tourism
Updated 2026-09-19 5 min
In short
- ●Two astronomical sunrises at Angkor Wat on September 21 and 23, 2026, when the sun aligns with the temple's central tower.
- ●A phenomenon linked to the astronomical knowledge of the Khmer builders, observable from the west entrance and the north basin.
- ●Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes on site: arrive around 5:15 AM, sunrise around 5:50 AM, observe until 6:30 AM.
- ●Angkor entrance ticket: $37 for one day, $62 for three days, $72 for one week (foreign visitor rates).
- ●Accessible by tuk-tuk from central Siem Reap in 20 to 25 minutes; recommended departure around 4:45 AM.
Sep 21 & 23, 2026
Edition
Several hundred
Attendees
Angkor Wat, west entrance
Location
$37 (1-day pass)
Cost
About the September Equinox at Angkor Wat
Twice a year, at the March and September equinoxes, the sun rises in exact alignment with the central tower of Angkor Wat. This year the phenomenon occurs on September 21 and 23, 2026, and each season it draws several hundred visitors, both resident expats and travelers passing through.
- Date: Monday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 23, 2026, sunrise around 5:50 AM.
- Audience: expats, retirees, digital nomads, and tourists in Siem Reap.
- Location: Angkor Wat, viewing from the west entrance and the north bank of the basin.
- Group size: no organized group; several hundred people on site, with a calm atmosphere away from the main viewpoints.
- Cost: Angkor entrance ticket required — $37 for one day, $62 for three days, $72 for one week.
Morning Schedule
The flow is simple: everything happens within a window of about an hour around sunrise. Here is the usual pace observed on site.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4:45 AM | Depart Siem Reap | Tuk-tuk or car to the Angkor checkpoint, 20 to 25 minutes. |
| 5:10 AM | Ticket check and entry | Photo taken at the counter for the pass, then a 10-minute walk to the west entrance. |
| 5:20 AM | Settle at the viewpoint | North bank of the basin or the lawn left of the main path; tripods allowed. |
| 5:50 AM | Aligned sunrise | The sun appears in line with the central tower, golden light on the five towers. |
| 6:15 AM | Explore the temple | Visit the bas-relief galleries before the heat and crowds. |
| 7:30 AM | Return or breakfast | Head back to town or stop at a café in the Wat Bo area. |
How to Join the Next Edition
No registration is needed: just have a valid entrance ticket and arrive before sunrise. Here's what to do.
- Step 1: Check the exact dates — September 21 and 23, 2026 — and note the sunrise time, around 5:50 AM.
- Step 2: Buy your Angkor pass the day before at the official ticket office or online via the Angkor Enterprise portal to avoid the 5 AM queue.
- Step 3: Book a tuk-tuk or taxi the day before and set the pickup at 4:45 AM in front of your accommodation.
- Step 4: Confirm the drop-off point with the driver: the west entrance of Angkor Wat, not the south parking lot.
- Step 5: Plan to be at the viewpoint by 5:20 AM at the latest to pick a clear spot.
- Step 6: Keep your ticket with you; it's checked at the entrance and sometimes inside the temple.
- Step 7: Stay after sunrise to explore the galleries: the low light reveals details in the bas-reliefs.
What to Bring
- Valid Angkor ticket — required to pass the checkpoint; keep it accessible.
- Headlamp or small flashlight — the path between the parking lot and the entrance is dark before 5:30 AM.
- Bottled water (1 liter) — it's already hot and humid at dawn.
- Mosquito repellent — useful near the basin and wooded areas at dawn.
- Light jacket or scarf — for the morning chill and to respect the dress code (shoulders and knees covered).
- Camera and compact tripod — allowed on the lawns; do not set up in archaeological zones.
- Power bank — long photo sessions at dawn drain your phone battery quickly.
- Breakfast or snack — stalls around the site open late; bring enough to last until you return to town.
Similar Events in Siem Reap
Other regular events offer this kind of astronomical or cultural experience without leaving the province.
- March Equinox at Angkor Wat — same solar alignment, usually around March 21, with comparable crowds.
- Sunrise at Srah Srang and Bayon — less crowded alternatives for early-morning photographers.
- Phnom Bakheng at sunset — classic viewpoint over Angkor Wat, limited to 300 people at the top of the temple.
- Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) — boat races on the Tonlé Sap and celebrations in Siem Reap, in November.
- Siem Reap expat Facebook groups — photo outings, hikes, and community meetups announced weekly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book to see the equinox at Angkor Wat?
No, no specific reservation is required. You just need a valid Angkor entrance ticket and to arrive before sunrise. The site opens early for sunrises, usually from 5 AM.
What's the best viewpoint for the aligned sunrise?
The north bank of the basin, to the left of the main path after the west entrance, offers the best axis on the five towers. The side lawns let you escape the crowd while keeping the central tower in frame.
How much does Angkor Wat entry cost in September 2026?
The one-day pass costs $37, the three-day pass $62, and the one-week pass $72 for foreign visitors. Tickets are bought at the official counter or online, with a photo taken on site.
What's the difference between September 21 and 23?
Both mornings bracket the equinox and offer a very similar alignment. The 21st is often the busiest; the 23rd usually draws a slightly smaller crowd for an almost identical spectacle.
Can I go with family or children?
Yes, but the very early start and walking on uneven ground require some planning. Bring water, a snack, and a flashlight for each child, and stick to marked paths.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia