Summary
The Angkor Wat is an impressive and famous monument of ancient history, and there’s no better time to see it than at sunrise. This site is one of the most popular and beautiful sunrise spots in the world. However, you’ll encounter crowds of tourists eager to secure a front-row seat for the Angkor Wat sunrise. Consequently, witnessing this breathtaking experience is something you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Is It Worth It?
The short answer is a resounding YES! The sunrise presents an iconic view of the Angkor Wat, and given that you’ve already journeyed this far, it’s well worth the early start. However, prepare to wake up early—around 4:30 AM.
How Can I See It?
First, connect with a Siem Reap driver/guide and inform them of your desire to schedule the sunrise tour. Many drivers are familiar with this request and will know exactly where to take you.
The driver will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 AM and will first take you to the Angkor Wat ticket office to purchase your entry ticket. You can buy this ticket the day prior if that suits you; however, it generally doesn’t take long to obtain it. Both cash and credit card payments are accepted.
Getting To The Temples
After securing your ticket, your driver will take you to the main Angkor Wat temple, which is conveniently located a short distance from Siem Reap. Upon arriving at the Angkor Wat parking area, expect it to remain dark outside; you’ll likely be half-awake and trying to orient yourself amidst the confusion.
Cross the bridge and head east until you reach the ponds. Feel free to consult Google Maps to navigate your way. In the event you lose your way, simply follow the throngs of sunrise-seeking tourists—everyone typically moves in the same direction while brandishing selfie sticks and tripods.
What Are The Best Photo Spots?
There are two reflective ponds situated in front of the Angkor Wat temples that act as the primary photo spots for the sunrise. Observing them on the Google map can be helpful. While both ponds offer subtle differences in views, I personally prefer the south pond as it conceals any renovation work on one of the towers behind a palm tree. Yet, many tourists seem to favor the north pond as well.
Your choice between the ponds may depend on the season and recent rainfall. During my last visit in May, which falls in the dry season, the north pond was devoid of water, providing no reflections for photographs. Fortunately, these ponds are merely about 50 meters apart. The south pond maintained sufficient water levels even during the dry season, making it the ideal location for capturing my photos.
Best Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
If you’re searching for an experienced Siem Reap driver or guide to assist you, Klook offers a private Angkor Wat sunrise tour by tuk-tuk for $19 USD or a shared tour for $12 USD. Both options receive favorable reviews and showcase competitive pricing. Klook has proven to be a reliable option for various tours and activities globally.
Where We Stayed
During our stay, we chose the 4-star La Residence Blanc D’Angkor in Siem Reap, which cost $18 USD per night for a clean double room complete with cold A/C, work desk, refrigerator, wardrobe, and more. Moreover, the hotel features an on-site restaurant and swimming pool.
The staff was exceptionally friendly, and I appreciated the stunning wall art depicting scenes from Angkor Wat, which truly set the mood for exploring the fascinating Cambodian temple ruins. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s wise to watch for good deals.
