Planning your visit around the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat is the key to capturing the temple’s beauty under the most stunning light. Whether you’re drawn to the golden sunrise reflections or the calm amber glow at sunset, timing affects everything, from photos to crowd levels and temperature. At Impress Travel, we help you plan the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat temples with insider information, fine-tuned itineraries, and stress-free planning. Let your Angkor adventure start when the temple is at its most magical.
Of the two, if you have to choose only one, then sunrise wins. It is the most photogenic time at Angkor Wat, colors exploding behind the temple, mirrored in the water, and perfect for photos. That is why it’s said to be the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat.
But it comes with early mornings and big crowds.
Desire a less crowded ambiance? Sunset is calmer, with golden light shining directly on the temple’s front. It’s relaxing, peaceful, and still great for photos, especially if you dislike early wake-ups.
Best strategy? Do both. Buy your ticket after 5 PM the day before to see the sunset without paying, then arrive in the morning to experience the whole sunrise.
Seeking a perfect itinerary? Read our entire best time of day to visit Angkor Wat temples guide or check out our Cambodia Angkor Wat tour package for a customized sunrise-to-sunset experience.
To begin with, knowing the opening hours and entry mechanism is to go to the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat.
After 2025, Angkor Wat will be open daily between 5:00 AM and 6:00 PM. These longer opening hours give you flexibility to determine whether to watch sunrise, sunset, or both, depending on your travel rate.
There are two entry gates:
Ticket Tip: Catch the sunset without shelling out by buying your Angkor ticket after 5:00 PM the previous day you arrive. That lets you see it that evening without using up your ticket, then return in the morning for sunrise. A smart plan to see both on one pass.
Where to Get Tickets: All tickets must be purchased at the Angkor Enterprise Office, about 4 km from the main temple entrance gate. Lines form quickly before sunrise, so arrive as early as 4:30 AM if you’re looking for that signature dawn photo.
Getting There: Tuk-tuks are the most convenient and popular transport. They know the exact timing and where to drop you for the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat temples. Make sure to confirm pickup the evening before if doing sunrise.
Angkor Wat Opens 5 AM to 6 PM (Source: transviet)
Angkor Wat begins at 5:00 AM sharp, and the sunrise performance is conducted within a few minutes. The most photogenic moment typically happens between 5:30 to 6:15 AM when the first light comes directly behind the temple spires. Early morning is therefore the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat if you are seeking thatched iconic sunrise photos with temple reflections on glassy water.
Sunrise At Angkor Wat (Source: thebettercambodia)
Picture it as an early morning outdoor concert. By 5:15 AM, hundreds of tourists line up in front of the reflection pools. While mobs of people, there is something of a respect for one another, families, solo visitors, and photographers all waiting quietly for dawn. It is a powerful, shared experience that’s the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat.
Despite the throng, it is tranquil, respectful, and unforgettably sweet. Don’t be put off by the early morning wake-up or packed areas; the reward is well worth it.
Here are the top places to watch the sunrise, each with its perspective:
Sunrise at Angkor Reflection Pools (Source: enviettravel)
Southern Library Platform (Source: anywhereweroam)
Back Entrance Trail (Source: adventurescambodia)
Phnom Bakheng Hill (Source: expedia)
To make your sunrise visit smooth and comfortable, pack these basics:
If you’re not a morning person or simply prefer slow, golden afternoons, then sunset at Angkor Wat might be your perfect choice. The ideal timeframe to arrive is between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, when the heat starts to fade and the sun begins casting a soft, amber glow across the temple’s facade.
This is still within official opening hours, but here’s the secret, after 5:30 PM, guards often allow entry without checking tickets. That’s right, you may catch sunset for free, and save your official pass for the next morning’s sunrise. This makes sunset an excellent alternative for those wanting to experience the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat temples without spending extra.
Sunset Charm at Angkor Wat (Source: offbeatescapades)
Whereas during sunrise the light is behind the temple, at sunset the sun lights up Angkor Wat from the front, illuminating the temple towers in golden, bronzy, and burnt orange hues. It’s a striking sight that draws out the roughness of the ancient stones and intricacies of the carvings in a way morning light can only dream of.
This makes sunset ideal for architectural photography and art portrait photography. The afternoon light is the preferred choice of photographers over sunrise for detail, composition, and natural glow.
While sunrise is mobbed by massive crowds, sunset provides a more relaxed atmosphere. Fewer tour buses appear during this time, and plenty of travelers are sleeping or already having lunch in town. This means:
The peaceful environment provides you with room to gaze, reflect, and enjoy the temple’s beauty in your own time. If the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat for you entails tranquility and room to breathe, sunset wins.
Even though Angkor Wat itself is oriented westward, not every corner of it will provide a good sunset shot. Here’s where to be:
Back entrance lawns (Source: journeycambodia)
|
Aspect |
Sunrise (5:00 to 6:45 AM) |
Sunset (4:30 to 6:00 PM) |
|
Light Quality |
Backlighting and surreal sky colors (red, pink, orange). Creates dramatic reflections in the temple pond. |
Warm, golden light hits the temple face directly. Amazing for architectural detail and portrait shots. |
|
Crowd Level |
Very crowded, 500+ people gather around the reflection pools. |
Significantly quieter. Easier to set up your tripod and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. |
|
Wake-up Time |
Early! You’ll need to leave by 4:15 AM to get the best spot. |
More comfortable. Leave around 3:30 PM and still catch everything. |
|
Photo Impact |
Iconic postcard moment. Ideal for reflection and silhouette lovers. |
Better light for textures, carvings, and low-contrast portraits. |
|
Exploration Time |
Visit other temples right after, while the weather is still cool. |
Temple closes after sunset, no chance to explore further. |
For the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat, do not miss the following must-haves:
If you’re chasing the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat, location matters. Stay close to the park entrance to minimize travel time.
Top pick: Grand Venus La Residence
The Best Time of Day Angkor Wat depends on your style: choose sunrise for the view, sunset for the calm. If possible, do both.
The two best timeframes are:
These are the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat temples for comfort and photography.
Arrive early to grab a good spot near the reflection pools for that unforgettable shot.
It’s a great choice for people wanting the Best Time of Day Angkor Wat without the early morning or the crowds.
So, when is the best time to visit Angkor Wat temples? If you are drawn to breathtaking reflections and the famous silhouette at sunrise, morning is your time. If you like tranquility, warm golden light, and fewer people, sunset is equally magical. For the most rewarding experience, do both. With Impress Travel, you can plan a stress-free visit at the optimum time, seeing Angkor Wat at its absolute best.
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