It’s that wonderful time of year again when the sun magically rises over the center tower of Angkor Wat! It happens twice a year, in March and September and it’s one of the biggest events on Angkor Wat’s calendar drawing crowds of upwards of 10,000 people.
It’s one of the world’s most unique experiences, where man meets the astronomical world through the vision of the ancient master architects.
Which day of the three is best to go?
The September equinox also called the autumnal or fall equinox, takes place over three days with a waxing day, peak day, and waning day. In September it’s also mid-rainy season, so cloud cover is the norm which can sometimes work to enhance the golden glow and drama of the event, or in extreme cases block it completely. I suggest visiting each day to catch those different effects the clouds might bring into play, and, if cloud cover is extreme, the sun will likely break through on at least one of the days.
What time can you see the equinox event?
Angkor Wat opens at 5.00 AM and people will slowly start drifting in and before too long, pouring in. It will still be dark at that time so make use of your camera phone light as you make your way from the car park.
These times are based on last year’s event:
- Around 5:20 AM the morning twilight begins, sometimes providing wonderful colours as the light bounces off the clouds, contrasting against the unlit temple.
- Around 6:00 AM, the sun starts to emerge from behind the temple and it takes about 15 minutes or so to ascend above the tower’s peak.
- Around 6:25 AM, the sun is well on its way above the temple.
Where’s the best place to watch the spectacle?
There are numerous options, I’ll list the popular spots and alternatives
- Outer Moat – grab a seat at the edge of the outer moat, north or south of the causeway, and you can have a relatively peaceful spot and still watch the sun come up over the tower peak and the entire complex.
- West Gopura (entrance pavilion) – the central passageway is a wildly popular place to stand for good reason. It gives you a raised view looking straight along the entrance causeway and the centerline of the temple. The downside is that it’s super busy, and everyone else wants that position too! Alternatively, you can sit on the ledge of the gopura on either side of the causeway, but those spots can get filled quickly too.
- Central Causeway – a prime location where you can also get the central view and it too will be packed, but there is wonderful comradery in sharing the unique experience that’s coming. In fact, for many, that is what truly makes the event special. If the crowd is too much, I have found in previous years, if you head closer to the temple it thins out and it’s quite relaxed.
- North and South Libraries – you won’t be on the centerline, but the views are still impressive.
- North and South Ponds – these are the classical Angkor Wat sunrise spots and they still work well for the equinox event.
Here’s what you can expect at those alternative suggestions, the ledge of the west gopura, the library and in the next set, the central area of the causeway.
The view from the relaxing area of the central area of the central causeway (September 2023).
See here for Sunrise spots at Angkor Wat for other times of the year and here for more about the equinox event in general.
Angkor Wat Tickets
Tickets can only be purchased from the Angkor Ticket Office on Road 60 opposite Sokha Hotel, or, online at angkorenterprise.gov.kh. You can purchase your ticket in advance at the ticket office after 4.30 pm on the day before, or anytime online. More info on tickets and the Angkor Special Pass here.
What is the equinox anyway?
The solar equinox is the time of the year when the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth’s equator. This results in nearly equal amounts of daylight and nighttime across the globe. There are two equinoxes each year:
- Spring (Vernal) Equinox: Occurs around late March in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the beginning of spring. In the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the start of autumn.
- Autumnal Equinox: This happens around late September in the Northern Hemisphere, indicating the start of fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the beginning of spring.
During an equinox, the Earth’s axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun, leading to this balance in day and night length. Masterfully, the architects of Angkor Wat aligned the temple and its central tower perfectly with this event.
Other Tips
- Hire an official guide – they can fast-track you there and to the best spots
- Get there early if you want a prime spot
- Take water – you’ll be there for a while
- Chill with the crowd and soak up the unique spirit