angkor wat at sunrise
Exploring Angkor Wat at Sunrise - A Photographic Journey
angkor wat at sunrise
Exploring Angkor Wat at Sunrise - A Photographic Journey
Do it on your own or Book With Us
Witness the awe-inspiring dawn sky at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic destinations for photographers, backpackers, and bucket list fillers. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise photo tour to capture magnificent scenic shots and unforgettable moments.
We have decades of experience in orgainsing to Angkor Wat at Sunrise. In addition we can organise professional photographers to assist you or to doucement your visit to the temples.

Pre-planning your Sunrise Photography Tour.
To make the most of your Angkor Wat sunrise photography tour, it’s important to plan ahead. Research which areas you need permits for, check the dates and times when golden hour will be best lit and decide on which equipment to bring with you. You should also research the area beforehand – make sure you know where the entrance gates are located and consider visiting some of the various points before your main photo tour day so that you can familiarize yourself with the possibilities it offers.
Although Angkor Wat is incredibly beautiful in the late morning, it’s the magical sunrise that’s the main draw. To get the most out of this experience, you should arrive at least an hour before sunrise. This will give you plenty of time to set up your tripod and camera equipment and also to scout out some of the best areas to take pictures. If you want vibrant colors in your photos, try shooting while the sun is still low on the horizon so that its light has a soft quality. Bring extra batteries with you in case productivity drops when photographing during golden hour due to cold temperatures and bring a telephoto lens for capturing intangibles like silhouettes or reflections.
Timing it Right: Setting Up Your Sunrise Shoot.
Before you set off on your Angkor Wat sunrise photography tour, it’s important to plan your timing carefully. Consider when golden hour will be hit its peak and decide whether or not this is the most appropriate time for your visit. Check the times of specific points you want to visit – if there is an area that you need a permit for, make sure to get there earlier as permits can take longer to obtain than expected. Make sure you give yourself enough time in each spot too – if something unexpected comes up like a surprise rain shower, this could affect your photographic journey.
Arriving Early to Secure the Best Positions.
Planning correctly and arriving early will ensure you have the best possible success in capturing the perfect angle at just the right time. Consider what elements may be present such as vegetation, different bodies of water or figures. Having an idea of where your subjects are before starting your photography tour can save you time and help you to secure the perfect spot for capturing those awe-inspiring scenes. This is an invaluable tip for any aspiring photographers embarking on their very own Angkor Wat sunrise photoshoot!
Making Use of Silhouettes and Shadows for Creative Shots.
Angkor Wat at sunrise offers a series of amazing opportunities for dynamic and creative photos, with silhouettes and shadows playing an important role in many of the shots. Look for unique foreground elements, such as trees or intricate wall carvings, then play around with them to maximize their impact. This is especially effective when there is a lot of backlighting or high contrast involved as it can really highlight texture and shapes while bringing out colors which may be lost elsewhere. Experimenting with different shutter speeds can also bring interesting effects to your shots and help you capture some truly breathtaking images!
Befriending the Locals for Extra Special Photographs and Experiences.
When exploring Angkor Wat, be sure to take some time to befriend the local people who live and work in the area. Not only will they provide you with invaluable insights into their culture and ways of life, but they also make for wonderful photo subjects. Try capturing candid portraits that capture true emotion and tell a story; or simply ask them to show off their traditional costumes, jewelry or craftwork – then use them as foreground elements in your photos! Doing so can provide extra texture, depth and color to your images, creating memorable photographs that embody the spirit of Angkor Wat.
More background information to make your visit to Angor Wat memorable
Angkor Wat: Lost in Time and Mystique
Angkor Wat, the ancient temple complex nestled in the Cambodian jungle, has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. Now, with its intricately carved walls and spires reaching towards the sky, this lost city serves as a window into a magical world of awe-inspiring beauty.
Explore the Architecture and History of Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat is a temple complex unlike any other. It includes more than 1,000 structures and monuments, built nearly 800 years ago by the powerful Khmer Empire. These structures contain intricate carvings that tell stories from the Hindu epic, The Ramayana. Exploring the complex is an experience like none other, as you get to see centuries of history come to life.
Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II from 1113 to 1150 AD. It served as a religious temple and palace for the Khmer Empire. The vast complex includes more than 300 temples, towers, and ruins On its grounds. Visiting Angkor Wat allows you to explore centuries of architectural history. It is best seen on foot, as this gives you the chance to get up close to the bas-relief carvings that tell stories from epic Hindu mythologies. When visiting Angkor Wat, make sure to come prepared with comfortable shoes and plenty of water, as you are guaranteed an experience like no other!
Experience Angkor’s Mysticism and Extraordinary Beauty
Angkor Wat is an ancient city full of mysterious secrets and beautiful stories from the past. As you explore the temple complex, you can’t help but be captivated by the intricate stone carvings, lush gardens, and breathtaking sunrises that all make up this magical place. When walking through its grounds, it almost feels like being lost in a dream – something which only adds to its mystique and extraordinary beauty.
Every corner of Angkor Wat dotted with immense historical importance. From the giant statues of Buddha to the towering Khmer temples, each section has something unique to offer and stories that take you through a journey in time. With more than 1000 religious structures, this sprawling city is unlike any other place on earth – one where you can connect to its distant past by learning more about the intricate art and architecture. After a day here, you’ll feel mesmerized by the majestic beauty and captivated by the mysteries that remain unanswered.
Discover Unseen Treasures and Sacred Sites Within
Within Angkor Wat, there lies a hidden trove of exquisite art and architecture. From towering shrines to secret nooks, the temple reveals astounding treasures that have been lost in time. Inside you’ll find gorgeous pools decorated with intricate stone carvings, various chambers for meditation and worship, and vibrant murals filled with ancient symbols of Buddhist mythology. In addition to exploring these sites, you can also enjoy peaceful strolls through lush courtyards and gardens, still steeped in the same mystical beauty they possessed centuries ago.
Angkor Wat is an immense complex of temples that have inspired awe and wonder for centuries. With its soaring towers, elaborate reliefs, and intricate sculptures, this places provides a glimpse back into another time. As you journey through Angkor Wat, be sure to take the time to observe the incredible details and subtle nuances that each site has to offer. You’ll find ancient statues and fragile frescoes as well as hidden chambers and mysterious passageways — all just waiting to be discovered by the keen eye!
Learn About the Legends and Lore Surrounding Angkor Wat
The secrets and stories of Angkor Wat have been passed through generations, creating an air of mystique and intrigue surrounding the temple. Hear tales about mythical creatures living in hidden caves, explore the local legends spun around centuries-old kings and gods, and understand how these past meanings are still relevant today. Every part of this immense complex encompasses a deep history that’s ready to be discovered – making it an unbeatable experience!
One of the most interesting legends about Angkor Wat tells of a giant demon, or giant serpent, called Naga who lives in the seven-headed lake beneath the temple. Some say that visitors to the temple are not allowed to look directly at it because it will bring bad luck. Another legend is that the walls around the temple were built strong and tall so that no outsiders would be able to see what wonders lay within – only those who entered were blessed enough to catch a glimpse of its secrets. You can also hear stories about King Jayavarman VII and how he inspired many of these mysteries as well as tales about powerful gods who have even ruled over this land’s complicated past. No matter which stories you choose to believe, there’s no doubt Angkor Wat is an incredible place steeped in mystique and inspiration!
Find Ways to Experience the Spectacle of This Ancient Wonder in Person.
Visiting Angkor Wat in person is a must to get an up-close look at the immensity and awe of the site. Whether it’s admiring the grandeur of Angkor Thom’s walls, marveling at intricate carvings of the Bayon Temple, or climbing up steep stone stairs to take in breathtaking views from Baksei Chompsun Tower – you won’t regret seeing Angkor Wat with your own eyes. Guided tours can also help shed light on some of the ancient secrets that have been long forgotten.
If the thought of a crowded Angkor Wat has you worried, go during the early morning and you will have the temples to yourselves. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as well as plenty water for exploring because some areas may be overgrown with grass and thick foliage. When finished, chill out at one of Siem Reap Kampong Phluk lake-side microbreweries or find your favorite spot in town for a much-needed massage before heading home.
A proper grand tour of Angkor Wat
Many Siem Reap tour companies offer grand tours, but you do not know what you will see. What we offer is a proper grand tour that not only takes you to 36 temples, we explain what you will see before you arrive at Angkor Wat. Your grand tour also includes a sunrise at Angkor Wat and and a sunset at Angor Wat over 3 days.
We offer this to you either by exclusive jeep, mini bus, coach, Tuk Tuk or female TukTuk. The choice is yours.
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm Temple
- Banteay Srei Temple
- Preah Khan Temple
- Banteay Kdei Temple
- Pre Rup Temple
- East Mebon Temple
- Neak Pean Temple
- Preah Ko Temple
- Bakong Temple
- Phnom Bakheng Temple
- Ta Som Temple
- Thommanon Temple
- Chau Say Tevoda Temple
- Prasat Kravan Temple
- Angkor Thom South Gate
- Terrace of the Elephants
- Terrace of the Leper King
- Prasat Suor Pra
- Banteay Samre Temple
- Kbal Spean Temple
- Banteay Prei Temple
- Ta Nei Temple
- Banteay Thom Temple
- Preah Palilay Temple
- Ta Keo Temple
- Preah Pithu Group
- Thma Bay Kaek Temple
- Baksei Chamkrong Temple
- Bat Chum Temple
- Prasat Top Temple
- Prasat Krol Ko Temple
- Prasat Prei Monti
- Prasat Kok Po Temple
- Chau Srei Vibol Temple
- Prasat Bei