Angkor Wat Sunrise: Is It Worth to Visit? How to Visit?

Angkor Wat is one of the most iconic architectural wonders in the world. As the first light peeks over Angkor Wat's ancient towers—a magical sight unfolds, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. But is catching this spectacle really worth it?

If so, how can you make the most of your visit to this beautiful destination in the heart of Cambodia? Well, continue reading for more information! Here we will discuss everything you need to know about planning your Angkor Wat sunrise tour.

Angkor Wat In a Glance

Angkor Wat is the largest and most famous temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 400 square kilometres of land in Cambodia. Built-in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it started as a Hindu temple for Vishnu but later became a Buddhist shrine. People love it for its detailed carvings, tall towers, and stunning design that shows what the Khmer Empire believed about the world and religion.

Every year, thousands of visitors plan an Angkor Wat tour just to see the sunrise there. When the sun comes up behind the main tower, it makes the temple shine gold. This reflection in the ponds in front of the temple makes a really special and unforgettable view. But if you plan to go see the sunrise, be ready. Because you'll have to wake up early, get a ticket, find a good spot, and deal with a lot of other people and the weather.

So, is it worth it to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat?

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Is the Angkor Wat Sunrise Worth It? Yes!

The Angkor Wat sunrise is definitely worth it! It is a unique and memorable experience that you will cherish for a long time. Also, it is a great opportunity to take amazing photos and videos of Angkor Wat. The sunrise creates a beautiful contrast between the dark silhouette of the temple and the colorful sky, and the reflection in the ponds adds an extra dimension to the image. You can also capture the movement of the sun and the changing colors of the sky as time passes.

Besides, it is also a great chance to witness the spiritual and cultural significance of Angkor Wat. The sunrise is a sacred and auspicious time for many Cambodians, who come to the temple to pray, meditate, and make offerings. You can observe and respect their rituals and traditions and even join them if you wish.

Angkor Wat sunrise.

What's the Exact Time of the Sunrise At Angkor Wat?

The time of the Angkor Wat sunrise varies depending on the season and the weather, but generally, it occurs between 5:30 am and 6:30 am. You can check the exact time of the sunrise online or get in touch with IndochinaTour, we will provide you the latest information.

The temple opens at 5:00 am all year round, so you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to secure a good spot and set up your camera.

Angkor Wat sunrise between 5:30 am and 6:30 am.

Best Time to Watch Angkor Wat Sunrise: the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes

The Angkor Wat sunrise is beautiful and impressive all year round, but there are two days each year when it is especially spectacular: the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. These are the days when the sun rises exactly behind the main tower of the temple, creating a perfect alignment and a stunning effect.

The Spring Equinox occurs around March 20, and the Autumn Equinox occurs around September 22. These dates may vary slightly depending on the year and the location, so you should check the calendar and the weather forecast before you plan your trip.

If you want to witness the equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat, you should be aware that these are also the busiest days of the year, and you will have to deal with even more crowds and competition than usual. You will also have to arrive very early, at least an hour before sunrise, and find a spot in the center of the left reflecting pool, where you can get the best view of the alignment.

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Where is the Best Place to Enjoy the Angkor Wat Sunrise?

There are several places where you can enjoy the Angkor Wat sunrise. Here is a brief review of each of these places.

Left reflecting pool
The most popular and BEST place to enjoy the Angkor Wat Sunrise is the Left Reflecting Pool, which is located in front of the temple. This is where you can get the classic shot of the temple and its reflection, with the sun rising behind the main tower.

However, this spot is also the most crowded one, so you will have to compete with thousands of other tourists for a good view and a good photo. You will need to arrive quite early, find a spot close to the water, and be prepared to stay there until the sun is fully up. You will also need to be respectful of other people's space and equipment and avoid using flash or selfie sticks.

Right Reflecting Pool
If you want a less crowded and more peaceful experience, you can try the Right Reflecting Pool, which is located on the opposite side of the temple. This spot is less popular because the reflection is not as clear and symmetrical as the left one, but it still offers a beautiful view of the temple and the sunrise. You can also move around more freely and find different angles and perspectives.

Front Gate
The front gate is also considered the best spot to enjoy the Angkor Wat sunrise. It is located between the two pools, and this spot is good for capturing the silhouette of the temple and the sun and for getting a wider shot of the scene. However, you will not be able to see the reflection from this spot.

Other Temples in the Angkor complex
Another option is to visit other temples in the Angkor complex that also offer stunning sunrise views, such as Pre Rup, Phnom Bakheng, or Sras Srang. These temples are less crowded and more serene than Angkor Wat, and they have their own charm and character. However, they are also farther away from Siem Reap, and you will need to pay extra for the transportation and the guide. 

The best place to enjoy the Angkor Wat.

How to Visit Angkor Wat

To enjoy the Angkor Wat sunrise, you will need to buy a ticket for the Angkor Archaeological Park, which costs $37 for a one-day pass, $62 for a three-day pass, or $72 for a seven-day pass. You can buy the ticket at the official ticket office, which opens at 4:30 am, or online through the Angkor Enterprise website. You will need to show your passport and have your photo taken when you buy the ticket. The ticket is valid for the whole day, so you can use it to visit other temples in the park after sunrise.

To get to Angkor Wat, you can hire a tuk-tuk, a car, a bike, or a motorbike from Siem Reap, the nearest town to the park. The distance is about 6 kilometers, and the journey takes about 20 minutes by tuk-tuk or car or 40 minutes by bike or motorbike. You can arrange the transportation directly with your hotel, or IndochinaTour. The price depends on the type of vehicle, the number of passengers, and the duration of the service, but generally, it ranges from $5 to $25 for a round trip.

Visit Angkor Wat with a tuk-tuk.

More Tips about Angkor Wat Sunrise

Here are some more tips and tricks to help you enjoy the Angkor Wat sunrise and make it a memorable experience:

Dress appropriately
Angkor Wat is a religious site, and you should cover your shoulders and knees when you enter the temple. You should also wear comfortable and light clothes, as it can get very hot and humid during the day. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and the bugs.

Bring water and snacks
You will need to stay hydrated and energized during your visit, as you will spend several hours walking and exploring the temple and the park. Though, you can buy water and snacks from the vendors outside the temple, they may charge higher prices than in Siem Reap. So, it is best to bring your own water bottle and refill it at the water stations in the park.

Be respectful and responsible
As Angkor Wat is a sacred and precious site, so you should treat it with respect and care. You should follow the rules and signs, avoid touching or climbing the structures, and keep your voice low and your behavior calm. You should also respect the local people and their beliefs and ask for permission before taking photos of them. You should also be responsible for your own waste and dispose of it properly or take it with you.

Hire a guide
If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of Angkor Wat and the other temples, you should consider hiring us. A guide can provide you with interesting and insightful information, answer your questions, and show you the best spots and hidden gems.

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Conclusion

Angkor Wat sunrise is undoubtedly worth the early rise, and to witness this spectacle— you need to secure your Angkor Archaeological Park ticket, find the best spot, and plan your transport. And IndochinaTour can help you organize your tour to make it memorable! So, for an adventure filled with wonder, let IndochinaTour guide you to Angkor Wat sunrise.