Angkor Wat Wall Trail

Dogs Unknown

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This trail navigates around the outer wall of Angkor Wat. During the hike, you'll pass by three of the four direction gates, Ta Loek (north), Ta Kou (east) and Ta Pech (south). The trail is nestled on a piece of land between the wall and the Angkor Wat moat.

This hike starts in front of the West Gate after crossing over the moat by way of the stone causeway. Once in front of the gate, turn left and follow the dirt path past the front of Angkor Wat. At the end corner of the portico, the path turns to a trail. The overgrowth of this trail varies year to year. However, the trail is easy to see and follow. The trail remains on a swath of land between the Angkor Wat wall and the moat.

After rounding the northwest corner, the trail becomes more defined. About half way along this section, you'll reach Ta Loek, the north gate. You are able to enter the gate and explore around a bit which I encourage. I took shelter here one afternoon a few years ago during a torrential downpour. Continue east, and you'll round the northeast corner.

Halfway along this section of wall is Ta Kou, the east gate. This is the largest of the three gates with the exception of the west gate. Again, explore at your leisure, then continue south and you'll round the southeast corner. The next gate is Ta Pech and the gate least visited. This south section of the trail is much more overgrown and this recent trip the grass was about knee height.

Rounding the southwest corner takes you into a much shaded forest. Soon you'll reach the south end of the west portico and onto the start point in front of the west gate.

This is the perfect hike after watching sunrise at Angkor Wat and exploring the inner temple for the morning. Much of the trail is shaded, and it sees very few if any people. In total, the route is about 2.5 miles with no elevation gain.