Best Angkor Wat Sunset Times and the Spots You Can’t Miss

I’ve seen the magic of sunset at Angkor Wat, and it’s unforgettable. This place is huge, covering 248 square miles. It has over 50 temples to see. As the day ends, the sunset turns these temples golden.

The best time for sunset at Angkor Wat changes with the seasons. In winter, it’s around 5:30 PM. Summer is a bit later, until 6:30 PM. Spring and fall are perfect, with sunset at 6:00 PM. Every visit is stunning.

Think about getting a 3-day pass for $62. This lets you explore slowly and see the sunset from different spots.

But remember, the park closes at 5:30 PM. Plan to get there early for the best spot.

Table of Contents

Chasing Golden Hours: Your Sunset Secrets at Angkor’s Ancient Playground

Key Takeaways

Angkor Wat covers 248 square miles with over 50 temples
Sunset times vary seasonally from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
A 3-day pass costs $62 and offers flexible exploration
The Angkor Archaeological Park closes at 5:30 PM
Winter months (December to February) see the most visitors
Shoulder seasons offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds
Comfortable shoes and modest clothing are essential for temple visits

Angkor Wat and Its Sunset Appeal

I’m always amazed by Angkor Wat’s history. It’s the biggest religious monument in the world, built in the early 12th century. The outer wall is over two miles long, making it huge.

Angkor Wat faces west, which is rare for Khmer temples. This makes it perfect for watching sunsets. That’s why it’s a top spot for sunset views in Cambodia.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. It has almost a thousand temples from the 9th to 14th centuries. At sunset, the stones glow in a warm light, showing off their beauty.

Pass Duration	Price (USD)	Recommended For
1-day	37	Quick visits
3-day	62	In-depth exploration
7-day	72	Thorough archaeology enthusiasts

Plan to spend at least 2 to 2.5 hours at Angkor Wat. It gets very hot, so don’t forget water. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, drawing millions each year.

Private Angkor Wat Sunset Tour | Guided Full-Day Temple Tour [with Phnom Bakheng sunset]

Understanding Angkor Wat Sunset Time

Angkor Wat’s timing is key for a great sunset. The best time to see the sunset changes with the seasons. Each season brings a unique experience.

Seasonal variations in sunset times

Sunset times at Angkor Wat change with the seasons. In summer, the sun sets later, around 6:35 PM. Winter sunsets come earlier. This changes the lighting and mood of your visit.

Optimal months for sunset viewing

The dry season, from November to February, is best for sunset. The skies are clear, and the weather is nice. You’ll see vibrant colors and clear views of the temples at sunset.

Impact of weather conditions on sunset experiences

Weather affects your sunset view. Clear skies give you the best views. Clouds can make the scene more dramatic. Here’s how weather changes your experience:

Weather Condition	Sunset Experience	Photography Tips
Clear Sky	Vibrant colors, sharp silhouettes	Use wide-angle lens for panoramic shots
Partly Cloudy	Dramatic sky, varied light patterns	Adjust exposure for cloud detail
Overcast	Soft, diffused light	Focus on architectural details
Light Rain	Unique atmosphere, reflections	Protect gear, capture water effects

Angkor Wat travel tips often say to be flexible. Check the weather forecast daily for the best sunset.

Top Sunset Viewing Spots at Angkor Archaeological Park

I love to travel and take photos. This guide will show you the best places to see the sunset at Angkor Wat. You’ll find unforgettable spots for watching the sun go down.

Angkor Archaeological Park has many great places for sunset watching. I’ve picked my top spots. Each one gives a special view of this ancient place.

Viewing Spot	Unique Feature	Best For
Phnom Bakheng	360-degree panoramic view	Classic Angkor Wat silhouette
Pre Rup	Elevated temple structure	Forest canopy views
Srah Srang	Reflective water surface	Serene water reflections
Hot Air Balloon	200 meters above ground	Aerial perspectives

For a special experience, try a hot air balloon ride. You’ll be 200 meters up, seeing Angkor Wat’s best views as the sun sets.

Angkor Park is open from 5 am to 7 pm every day. A one-day pass is $37, great for seeing both sunrise and sunset. Use the Angkor Sunset Finder to find the best spots. It lists 34 places to watch the sunset, helping you avoid crowds.

Pre Rup: The Temple of Ethereal Sunsets

Pre Rup is a top spot for watching the sunset at Angkor Wat. It’s a 10th-century temple mountain with amazing views of Cambodia. It’s perfect for taking photos of the sunset.

Historical Significance

Pre Rup was built to honor the Hindu god Shiva. It might have been a place for royal cremations. The temple looks warm in the evening light, making it magical.

Best Vantage Points

Climb to the top of the temple for the best views. The steps are steep but lead to amazing sights. I found quiet spots away from the crowds for a special sunset.

Photography Tips

To capture Pre Rup’s beauty, use warm tones and the sky’s colors. Try taking photos with silhouettes and slow shutter speeds. Don’t forget a tripod for low light.

Photography Gear	Recommended Settings	Best Time
Wide-angle lens	f/8, ISO 100	1 hour before sunset
Tripod	Shutter speed: 1/15 – 1 sec	During golden hour
ND filters	Aperture priority mode	15 minutes after sunset

Pre Rup is a mix of history and beauty. It’s a must-see at sunset. It leaves visitors with lasting memories.

Phnom Bakheng: The Classic Sunset Destination

I found the best spot for an amazing Angkor Wat sunset. Phnom Bakheng is a temple near Angkor Wat. It’s loved by over 1,000 visitors every day for its stunning sunset views.

This spot on the hill gives you a wide view of the area. It’s one of the top places to see the sunset at Angkor Wat.

It’s best to get there around 4 pm. This lets you climb the temple and find a great spot to watch the sunset. You’ll see people from all over the world, making it even more magical.

Getting to Phnom Bakheng is easy and won’t break the bank. Tuktuks are a good choice, costing about $5 from Siem Reap. If you’re on an Angkor Wat tour, you can also get private transport:

Transportation	Capacity	Cost
Private Tuktuk	1-4 persons	$7
Private Car	4+ persons	$20-$40

Watching the sun set over the ancient temples is special. Angkor Wat was built between 800-1300 AD. It was once the center of a city with nearly 0.1% of the world’s people. Now, it’s in a huge 1,000 square kilometer area that welcomes over 2.5 million visitors every year.

Discover the Magic of Angkor: Unforgettable Private Sunset Tour

Experience the ancient wonders of Cambodia bathed in golden light with our exclusive Angkor Wat Sunset Tour. This 10-hour adventure takes you on a journey through time, culminating in a breathtaking sunset view over the iconic temples.

Key Features:

Duration: 10 hours (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Highlights: Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng sunset
Includes: Private guide, air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup/drop-off
Ideal for: History enthusiasts, photographers, couples, families (12+)
Price: From $125 for two people

Tour Highlights:

Explore majestic Angkor Thom and enigmatic Bayon Temple
Wander through jungle-clad Ta Prohm Temple
Marvel at the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat temple
Witness a mesmerizing sunset from Phnom Bakheng hilltop

Our Angkor Wat Sunset Tour offers an intimate, crowd-free experience with expert local guides who bring history to life. The flexible itinerary allows customization based on your interests, while providing iconic photo opportunities in the magical golden hour light.

Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transport between temples, avoiding the midday heat. Our guides provide insider access to hidden spots and share stories you won’t find in guidebooks, ensuring a deep, enriching experience of Angkor’s wonders.

Don’t miss this chance to create lifelong memories. Book your Angkor Wat Sunset Tour today and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ancient Cambodia.

Srah Srang: Tranquil Sunsets by the Water

I found a secret spot for taking pictures at Angkor Wat in the evening. Srah Srang, also called the Royal Bath, has amazing sunset views. They are as good as the famous places.

The Royal Bath’s Historical Significance

Srah Srang was made in the mid-10th century. Later, Jayavarman VII updated it in 1200. It’s a big reservoir with beautiful stone rails and animals on them. This shows the amazing Khmer art.

Prime Viewing Locations

The west side of Srah Srang is the best for watching the sunset. I got there at 4:00 PM to get a great spot. I saw the sky change colors in the water.

Captivating Photo Opportunities

Srah Srang is perfect for photographers. It’s great for taking pictures of Angkor Wat in the water. The calm water makes beautiful reflections of the sky and trees.

Time	Lighting Conditions	Photo Opportunities
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Soft, warm light	Landscape shots, silhouettes
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Golden hour	Reflections, color-rich compositions
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Twilight	Long exposures, moody scenes

For great photos, use a wide-angle lens and a tripod in low light. Try different angles to capture the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Lesser-Known Sunset Spots: Hidden Gems of Angkor

I found some amazing places to watch the sunset at Angkor Wat. These spots are peaceful, unlike the busy places everyone goes to. One spot I love is the causeway crossing the moat to Angkor Thom. Here, you can see statues of gods and demons as the sun sets.

Another great place is Neak Prean, a small temple by water. Its boardwalk gives a special sunset view. Make sure to add these spots to your Angkor Wat plan for a quiet sunset.

Here are some tips for visiting these hidden gems:

Start your exploration around 5:00 PM
Bring a good camera to capture the stunning views
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain
Pack insect repellent for a more enjoyable experience

For a peaceful sunset, visit the city wall by the West or South gate of Angkor Thom. These spots are quiet and have amazing views. Most visitors leave after 7:00 PM, so plan your visit.

Adding these hidden gems to your Angkor Wat plan makes your trip unforgettable. You’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful beauty of these spots. Trust me, the quiet and beautiful views are worth finding these hidden places.