Avoiding the Angkor Crowds
The temples of Angkor are popular for a reason, and should by no means be avoided because of the hordes of tourists who flock to it every day.
That said, there are ways to avoid the biggest crowds and increase your chances of enjoying peaceful contemplation of the magnificent, otherworldly temples of the Khmer empire.
1. Avoid peak times; be flexible.
Angkor Wat has the most visitors around 6-7am and 3-5pm (the undeniably stunning "magical hours" of sunrise and sunset). Bayon Temple is busiest around 7:30-9:30am, and Banteay Srei sees the most crowds from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Others are harder to predict. If you arrive at a particular temple and see a lfock of tour buses in the parking lot, try a different temple intead.
2. Stay for lunch.
Most tour groups at Angkor head back to Siem Reap for lunch, leaving the most popular sights emptier than usual. Have your lunch early or late or stay at Angkor for lunch. Almost all the major temples have food stalls outside, and there are several restaurants opposite the entrance to Angkor Wat.
Sightseeing at lunchtime is much quieter, but also much hotter, than the rest of the day. Try touring well-covered temples like Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Beng Melea or even the bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat.
3. Plan strategic sunrises and sunsets.
At sunrise, Angkor Wat is the most popular spot, especially around the royal ponds. This is for good reason, but if you've already seen that or aren't terribly bothered where you see the sunrise, try Sra Srang, which also has extensive pools with dramatic reflections. Phnom Bakheng is also an attractive option, as you can watch the sun come up behind Angkor Wat.
The definitive sunset spot is atop Phnom Bakheng, but comes with hundreds of tourists crowding on the small structure. Try staying in Angkor Wat at sunset; its upper terraces offer a nice view over the forest canopy as the light changes. Pre Rup is increasingly popular for its rural sunset view over rice-fields, but it is still quieter than Phnom Bakheng. The Western Baray also offers nice reflections across its vast waters.
