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Beep. Beep. Beep. My eyes snapped open at the sound of my alarm and in the complete darkness I groped the bedside table in search of my phone. The bright screen showed 4:00am – a ridiculous hour for an alarm to be beeping – and under normal circumstances I would be irked, but I was already alert and awake.
The only way to experience an Angkor Wat sunrise is to arrive before dawn – and I couldn’t wait to see the spectacle with my own eyes.
Getting up early, however, is just one aspect of planning a to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise. You also need to consider when to go, which ticket to purchase and where to find the best viewing spot. In this article, we are sharing our top tips for watching an Angkor Wat sunrise to help fellow travelers to Cambodia experience the awe-inspiring moment.
Our Angkor Wat Sunrise Experience
Before going to Angkor Wat at dawn, we had already spent the previous day visiting the Siem Reap Temples with an Angkor Wat tour guide. Therefore, our early morning visit was simply about appreciating the beauty of an Angkor sunrise.
We quietly slipped out of our room and whispered greetings to the hotel staff. We waded into the darkness toward Mr. Rotha. In addition to being our tuk tuk driver, he was acting as our Angkor Wat guide for the morning
We rode in the carriage of the rumbling tuk tuk and filed into line with all of the other tuk tuks, buses and cars taking visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park in the pre-dawn hours. It was only five o’clock in the morning, but restaurants and side street markets were already full of life; real life Cambodia.
The city streets of Siem Reap gave way to the tree-lined lanes leading to the Temples of Angkor. Since we already had a valid Angkor Wat Pass, we passed through the Angkor Wat ticket office without a wait. When we arrived at the entrance, we joined the hoards of people on foot to make the long journey toward the temple to watch the Angkor Wat sunrise.
Crowds gathered at the pool on the left – a well-known spot for taking sunrise Angkor Wat photos. A few people clamored up the steps of the two library buildings for an elevated view. We opted for the less-crowded pool on the right where we could watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, albeit, slightly off-center.
The colors in the sky never stopped changing as the sun emerged from the horizon, bouncing light in every direction. When the sky changed from purple to pink to pale yellow, the crowds dispersed and we took in the view of Angkor Wat backlit by a morning sky. We didn’t linger though….we had more Angkor Temple exploration ahead of us.
Tips For Visiting Angkor Wat at Sunrise
We think the best time to visit Angkor Wat is for sunrise, but a little pre-planning is required for an optimal experience. Hotels will often make the necessary arrangements for you, including finding you a reliable driver, but it’s important that you relay your expectations. Our Angkor Wat sunrise tips will help to ensure a memorable trip!
Angkor Wat Sunrise Time and Weather
As you begin making your Angkor Wat plan for sunrise, make sure to check a reliable source for the actual sunrise time in Siem Reap. Based on that exact time, decide when you want to arrive at Angkor Wat. Tell your tuk tuk driver (or hotel staff, if they are arranging the trip for you) the time you want to be dropped off – and then plan on another 10- to 15-minute walk from the entrance to the viewing spots.
It’s also a good idea to check Angkor Wat weather in advance of your sunrise trip. Although the Siem Reap weather can change quickly and forecasts are somewhat unreliable, it can still provide some insight into whether or not you will have a clear morning.
Angkor Wat Opening Hours and Angkor Wat Pass
Angkor Wat opening times are 5:00am to 5:30pm every day of the week. You need to buy Angkor Wat tickets – called an Angkor Pass – from the official Angkor Wat Ticket Office or from the official website. Buying tickets for Angkor Wat from any other vendor will not be valid. Angkor Wat ticket office hours are also from 5:00am to 5:30pm.
Angkor Wat Temple Pass Options (2024)
- Angkor Wat 1 Day Pass ($37 USD)
- Angkor Wat 3 Day Pass ($62 USD)
- Angkor Wat 7 Day Pass ($72 USD)
Each Angkor Wat Pass is valid for 1, 3 or 7 days of entry into the Angkor Wat Temple Complex – but you do not need to visit on consecutive days. If you buy the 3-day Angkor temple pass, you can visit the temples on any three days within 10 days from the issue date. The 7-day Angkor Wat Pass is valid for seven days of entry one month from the issue date.
You can purchase the Angkor Pass with cash or credit card. A passport photo is required to purchase a ticket.
Angkor Wat Sunrise Ticket Tips
We recommend buying an Angkor Wat Pass at least a day prior to your sunrise excursion to avoid the hassle in the morning. If you are staying multiple days in Siem Reap, we recommend buying the 3-Day Angkor Wat tickets to allow for flexibility in your schedule of sightseeing and other tours.
However, if you are on an Angkor Wat One-Day Tour, we advise that you purchase your Angkor Wat 1 Day Pass the day prior to your visit. Tickets for the following day can either be purchased from the ticket office between 4:45pm and 5:30pm (they are valid for the rest of the day, as well as the entire following day) or online.
Top Tip: Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup temples stay open until 7:00pm for sunset…and we share tips about catching a phenomenal Angkor Wat sunset later in the article.
Angkor Wat Sunrise Best Viewing Spot
Finding the best spot to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat depends on what you want to achieve from your visit. Before you go, determine what your goal is from watching an Angkor Wat sunrise. Do you want to jockey for the best Angkor Wat sunrise photos or do you want to calmly relish the experience?
Before our trip, we didn’t quite believe the tales of the multitude of people that would be joining us. Sure enough, turns out watching the sun rising over Angkor Wat is an incredible popular event!
On our visit, the sunrise was at 5:54am and we arrived at the Angkor Wat entrance at about 5:25am when the sky was just beginning to change color. Hundreds of people were already there, densely packing into the area behind the left pool.
Tripods stood in a long line with the tips of their feet plunged into the water. We even witnessed a righteous photographer in waders march right into the pool to set up his camera in front of everyone else.
For us, watching Angkor Wat sunrise wasn’t about cramming in for the perfect photo op; we simply wanted the experience. We considered climbing to the elevated library porticos, but instead settled on watching sunrise from the right pool, where there were far fewer people.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat: What You Need To Know
Before you set that wake-up call, we have a few more tips for your Sunrise at Angkor Wat, so that you can hopefully enjoy the best experience!
What to Wear to Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Wearing appropriate clothing when visiting Angkor Wat – even for sunrise – is essential. Not only do you need to make sure you wear modest attire (pants that cover knees and shirts that cover shoulders), you also need clothing is suitable for the humid weather. Wear loose-fitting clothes, like these shirts, and capris or temple pants.
What To Bring for Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Dawn at Angkor Wat can be buggy – so be sure to bring some insect repellent. It’s also a good idea to carry a water bottle and a travel umbrella (for both shade and downpours!).
As quite a bit of walking is involved, be sure to wear comfortable travel shoes. I can walk for days in these Reef Flip Flops, but Kris wore Merrell Trail Shoes.
Wherever you decide to stand to watch the sunrise, you will want a proper travel camera to capture the moment. We shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel – and it is a fantastic Budget Camera for Travelers.
Once the sun comes up, it will be intense – so don’t forget your sunglasses or a travel hat with a brim. It’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, too, especially if you plan to stick around after sunrise and tour other temples.
Additionally, we recommend carrying all of your everyday travel items in a zippered day bag – like this small backpack that we rely on.
Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
If you don’t want to hassle with the details of visiting Angkor Wat at dawn, you can join a tour of Angkor Wat for sunrise. Let an Angkor temple guide make all the arrangements and lead the way on a full day of exploring – but you still have to wake up very early! Booking in advance is especially ideal when planning an Angkor Wat 1-Day Tour.
Watching an Angkor Wat Sunset
While sunrise at Angkor Wat gets a lot of fanfare, the sunset can be equally inspiring. Angkor Wat temple closes at 5:30pm, which is prior to dusk, but it is still possible to catch an Angkor sunset within the temple complex. The best temples in Siem Reap for watching sunset are Bakheng and Pre Rup – both of which stay open until 7:00pm. With an elevated viewpoint, a Phnom Bakheng sunset with vistas over Angkor Wat is a top choice!
Catching the sunset in ideal at the end of a long day of temple sightseeing. Visitors can plan the adventure on their own or join a guide on a Temple Exploration and Angkor Wat Sunset Tour (more info here).
Timing your sunset trip is equally essential. Check the sunset Siem Reap times so that you can plan the best time to go. While it is important to note the exact sunset time in Siem Reap, the sky is often most colorful after the sun dips below the horizon. Plan on staying at least 20 minutes after the Angkor Wat sunset to watch the sky change to the most impressive colors.
Top Tip: While Bakheng is touted as the best place to watch sunset in Angkor Wat, a Phnom Bakheng sunrise is also beautiful! Since we had already had a complete tour of Angkor Wat prior to our sunrise visit, as soon as the sun came up, we headed straight for Bakheng when it was still bathed in morning light – and it was peaceful and gorgeous!
Deciding Between an Angkor Wat Sunrise or Sunset?
We say do both! With a multiple day Angkor Wat ticket, you can plan to tour the temples late in the afternoon one day – ending with a Bakheng sunset. Then plan an early morning Angkor Wat sunrise tour followed by more exploring. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of day to visit Angkor Wat – and making the additional effort to see an Angkor Wat sunset and sunrise is totally worth it!
Planning a Trip to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Our final advice pertains to planning your trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia. We share trip planning tips in our articles: Things To Do in Siem Reap and 1-Week Cambodia Itinerary.
Before visiting Angkor Wat, it’s best to determine which temples you want to see. Our Guide to Siem Reap Temples outlines the top sights within the temple complex. We think it is a good idea to hire an Angkor Wat tour guide to best understand the details and history of the ancient site.
However, travelers on a budget and those who like to move at their own pace can benefit from using an Angkor travel guide book. There are hundreds of Angkor Wat books to choose from, but this one comes highly recommended.
Organize Your Siem Reap Trip
Planning the details of your trip to Cambodia can be overwhelming, as online information is often contradictory. Additionally, travelers are tasked with figuring out the Best Flights for Cheap, finding the Top Hotels at Great Rates, deciding what to pack and choosing the right travel insurance.
It ok, you can relax. Just grab our 26-page Travel Planner Printable that will help you stay organized for your vacation to SE Asia!
Start planning your trip to Cambodia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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