What Time Does Angkor Wat Open?

The Angkor Wat Opening Times That Let You Beat the Crowds!

Knowing when Angkor Wat opens can make or break your visit. The famous temple now opens at 5:00 AM and stays open until 6:00 PM every day. This gives you plenty of time to see this amazing place without rushing.

Want Epic Sunrise Photos Without Thousands of Tourists? Here's Exactly When To Go

Want to see Angkor Wat without fighting crowds? You need to know the right times to go.

This guide shows you exactly when the gates open, when to buy tickets, and the best hours to visit this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Takeaways

Angkor Wat opening time: 5:00 AM daily
Closing time: 6:00 PM (extended from previous 5:30 PM in 2024)
Ticket office: Opens at 4:30 AM for sunrise visitors
Best time for sunrise: Arrive by 4:45 AM to secure a good viewing spot
Best time for sunset: Visit Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup (open until 7:00 PM)
Entry fees: One-day pass ($37), three-day pass ($62), seven-day pass ($72)
Peak hours: 5:00-9:00 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM
Quieter periods: 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (though hottest part of the day)

Good news: In 2024, Cambodia changed the closing time of Angkor Wat from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This gives you more time to enjoy the temples in the afternoon!

Understanding Angkor Wat Opening Hours

Angkor Wat opening time has been a critical factor for visitors planning their trip to Cambodia’s greatest cultural treasure. As of 2025, Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM daily and now closes at 6:00 PM, following an extension of opening hours implemented by the Cambodian government in 2024.

This change was specifically made to enhance the visitor experience during the popular sunrise and sunset periods.

The ticket office for the Angkor Archaeological Park opens slightly earlier at 4:30 AM, allowing visitors enough time to purchase their entry passes before heading to the temple complex for the magical Angkor Wat sunrise experience.

This early access is particularly important for photographers and travelers seeking to witness the spectacular sight of the sun rising behind the temple’s distinctive silhouette.

Can You Buy Angkor Wat Tickets Online?

Historical Context of Angkor Wat Hours

Angkor Wat has maintained consistent daily operating hours for many years, though the recent extension from a 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM closing time marks a significant change to accommodate growing tourism demand. The temple complex, built during the height of the Khmer Empire under King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, has transitioned from its origins as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu to become a Buddhist temple over time.

The APSARA Authority, responsible for managing this UNESCO World Heritage Site, carefully balances visitor access with conservation needs. For decades, Angkor Wat’s hours have essentially coincided with daylight hours, ensuring visitor safety and protecting the monuments, as the site has minimal artificial lighting at night.

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

New Extended Angkor Opening Hours – Latest updates on temple access times for 2025
Angkor Wat Sunrise – Complete guide to witnessing the magical sunrise at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat Closing Time – Everything you need to know about when the temples close
Angkor Wat Sunset Time – Best spots and times to experience Angkor’s golden hour
Phnom Bakheng Sunset – Watch the sun set over Angkor from this panoramic viewpoint
Angkor Wat 1 Day Pass – How to make the most of your single day ticket
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour – Beat the crowds with an expert local guide
Angkor Park Pass – Complete guide to ticket options, prices and validity

Siem Reap Express – Maximize Your 2 Days in Siem Reap | The Complete Two Full Day Siem Reap Itinerary for New Adventurers

Seasonal Variations in Visitor Experience

While the Angkor Wat opening time remains consistent year-round, your experience can vary significantly depending on when you visit:

Cool Season (November-February)

Most comfortable temperatures (23-30°C)
Highest tourist numbers at Angkor Wat
Sunrise around 6:20-6:30 AM
Sunset around 5:45-6:00 PM

Hot Season (March-May)

Very high temperatures (often exceeding 35°C)
Moderate crowds at the temple complex
Sunrise around 5:45-6:10 AM
Sunset around 6:00-6:15 PM

Rainy Season (June-October)

Intermittent rainfall, lush landscapes
Fewer visitors at Angkor Wat
Sunrise around 5:40-6:00 AM
Sunset around 6:00-6:30 PM

Special Events and Peak Visitation Times

During certain special occasions, Angkor Wat experiences extraordinary visitor numbers:

Equinox Days (March 20-21 and September 22-23)

Twice a year, the sun rises exactly over the center tower of Angkor Wat. It’s amazing, but:

Massive crowds (over 10,000 people came in March 2024!)
You need to arrive by 4:00 AM or earlier
The temple staff add extra people to help manage the crowds
You might want to watch from a different spot to avoid the worst crowds

Cambodian New Year (April)

During Khmer New Year:

Many more Cambodian visitors come to Angkor Wat
You might see special religious events
Some parts of the temple might be closed for ceremonies
Opening hours stay the same

Daily Peak Hours

5:00-9:00 AM: Heaviest morning crowds (especially for sunrise)
11:00 AM-2:00 PM: Quietest period (but hottest)
3:00-6:00 PM: Gradually increasing afternoon crowds
Sunset period: Heavy crowds at sunset viewing locations like Phnom Bakheng

Recently Extended Opening Hours

In August 2024, the Cambodian government announced important changes to Angkor Wat hours that benefit tourists:

Angkor Wat: Now open 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM (extended from previous 5:30 PM closing)
Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup, and Phnom Krom (sunset sites): Open 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Most other temples in the complex: Open 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM (earlier than previous 7:30 AM opening)

These changes were implemented to improve the visitor experience and boost Cambodia tourism, particularly for peak sunrise and sunset periods. The extended hours allow travelers more flexibility and help distribute visitor numbers throughout the day.

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

Practical Tips for Visiting Angkor Wat

For Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Arrive at the ticket office by 4:30 AM
Purchase your Angkor Wat pass (one-day: $37, three-day: $62, seven-day: $72)
Reach the temple by 5:00 AM to secure a good viewing spot
Bring a flashlight as paths are dark before dawn
Position yourself at the northern reflecting pool for classic views

For Sunset Viewing

While Angkor Wat itself isn’t ideally positioned for sunset viewing (its front faces east), nearby temples offer spectacular sunset experiences:

Phnom Bakheng: The most popular sunset spot (limited to 300 visitors at the summit)
Pre Rup: Less crowded alternative with beautiful sunset views
Plan to arrive at these locations by 5:00 PM to secure a good spot

Best Strategy for Avoiding Crowds

Use a multi-day pass to spread out your visits
Explore Angkor Wat during midday hours when most tour groups have left
Visit during the rainy season (June-October) for fewer tourists
Consider starting with outer temples and visiting Angkor Wat later in the day

The Economic Impact of Angkor Wat’s Hours

The Angkor Archaeological Park has seen strong growth in visitor numbers following the pandemic. In January 2025, the park welcomed over 146,000 international tourists, representing a 26.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This generated approximately $6.9 million in ticket revenue for the month.

The extended Angkor Wat hours are expected to further boost these numbers by enhancing visitor satisfaction and potentially encouraging longer stays in Siem Reap. The tourism industry is a major economic engine for Cambodia, with Angkor Wat serving as the country’s primary cultural attraction.

Understanding the Angkor Wat opening time is essential for planning an optimal visit to this magnificent temple complex. The recent extension of operating hours provides more flexibility for travelers while helping to distribute visitor numbers throughout the day.

Whether you’re capturing the legendary Angkor Wat sunrise, exploring the intricate carvings of this Khmer architecture masterpiece during quiet midday hours, or witnessing the golden afternoon light bathe the ancient stones, proper planning ensures an unforgettable visit to Cambodia’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To recap …

What time does Angkor Wat open?

Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM every day of the year.

When does Angkor Wat close?

Angkor Wat now closes at 6:00 PM (extended from the previous 5:30 PM closing time in 2024).

What time does the Angkor Wat ticket office open?

The ticket office opens at 4:30 AM to accommodate visitors wanting to witness the sunrise.

How much does it cost to enter Angkor Wat?

Entry passes cost $37 for one day, $62 for three days, or $72 for seven days.

What are the best hours to visit Angkor Wat to avoid crowds?

The middle of the day (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) typically sees the fewest visitors, though this is also the hottest period.

Is Angkor Wat open every day?

Yes, Angkor Wat is open 365 days a year, including holidays.

Can I visit Angkor Wat at night?

No, Angkor Wat closes at 6:00 PM and does not offer regular nighttime access, though occasional special events may be held.

What is the best time for photography at Angkor Wat?

Sunrise (5:00-7:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00-6:00 PM) offer the most dramatic lighting conditions for photography.

How early should I arrive for sunrise at Angkor Wat?

Plan to arrive at the ticket office by 4:30 AM and be at Angkor Wat by 5:00 AM to secure a good viewing position.

Are there different opening hours for other temples in the Angkor complex?

Yes, Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup (popular sunset spots) are open until 7:00 PM, while most other temples open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:30 PM.

Brought to you by Dan and Mat, Your tour planners.

Featured

How to get from Siem Reap to Si Sa Ket (Sisaket) - The Complete Guide to Traveling from Siem Reap to Sisaket

Aug23

Explore more on My Siem Reap Tours