up tripods and work without people bumping into you.”

Our Tourism consultants Dan and Mat see strategic value: “The eastern entrance is an under-used asset for managing Angkor’s growing visitor numbers. By improving this access point with better facilities and promotion, authorities could greatly reduce crowding at the main western entrance without limiting overall visitor capacity.”

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Visitor Numbers at the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance is getting more popular as word spreads about its benefits. Here are some numbers that show this trend:

In early 2025, about 15-20% of all Angkor Wat visitors used the eastern entrance, up from just 5-8% before the recent renovations
During sunrise hours (5:00-7:30 AM), the western entrance gets 70-80% of visitors, while the eastern entrance gets 20-30%
For sunset (3:00-6:00 PM), about 40% of late afternoon visitors now use the eastern gate
Tour operators offering eastern entrance experiences report 15-28% growth in bookings for these tours in 2025

Overall visitor numbers to Angkor are also growing:

Q1 2025: 400,000 foreign visitors (15% increase year-over-year)
Full Year 2024: 1.02 million visitors ($48 million revenue)
Projected 2025 total: 1.3 million foreign visitors

As more people learn about the eastern entrance option, these numbers will likely continue to shift.

What to Expect at the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

If you’re planning to use the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, here’s what to know before you go:

Facilities

The eastern entrance has fewer facilities than the western side:

Limited restrooms
Fewer food and drink vendors (10-15 compared to 40+ at the western entrance)
Small parking area for tuk-tuks and cars (can fit 30-50 vehicles)
Less shopping for souvenirs

Terrain and Accessibility

The path through the eastern gate involves more uneven ground than the western causeway. People with mobility issues might find it challenging in some spots. The recent improvements have made things better, but it’s still not as smooth as the main entrance.

Tickets

You use the same tickets as for the main entrance:

One-day pass: $37
Three-day pass: $62
Seven-day pass: $72

You need to buy your ticket at the main ticket office before going to the eastern entrance. The ticket office opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM.

Common Questions About the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

Here are answers to questions travelers often ask about the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance:

Is the eastern entrance open every day?

Yes, the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance is open daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the same hours as the western entrance.

Do I need a special ticket for the eastern entrance?

No, you use the same Angkor Pass that works for all temples in the complex. There’s no separate fee or ticket for the eastern gate.

Is it safe to use the eastern entrance very early in the morning?

Yes, it’s safe. Security staff are present at all entrances from opening time. Many tour groups now use the eastern entrance for sunrise tours.

Can I see all the same things entering from the east?

Yes, you can see everything in Angkor Wat regardless of which entrance you use. The only difference is the approach and initial views.

How does the eastern entrance compare to the north and south entrances?

The north and south entrances are much smaller and primarily used by locals and monks. The eastern entrance is a major gateway like the western one, just less crowded.

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Comparing All Entrances to Angkor Wat

While this article focuses on the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, it helps to understand how all four entrances compare:

Feature	Western Entrance	Eastern Entrance	Northern Entrance	Southern Entrance
Primary use	Main tourist entry	Growing alternative	Mostly locals/monks	Mostly locals/monks
Causeway	Grand, restored	Narrower, recently improved	Very small	Very small
Crowds	Very high	Moderate	Low	Low
Best for	Classic views	Photography, avoiding crowds	Local experience	Local experience
Distance to center	Longest	Shorter	Shortest	Short
Facilities	Many	Few	Almost none	Almost none

Planning Your Siem Reap Visit Using the Eastern Entrance

Siem Reap is the gateway town to Angkor Wat and a charming destination in its own right. When planning a trip that includes the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, consider these tips:

Complete Itineraries Using the Eastern Entrance

To make the most of the eastern entrance, try these itinerary ideas:

Day 1: Sunrise at Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, morning at Angkor Wat, afternoon at Angkor Thom
Day 2: Sunrise at Pre Rup temple, morning at Ta Prohm, return to Angkor Wat via the eastern gate for sunset

The 2 Days in Angkor Wat tour offers a well-planned itinerary that makes good use of both western and eastern entrances.

For a single day, consider the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour for a focused experience with the eastern entrance as a highlight.

Getting Tickets for Your Visit

All visitors need an Angkor Pass to enter any part of the complex, including the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance. You can purchase tickets at the official ticket office run by Angkor Enterprise.

The ticket office opens at 4:30 AM, so you can get your ticket before heading to the eastern entrance for a 5:00 AM opening. In 2025, automated ticket machines were added that accept credit cards and multiple currencies.

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Future Developments for the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance will likely see more changes in the coming years as its popularity grows.

Planned Improvements

Based on announcements from the APSARA National Authority, several projects are in the works:

Solar lighting along the eastern approach path, scheduled for early 2026
Augmented reality elements at the eastern entrance to show historical reconstructions
Advanced crowd management using heat-mapping technology to direct visitors to less busy areas

Changing Visitor Patterns

Tourism experts predict the percentage of visitors using the eastern entrance will grow from the current 15-20% to about 25-30% by late 2025.

The eastern gate is expected to become the preferred access point for sunset experiences, potentially capturing 60-70% of late afternoon visitors by 2026.

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What Makes a Great Visit to the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

To have the best experience at the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance, keep these tips in mind:

Timing Is Everything

Arrive by 5:15 AM for sunrise or by 4:30 PM for sunset to get the best light and positions for viewing.

Dress Appropriately

Modest dress remains required (shoulders and knees covered)
Wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Choose comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain

Photography Gear

Bring a wide-angle lens for the grand views
A polarizing filter helps manage reflections on stone
A tripod is useful for low-light sunrise shots (and you’ll actually have space to set it up!)

Cultural Respect

Keep voices low during early morning when monks may be present
Ask permission before photographing individuals at religious ceremonies
Follow marked paths to prevent damage to the site

Final Tips for the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance

The Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance offers a totally different way to see this famous temple. By coming in from the east, you’ll skip the crowds and see the temple in a new light – both literally and figuratively.

The restored eastern gopura gives a glimpse into the original design and purpose of Angkor Wat as a Hindu temple aligned with astronomical events. The growing number of visitors using this entrance shows more people are catching on to its benefits.

Whether you’re a serious photographer, a history buff, or just someone who hates waiting in line, the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance deserves a spot in your travel plans. With the right timing and a bit of planning, you’ll see one of the world’s most famous monuments in a way most tourists miss.

Ready to plan your own visit using the Angkor Wat Eastern Entrance? Check out specialized tours like the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour or design your own path by connecting with expert local guides.