Angkor Wat Sunrise: Best Time, Spots & How Early to Arrive
Plan sunrise at Angkor Wat: when to leave Siem Reap, where to stand, what to expect and how to continue your temple day.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
Plan sunrise at Angkor Wat: when to leave Siem Reap, where to stand, what to expect and how to continue your temple day.
Is Angkor Wat sunrise worth it?
For a first visit, yes if you are comfortable with an early start. The silhouette of Angkor Wat over the western ponds is iconic, but it is also one of the busiest moments of the day.
How early should you arrive?
The park opens from 5:00 AM. Sunrise time varies through the year, so check the exact time the evening before and aim to be at the temple well before first light rather than arriving as the sun appears.
Where to stand
The reflection ponds inside the western entrance are the classic locations. The northern pond often gives the familiar mirrored composition. Move around rather than assuming the densest crowd has chosen the only good spot.
What to do after sunrise
Instead of immediately returning to Siem Reap, continue through Angkor Wat while the morning is relatively cool. Another strategy is to leave Angkor Wat after sunrise for a quieter temple, then return later.
Plan the whole route
Pair sunrise with our 1-day itinerary, Small Circuit guide and tuk-tuk prices.
Practical note
Rules, access conditions and prices can change. For ticketing and visitor regulations, check the official Angkor Enterprise and APSARA National Authority information shortly before your visit.
Hey It's Cambodia practical take
The mistake I would avoid
Do not spend the entire sunrise standing in one fixed crowd just because that is where everyone else stopped. The light changes quickly and moving a few metres can completely change the composition.
What happens after sunrise matters more than people think
The best sunrise plan is also a route plan. Decide before dawn whether you will stay inside Angkor Wat, move to Angkor Thom or go straight to a quieter temple while large groups are still concentrated near the western entrance.
Keep planning
1 day Angkor itinerary · Angkor sunrise vs sunset · Best time of day · Angkor photography guide