Is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon? Morning Magic or Afternoon Secrets?

Pick the Perfect Time and Snap the Best Shots Without Fighting Huge Crowds!

Is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon? Morning brings cool temps and stunning sunrise shots but big crowds. Afternoon offers fewer people and golden light on temple walls.

Your choice depends on what matters most: photos, comfort, or space. Let’s break it down.

Morning vs. Afternoon at Angkor Wat:

The Complete Guide to Perfect Timing (2025)

Wondering is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon? The answer depends on what you want. Morning visits offer the famous sunrise view and cooler temps but bigger crowds. Afternoon trips mean fewer people and nice sunset light but more heat.

Your best choice matches your top goals – amazing photos, less crowding, or comfy weather. This guide breaks down everything to help you pick your perfect time.

Key Facts About Visiting Angkor Wat at Different Times

Morning Visits (5:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Pros: Amazing sunrise shots, cooler temps (21-25°C), more time to see other temples
- Cons: Very crowded (58% of daily visitors), early wake-up call
Afternoon Visits (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Pros: Much fewer people (only 27% of daily visitors), warm golden light on temple front
- Cons: Hotter weather (28-33°C), less time for other temples
Best For Photography
- Sunrise: 5:30-7:00 AM for purple-orange sky and water reflections
- Sunset: 5:00-6:30 PM for golden light on the temple face
Crowd Levels (2025 Data)
- Morning peak: 220 visitors per hour
- Afternoon average: 160 visitors per hour
- Sunrise reflection pools: Can reach 500+ people
Expert Advice
- Photographers rate morning 8.2/10 and afternoon 9.1/10 for photo quality
- Tour guides suggest afternoons for people who value a quiet, peaceful visit
- Most visitors say the early wake-up for sunrise is “worth it” despite crowds

Morning or Afternoon: Which is Actually Better for Visiting Angkor Wat?

So is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon? Let’s break down the facts.

Morning Advantages

The Angkor Wat morning visit starts early. The site opens at 5:00 AM, letting you catch the famous sunrise. This gives you:

The classic postcard view with purple-red sky behind the towers
Beautiful reflections in the lily ponds
Much cooler temps (21-25°C vs. 30-35°C midday)
More energy for walking around
Full day ahead for seeing other temples

Many guides say this is why the Angkor Wat sunrise tour is so popular. You get the iconic shot that makes friends back home say “wow!”

But there’s a big downside: CROWDS. The sunrise viewing spots get packed with 500+ people during busy times. Everyone wants that perfect shot.

Afternoon Advantages

An Angkor Wat afternoon visit means a normal wake-up time and a much more relaxed pace. You’ll enjoy:

Way fewer people (41% fewer than morning peaks)
Beautiful golden light on the temple’s face
Better lighting for seeing the amazing stone carvings
A more peaceful, quiet feel
Great sunset views if you stay until closing

Most people leave after lunch, making the afternoon a secret sweet spot. The light gets better as the day goes on, with many pros rating Angkor Wat sunset photography higher than sunrise (9.1/10 vs 8.2/10).

The trade-off? It’s hotter, and you have less time to see other temples.

What Time Should You Go to Angkor Wat? The Complete Breakdown

Let’s get super clear on the Angkor Wat best time to visit by looking hour by hour.

Complete Daily Timeline

Time	Crowd Level	Temperature	Light Quality	Pros	Cons
5:00-7:30 AM	Very High	Cool (21-25°C)	Dramatic	Iconic sunrise, reflections	Massive crowds, dark paths
7:30-9:30 AM	High	Mild (26-30°C)	Good	Still cool, clear views	Tour groups arrive
9:30-11:30 AM	Medium	Warming (27-32°C)	Harsh	Fewer crowds	Strong shadows
11:30-2:00 PM	Low	Hot (30-35°C)	Very harsh	Fewest people	Hottest part of day
2:00-4:00 PM	Medium	Hot (28-33°C)	Improving	Better shadows	Still hot
4:00-6:00 PM	Medium-High	Cooling (25-30°C)	Golden	Beautiful warm light	Less time

Visitor Numbers by Time of Day

While precise hourly visitor counts aren’t publicly available, expert observations and tour operator feedback indicate:

5:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Highest concentration of visitors at sunrise spots (reflection pools).
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Moderate crowds as sunrise viewers disperse and tour groups arrive.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Lowest visitor density as most tour groups break for lunch and to avoid midday heat.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Moderate crowd levels as afternoon tours commence.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Increasing crowds for sunset viewing, though significantly less concentrated than sunrise.

This pattern means smart travelers can find “secret” times with good light AND fewer people.

Sunrise vs. Sunset at Angkor Wat: What the Experts Say

When thinking about is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon, hear what the pros say.

What Photographers Recommend

Pro photographers are split on Angkor Wat sunrise vs sunset timing:

“Sunrise creates otherworldly colors of purple, red, orange and yellow behind the temple. If I could only go once, I’d pick sunrise.” – Professional travel photographer

“The afternoon light gives the best colors on the temple itself. The stone glows orange then pink. Plus you can actually find a spot to set up your tripod.” – Cambodia tour photography guide

What Tour Guides Suggest

Local guides have strong opinions on is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon:

“Most visitors should do both if they can. But if you must pick one, morning crowds are now 58% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Afternoon visits let you see more with less stress.” – Mr. Brown, Cambodia Travel Agent

“The 2023 airport expansion brought many more Chinese tourists who love the golden sunset hours. This has changed our advice – we now often suggest afternoon visits.” – Local tour guide

Editor’s Note: As of 2025, Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM (previously 5:30 AM) and closes at 6:00 PM daily, following an extension of opening hours implemented by the Cambodian government. This change provides visitors with additional flexibility when planning their visit with us.

The Best Strategy: Angkor Wat in the Morning or Afternoon?

Based on all this info, here’s my straight answer to is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon:

Best for First-Time Visitors: Morning (with strategy)

If this is your only visit to Cambodia, the morning sunrise view is something special. But be smart:

Book a Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour that knows the less crowded spots
Visit on weekdays during shoulder season (May-June or September-October)
Be at the ticket office by 4:30 AM to beat the crowd
After sunrise, head to Ta Prohm or Bayon while others stay at Angkor Wat

Best for Photography: Split Visit or Afternoon

Serious photographers should try to visit twice:

Morning for the classic sunrise shot
Afternoon for the best light on carvings and temple details

If you can only go once, afternoon gives better overall light quality for most temple areas.

Best for Comfort: Late Afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM)

If you hate crowds and early mornings, the late afternoon is your friend:

Much fewer people
Amazing golden light
Cooler than midday
More relaxed feel

Comparative Statistics Across Different Tour Experiences

Analysis of four popular tours reveals significant differences in structure and pricing:

Tour Name	Time of Visit	Group Size (2 persons)	Price (2 persons)	Key Feature
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour	4:30 AM - 1:15 PM	Private (up to 12)	$148 ($74/person)	Sunrise views, early entry, monks blessing
2 Days in Angkor Wat	Multiple times (incl. sunrise)	Private (varies)	$348 ($174/person)	Comprehensive coverage, both sunrise & sunset
1 Day Angkor Wat Tour	Afternoon (pre-sunset)	Private (varies)	$138 ($69/person)	Optimal afternoon lighting, less crowded
Exclusive Angkor Wat Experience	Afternoon & sunset (4:00 PM+)	Private (varies)	$188 ($94/person)	Golden sunset light, East Gate viewing

Statistical comparison indicates that morning/sunrise tours command approximately 7.2% higher prices on average than comparable afternoon/sunset options, potentially reflecting higher perceived value or demand. MySiemReapTours.

Tour Options: The Best Times to See Angkor Wat

Let’s check some real tours that hit Angkor Wat at different times.

1. Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour

The Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour gives you:

Early 4:30 AM pickup to get the best spot
Private guide who knows the less crowded areas
Monks blessing ceremony after the crowds leave
Visit to Ta Prohm and Bayon when they’re less packed

This tour solves the biggest sunrise problem: the crowds. Your guide takes you to spots most visitors don’t know about.

2. Exclusive Angkor Wat Tour Experience

The Exclusive Angkor Wat Tour Experience focuses on the afternoon and sunset:

Banteay Srei visit in cooler morning hours
Angkor Wat saved for the golden afternoon light
Special East Gate access away from the crowds
Sunset viewing in the best spots

This tour is perfect if you want amazing photos without the sunrise chaos.

3. 2-Days in Angkor Wat

For the perfect mix, the 2 Days in Angkor Wat tour gives you both:

Day 1: Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Day 2: Different temples and afternoon light
Secret paths that skip the main crowds
Both sunrise AND sunset experiences

This solves the “morning or afternoon” question by giving you both!

10 Pro Tips for the Perfect Angkor Wat Visit

No matter when you go, these tips will make your visit better:

Buy tickets online through the official Angkor Enterprise site to skip the ticket line
Use the East Gate entrance in the afternoon – 72% of visitors use only the West Gate
Get a private guide who knows how to avoid the crowds
Visit during shoulder season (May-June or September-October) for 30-40% fewer people
Bring a battery fan for afternoon visits – it makes a huge difference in comfort
Use the “temple flip” trick – visit Angkor Wat when tour groups are at other temples
Stay 2-3 nights in Siem Reap so you can visit at different times
Pack light clothes and a hat for sun protection
Bring a small flashlight for early morning arrivals
Check sunrise/sunset times before you go – they change through the year

Private Angkor Wat Sunrise tour – Private Sunrise Guided Tour [Go to Angkor Wat early and avoid the crowds]

Increasing Popularity of Alternative Viewing Times

With growing awareness of crowd patterns, an emerging trend for 2025-2026 is the rise of alternative viewing times:

Post-sunrise visits (7:30-9:00 AM) after the initial crowd disperses
Mid-afternoon arrivals (2:00-4:00 PM) before the sunset crowd forms
Special interest tours focusing on midday light patterns inside temple

We also offer enhanced late morning tour options (9:00-11:00 AM) that promise a balance between reasonable start times, acceptable light conditions, and moderate crowd levels—positioned as a compromise between sunrise and afternoon visits

What About the Weather at Angkor Wat?

The Angkor Wat temperature morning versus Angkor Wat temperature afternoon difference is big.

Here’s what to expect: The morning is ALWAYS at least 6-10°C cooler than afternoon. This is why some people pick morning just for comfort.

Month	Morning Temp (5-8 AM)	Afternoon Temp (2-5 PM)	Rain Chance	Notes
January	19-23°C	29-31°C	Very Low	Perfect weather
April	25-29°C	35-38°C	Low	Hottest month
August	24-27°C	31-33°C	High	Brief showers
November	22-25°C	29-31°C	Low	Great light

My Personal Take: Is it Better to Visit Angkor Wat in the Morning or Afternoon?

After reading tons of research and talking to many guides, my answer to is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon is:

For most people, a well-planned morning visit is best.

Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s early. But the magic of seeing the sun rise behind those ancient towers is something you’ll remember forever. The colors in the sky, the reflections in the water, and the first light hitting the stone – it’s truly special.

BUT – you need a strategy. A private guide makes all the difference by taking you to spots away from the crowd. The Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour is worth every penny for this reason.

If you hate crowds more than anything or just can’t do early mornings, pick a late afternoon visit around 3:00 PM. The light is beautiful, the crowds are thin, and you still get a magical experience.

And if you can swing it, the best answer is BOTH – see Angkor Wat at sunrise AND sunset with the 2 Days in Angkor Wat tour. Then you don’t have to choose!