New Extended Angkor Opening Hours | Angkor Wat's Game-Changing Move!
Sunrise Secrets Unlocked
Imagine standing before the majestic Angkor Wat as the first rays of sunlight pierce the morning mist, illuminating centuries of history – and doing it without fighting crowds or racing against the clock. Cambodia’s Prime Minister just dropped a tourism bombshell that’s about to revolutionize your bucket list dreams. With extended hours at Angkor Wat and other iconic temples, you now have unprecedented access to witness the magic of sunrise and sunset at your own pace.
But that’s not all – this move promises to slash wait times, supercharge your photo ops, and give you the authentic, crowd-free experience you’ve always craved. Ready to discover how this changes everything for your next adventure?
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on August 26, 2024, by our team of local experts in Siem Reap. We make sure to keep you in the loop with the latest info on Angkor Wat opening hours and tips to make your visit unforgettable.
Cambodia’s just shaken things up big time. They’ve thrown open the gates to Angkor Wat and other amazing temples for longer hours. It’s like they’ve handed us the keys to a time machine!
But here’s the kicker – this isn’t just about extra time. It’s about beating the crowds, snagging those perfect photos, and soaking in the magic without feeling rushed. It’s your chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, to touch history, and to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
So, are you ready to find out how this game-changing move could turn your next trip into the adventure of a lifetime?
Here’s what you need to know about the new extended Angkor opening hours
- Angkor Wat: Now open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This means you can catch both sunrise and sunset at this amazing spot!
- Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup and Phnom Krom: These temples are now open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Perfect for those sunset views!
- Other temples: Most other temples now open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:30 PM. That’s an extra hour and a half each day to explore!
- Flexible timing: The exact opening hours might change a bit based on the season, to keep everyone safe and protect the temples.
- Extra time after closing: You get an extra 30 minutes after closing time to wrap up your visit and leave the temples.
Now, let’s dig into why these changes are such a big deal and how they can make your trip even better!
Note:
- Traditionally, Angkor Wat opened from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with sunrise and sunset being prime times for visits. The recent extension adds up to 24 additional hours per week for visitors.
- Previous changes in opening hours have been minimal, making this a significant shift in visitor access.
The Sunrise Revolution: How New Hours Change Everything
Picture this: You’re standing in front of Angkor Wat as the first light of day starts to paint the sky. The air is cool, there’s a gentle mist, and the whole world seems to be holding its breath. That’s the magic of sunrise at Angkor Wat, and now, thanks to the new extended Angkor opening hours, it’s easier than ever to experience it.
“These new hours are a game-changer,” says Sophea Pich, a local tour guide with 15 years of experience. “Before, it was always a rush to get in and find a good spot. Now, visitors can take their time and really soak in the experience.”
But it’s not just about the early birds. The later closing time means you can stick around for those golden hour photos without feeling rushed. It’s like the temples are putting on a show just for you!
Beyond Angkor Wat – A Whole New World to Explore
While Angkor Wat might be the star of the show, don’t forget about its supporting cast. The new temple hours apply to a bunch of other amazing spots too. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Phnom Bakheng: This hilltop temple is now open until 7:00 PM, making it the perfect spot for sunset views over the whole Angkor complex.
- Ta Prohm: Famous for its tree-covered ruins, you can now explore this atmospheric temple in the soft morning light.
- Bayon: With its many smiling faces, this temple takes on a whole new character in the late afternoon sun.
“The extended hours at places like Ta Prohm and Bayon are really exciting,” shares Emma Thompson, a travel blogger who’s visited Angkor three times. “It gives you the chance to see these temples in a whole new light – literally!”
Practical Tips for Making the Most of the New Hours
- Plan your route: With more time available, you can spread out your visit over several days. Maybe start with a sunrise tour at Angkor Wat, then explore some of the smaller temples later in the day.
- Beat the heat: Use the early morning hours to explore before the day gets too hot. The early morning Ta Prohm tour is a great option for this.
- Sunset strategy: With Phnom Bakheng open later, you can catch the sunset there without missing out on other temples earlier in the day.
- Take breaks: The longer hours mean you can pace yourself. Don’t be afraid to head back to your hotel for a midday break if you need it.
- Consider a guide: With more flexible timing, a guided tour can help you make the most of your visit. Check out options like the 1 Day Angkor Wat Tour for a well-planned itinerary.
The Impact on Local Communities
The new extended Angkor opening hours aren’t just good news for tourists. They’re also making a big difference for local communities.
“These changes mean more job opportunities for locals,” explains Channary Sok, who runs a small restaurant near the temple complex. “With longer hours, we can serve more customers and hire more staff.”
It’s a ripple effect that’s being felt throughout Siem Reap. From tuk-tuk drivers to souvenir sellers, the extended hours are bringing new life to the local economy.
Navigating the New Normal: What You Need to Know
While the new temple hours offer more flexibility, there are still some important things to keep in mind:
- Ticket options: The types of passes available haven’t changed. You can still choose between 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes.
- Dress code: Remember, these are active religious sites. Dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees.
- Stay hydrated: With more time to explore, it’s even more important to drink plenty of water, especially in the hot season.
- Photography rules: Most areas allow photography, but be respectful and follow any posted signs.
- Guided tours: Consider booking a private Angkor Wat sunrise tour for a more personalized experience with the new hours.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Angkor?
The new extended Angkor opening hours are just the beginning. There’s talk of introducing new technology to enhance visitor experiences, like augmented reality apps that can show you what the temples looked like in their heyday.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve the visitor experience while protecting the site,” says Chau Sun Kerya, a spokesperson for the APSARA Authority, which manages the Angkor Archaeological Park. “These new hours are a step in that direction, but we’re not stopping there.”
One exciting development on the horizon is the Angkor Wat Sunrise Equinox Tour. This special tour, offered only twice a year, lets you witness the sun rising directly over the central tower of Angkor Wat – a truly magical sight!
The Impact of the Global Health Crisis and the Rebound of Tourism
The new extended Angkor opening hours come at a critical time for Cambodia’s tourism industry. The unprecedented global health crisis dealt a severe blow to Angkor Wat and the surrounding communities, with visitor numbers plummeting from 2.2 million in 2019 to just 200,000 in 2021 — a staggering 91% drop. Revenue from ticket sales followed suit, falling from $99 million in 2019 to a mere $9 million in 2021. The impact on Siem Reap was devastating, with at least 100 hotels and guesthouses closing their doors and countless jobs lost in the tourism sector.
But 2024 has brought a glimmer of hope. In the first four months of the year, Angkor Wat welcomed 421,379 visitors, a 41% increase from the same period in 2023. Ticket revenue has also rebounded, reaching $19.9 million — a 42% increase from the previous year. While there’s still a long way to go to reach pre-pandemic levels, when tourism contributed around 18% of Cambodia’s GDP, these figures show that the industry is on the mend. The new extended opening hours are part of a broader effort to support this recovery, making Angkor Wat more accessible and attractive to visitors while providing much-needed opportunities for local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the new opening hours for Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is now open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing visitors to witness both sunrise and sunset at this iconic temple.
Which other temples have extended opening hours?
In addition to Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup, and Phnom Krom now have extended hours from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Most other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:30 PM.
Are there any changes to the ticket options for Angkor Wat?
No, the ticket options remain the same. Visitors can still choose between 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day passes to explore the temples.
Can you buy Angkor Wat tickets with credit card?
Yes, visitors can purchase Angkor Wat tickets with a credit card at the official ticket counters. The ticket offices accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, especially for smaller purchases or in case of technical issues with the card machines.
Is it better to go to Angkor Wat in the morning or afternoon?
The best time to visit Angkor Wat depends on your preferences and the experience you’re looking for. With the new extended opening hours, both morning and afternoon visits have their advantages:
- Morning visits (from 5:00 AM): Perfect for witnessing the stunning sunrise over Angkor Wat and exploring the temples in the cooler morning hours before the heat of the day sets in. The soft morning light is also ideal for photography.
- Afternoon visits (until 6:00 PM): Allows you to explore the temples at a more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds as most tour groups tend to visit in the morning. The late afternoon golden hour provides beautiful warm light for photos, and you can end your day by watching the sunset at Angkor Wat or Phnom Bakheng.
Consider factors such as weather, crowd levels, and your personal schedule when deciding between a morning or afternoon visit to Angkor Wat.
The older Angkor opening times:
Wrapping Up: Your Angkor Adventure Awaits
The new extended Angkor opening hours have opened up a world of possibilities for visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or just someone looking for a bit of wonder in your life, there’s never been a better time to visit Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples.
Remember, this isn’t just about having more time to tick items off a checklist. It’s about immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of Cambodia. It’s about watching the play of light and shadow on ancient stones, feeling the weight of centuries beneath your feet, and making connections with a place that has captivated people for over a thousand years.
So why wait? Start planning your Angkor adventure today. With these new hours, you’ve got all the time in the world to explore. Who knows what secrets you might uncover?
Have you experienced the new extended hours at Angkor Wat? We’d love to hear about your adventures in the comments below!
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