16 Things to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat for Sunrise
Angkor Wat, nestled in the heart of Cambodia’s Siem Reap province, is not just a monument; it’s a living testament to the rich history and artistry of the Khmer Empire. This colossal temple complex, surrounded by lush jungles and shimmering moats, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring architectural and archaeological wonders. Before you embark on your journey to explore Angkor Wat and the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park, we’ve set out the 16 Things to Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat for Sunrise. This travel guide is to ensure your trip will be both enlightening and unforgettable.
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1. About Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world. It is located in the northwestern part of Cambodia, close to the city of Siem Reap. The temple complex was built in the early 12th century during the Khmer Empire’s peak under the rule of King Suryavarman II. This adds to the grandeur of the Angkor Wat history.
The Angkor Park contains numerous temples and historical sites and is renowned for its stunning architecture. For example, the main temple’s design is said to be a representation of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods. The temple still remains an active place of worship for Buddhists and there
2. How to get to Angkor Wat
There are many ways of getting to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap!
Arguably the best method is hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. This is quite common practice as a driver’s main income will be from taxi tourists to Angkor Wat every day. When booking a tuk-tuk, drivers will normally charge $30 US dollars (20,500 Cambodian Riel) for the day. Our advice is to try and get four or five people in your group to make the price more manageable per person.
Every driver will take you to the Angkor Wat Ticket Office to start (even for sunrise) before taking you to each temple you want to go to. They’ll happily wait at each temple until you’re all temple-d out before returning you back to your hotel in Siem Reap. This option allows you to go at your own pace whilst having the security of knowing you have a ride home.
The second best option is going on a tour. This gives you the security of knowing everything is sorted in one payment so you can relax and fully enjoy your experience. It also gives you a chance to meet lots of new people, if you desire, and experience everything Angkor Wat has to offer in a relaxed environment. Some tours will also have professional guides included which will allow you to get that bit extra out of your visit when visiting the temples.
There are many tours to choose from such as:
Alternatively, you can hire a bike. This is by far the cheapest method and again gives you the freedom to take things at your own pace. It also gives you the option of going with friends in a convoy and still allows you to hire a guide at Angkor Wat.
3. When is the best time to visit Angkor Wat?
Whilst Cambodia, and Angkor Wat by extension, is warm throughout the year, it still has a dry season (November to May) and a rainy season (May to October).
The dry season is understandably far more popular with visitors given the favourable Angkor Wat weather conditions so temples will be more crowded. The rainy season brings more precipitation but this usually occurs during a singular torrential downpour and has wider benefits for the environment. Whenever you visit is purely about personal preference and if you don’t mind having people scattered around or aren’t a fan of rain, then the dry season is for you.
For us, we visited in the back half of the dry season and found the crowds to be very manageable and didn’t bother us at all. However, you will find the price can increase during peak tourist season.
4. Should you see the sunset or sunrise at Angkor Wat?
As you can imagine, both the sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat are incredible and well worth visiting.
However, if you’re going to pick one then, in our opinion, it has to be sunrise. There isn’t an experience quite like it and definitely a bucket list activity. Even though you do wake up un-naturally early, it’s such an exciting start to the day that turns into calm as the sun rises above the temple. That said, the sunrise provides a great way to end your day as allows you the opportunity to fully relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
5. How much does it cost to go to Angkor Wat?
The current cost of visiting Angkor Wat is:
- 1-day pass at $37
- 3-day pass = $62 (valid for 10 days)
- 7-day pass = $72 (valid for 1 month)
You now have a choice of buying tickets online or at the dedicated Angkor Wat ticket office. All passes are named and require a photo in order to validate it.
Tickets have only recently been able to purchase online and you must purchase from the official government website. Be cautious of any other websites as these are fake. Be sure to select “Angkor” as your selected location and indicate the first day of your visit. You’ll then be asked for personal information, such as nationality, before uploading a photo of yourself.
The only way you’ve previously been able to purchase a ticket is through the singular ticket office in Siem Reap which is located at the junction of 60 Street and Aspara Road. This is still the only place you’re able to purchase a physical ticket. If you’re visiting to watch the Angkor sunrise, it’s likely your driver will take you to the ticket office at the start of your visit. The ticket office is open between 5am and 5:30pm and you can pay by card or in Cambodian dollars.
6. Where should you stay to see Angkor Wat?
In order to optimise your trip to Angkor Wat, you must stay in the nearby city of Siem Reap. Whilst it is Cambodia’s second largest city and most commonly known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, it is much more than this. It has so many great places to eat and things to do. If you’re not visiting the Landmine Museum or browsing the markets, you’ll definitely be soaking up the atmosphere at Pub Street. For more information, make sure to check out our Backpackers Guide to Siem Reap.
7. What is the best way to visit Angkor Wat?
The best way depends completely on your personal preference. We found the best and most enjoyable way for us was to hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day, along with a couple of our friends, and get them to take us around for the day. Between the five of us, it was only $5 each so the price was excellent. Our driver stayed with us throughout the whole day, took us to collect the tickets in the morning and gave us some great recommendations!
8. Do you need to book a tour or hire a guide to see the Angkor Wat sunrise?
Not at all! You can go the whole day without having to do so but we regret not hiring a guide for the main Angkor Wat temple. Whilst we were travelling on a budget, we likely missed out on lots of valuable and insightful information. That said, you can still experience all the temples without having to hire a guide. Our personal preference was also not to book a tour so we could enjoy it at our own pace. Nonetheless, it may be someone’s cup of tea and a great way to meet like-minded people!
9. Where is the best place to take a photo of the Angkor Wat sunrise?
As you can imagine, there are loaads of Angkor Wat sunrise spots. However, by far the best place to take a photo of the Angkor sunrise is opposite the main temple by the reflecting pool. This pond gives you the perfect reflection of the Angkor temple and a one-in-a-lifetime, even bucket lists, experience! However, bear in mind everyone else will have this thought so be sure to get the spot as soon as possible.
10. What facilities are there at Angkor Wat?
You’ll be surprised but there are quite a lot of facilities at Angkor Wat. The main temple, for example, has toilets, food and souvenir stalls for you to use or purchase. Some stalls offer hot food but there is always packet food available if you’re not in a trusting mood. However, most importantly, there’s also coffee available. Our favourite was “License to Coffee” and was absolutely what we needed at that time in the morning! Whilst not every one of Angkor Wat’s temples will have toilet or food facilities, it’s likely most will but don’t count on it!
Guides will also be hanging around the temples in the hope you employ their services. Whilst we managed without, we definitely felt we would’ve gotten more out of visiting the main temple with a guide. That said, don’t let them overcharge you and it’s completely acceptable to barter. Having spoken to our friends who did get guides, if you’re able to hire one for around $15 then that’s a good deal.
11. How many temples are there at Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat covers over 400km squared in area and houses over 1,000 temples, 72 of which are classed as “the main temples”. As you can imagine, there are so many that you definitely couldn’t see them all in a day.
Over time Angkor Wat has been developed into two different “circuits” but these are by no means rigid and each driver you have will take you to anyone you please. The small circuit is the most popular for visitors and takes up to six hours, especially for those looking to spend one day around Angkor Wat, as it allows you to see the most popular temples. This includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Prasat Suor Prat, just to name a few. The Grand Circuit on the other hand includes all of the temples on the small circuit, takes up to 10 hours, but includes some beauties like Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som.
12. How long should you spend at Angkor Wat?
As we’ve alluded to above, you can choose to either purchase a one, three or seven-day pass.
If you’re short on time, you can absolutely spend just one day at Angkor Wat and feel like you’ve seen everything the UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer. We ended up going around the small circuit, which took up a considerable amount of the day and whilst exhausting, was incredibly enjoyable! The main temple is obviously incredible and a must-visit but we also particularly enjoyed Ta Prohm, most famous for featuring in the Lara Croft movies. Although, afterwards we definitely felt like we saw enough Angkor temples to last us a while!
There’s also an option of spending three days around this beautiful area. The best bit about purchasing this pass is that you don’t have to use it in consecutive days but it must be used within 10 days. This gives you the ability to have a day or two relaxing in-between visits. A three-day pass allows you to explore both the big and small circuits on separate days and get a chance to really enjoy the beautiful architecture.
If you enjoy beautiful architecture and have the time and budget, why not purchase a seven-day pass?! This gives you the ability to see as many temples as you like, at your own pace and even go off the beaten track should you wish.
Overall, how long you spend at Angkor Wat depends on a number of factors such as whether you’re traveling on a budget, enjoy architecture or if you simply have the time! Personally, we’d recommend purchasing either a one or three-day pass as both are great options for seeing as much of Angkor Wat as you like!
13. What should you take with you to Angkor Wat?
If you’re backpacking a budget then we’d highly recommend taking plenty of snacks and water with you. Be prepared for a full day of walking around seeing the sights so you’ll need energy and fluids to keep you going. In a similar vein, make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Something that’s lightweight and comfortable to walk around it. As it’s likely the sun will be blaring down, a hat and sunscreen are very much highly recommended. However, no packing list is complete without a good camera where you can take snaps to your heart’s content!
14. Some extra tips for visiting Angkor Wat
- Be sure to get there early to get a good viewpoint and picture-taking spot.
- Plan which parts you want to see before you go.
- Wear comfy shoes.
- Wear appropriate clothing. In order to get a ticket, you must bring your ID and they take a photo of you.
- Don’t go with too many people.
- Download a map of the area so you know how to find your way back.
15. Is the sunrise at Angkor Wat worth it?
Without a doubt yes!! Whilst we were incredibly fortunate to see some amazing sunrises throughout our travels, the sunrise at Angkor Wat was without doubt one of the best. Admittedly, the early morning isn’t appealing beforehand or at the time but it’s a memory that will last a lifetime. If someone asked me now what were your highlights of visiting Cambodia, seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat is up there.
16. Is Angkor Wat safe?
In short, yes. But, you should keep your wits about you by not leaving any belongings unattended or flashing expensive items or money. Whilst I can never say tourists haven’t been robbed, take all the precautions necessary so you aren’t one.
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There you have it, the 16 things you need to know before visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise! From knowing how many days to spend at Angkor Wat, what to bring and whether to hire a tour guide for the duration of your visit, this guide has everything you need to know. Hopefully, you now won’t even be questioning is Angkor Wat worth seeing given all the beauty it possesses. If you couldn’t tell by all of our posts on Cambodia so far, we absolutely loved the country and Angkor Wat was no exception and was definitely worth a visit.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
This guide is fantastic! Angkor Wat truly stands as a breathtaking testament to Khmer architecture and history. Your tips on getting there, especially the tuk-tuk advice and tour options, are incredibly helpful. Visiting at sunrise must add an extra layer of magic to the experience. Thank you for sharing these insightful details
Thank you for sharing such a comprehensive guide to Angkor Wat! The insights about sunrise visits, practical tips on transportation, and detailed ticketing information make it incredibly helpful for travelers planning their adventure. I especially admire how the guide emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of the site while also providing practical advice to enhance the experience. It truly captures the magic of this iconic destination!
Thank you for the helpful guide on visiting Angkor Wat! I love how you’ve laid out the different transportation options and tours. The sunrise experience sounds incredible, and your tips on the best photo spots and booking tickets are really useful. This post will definitely help future travelers make the most of their visit!
Great Post!
Thank you so much for sharing this incredible guide! The detailed information about visiting Angkor Wat for sunrise is invaluable. From the best times to visit, how to get there, to the helpful tips on what to bring, I truly appreciate the effort that went into creating such a comprehensive resource. The advice about hiring a tuk-tuk driver or a guide, and the suggestion to get to the sunrise spot early for the perfect photo, is exactly what travelers need to make the most of their visit. This post has made me even more excited to experience Angkor Wat and I’m sure it will be a memorable adventure.
I loved how you captured the magic of sunrise at Angkor Wat—it truly looks breathtaking. Your tips on timing and where to watch really help set expectations for first‑time visitors. This guide makes me even more excited to plan my own visit!