Photo Credit - Naomi Goldsmith-Dixon.com
Seasons of Angkor
With rainy season just around the corner, I took a trip up to Siem Reap to see what the amazing temple complex had to offer in low season. Most people prefer to visit during the dry season but the stunning temples and exquisite surrounding countryside are well worth a visit at any time of year, with each season offering a new perspective and completely different experience.
Angkor Wat draws visitors from around the globe throughout the year, but many prefer to visit between November and February when the weather is cooler and there is little threat of rain. With the dry season coinciding with the Christmas holidays the nearby town of Siem Reap certainly takes on something of a carnival air.
Between March and June there is still little threat of rain. The odd afternoon shower may occur but it won’t dampen your spirits and the skies take on a dark and brooding look adding a haunting feel to the deserted city.
June to October the rain rolls in, storm clouds fill the skies and thunder rumbles in the distance. Daily showers turn the surrounding paddy fields into a sea of emerald green, and the lakes and moats team with bird life. If you are hardy enough to brave the rain and unrelenting humidity this can be a truly rewarding time to visit, and with few tourists around it can feel as if you have the ruins to yourself.
Whichever month you decide to visit the mighty Angkor Wat you can be sure not to leave disappointed as this great city holds many secrets just waiting to be discovered and explored.
Naomi Goldsmith-Dixon is a freelance photographer and journalist working in Vietnam and Cambodia.
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