The majestic Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in north-western Cambodia, is one of the world’s most remarkable temple complexes. It was built in the early 12th century by Suryavarman II (reigned c.1113–1150) as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.
Covering around 160 hectares (≈400 acres) and enclosed by a moat, the temple’s design symbolizes the mythical Mount Meru (the home of the gods) with the central towers representing its peaks and the surrounding wall and moat the mountains and ocean.
Though originally Hindu, by the end of the 12th century Angkor Wat transitioned into a Buddhist temple, reflecting the broader religious shift in the Khmer Empire.
In 1992, the entire Angkor Archaeological Park (including Angkor Wat) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding universal value as a cultural and architectural masterpiece of the Khmer civilisation.
My Experience – Sunset on 26 October 2025
On Sunday 26 October 2025, I arrived at Angkor Wat around 4:30 PM, with many fellow visitors also gathering for the evening spectacle. The weather was perfect — clear skies, soft light, and a gentle breeze, creating a serene atmosphere despite the crowd.
As the afternoon light began to shift, I positioned myself on the west side of the temple. At around 5:30 PM, the golden hour kicked in: the sandstone walls of Angkor Wat turned a rich, warm gold, and the intricate carvings and towers glowed like cinema-worthy scenery. The play of light and shadow deepened, long silhouettes of the towers stretching across the ground, and the temple’s portal took on a majestic aura.
Later, I moved down to the pond — the reflective pool in front of the western façade. There, the calm water mirrored the temple’s silhouette and glowing towers, giving me one of the most unforgettable photographs: the temple doubled by its reflection, the golden hue shimmering on the water’s surface.
Finally, I found a quiet spot on the grass, sat back and simply relaxed. From about 5:45 PM until 6:00 PM, I enjoyed the fading light, the sky shifting colours, and the temple slowly fading into silhouette as the sun set. Then I made my way toward the west-side parking area, capturing the final glow of the sunset as I left. It was a calm, reflective moment — history meeting nature in perfect harmony.
How to Get There & Location
Location: Angkor Wat, Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
It’s about 6 km north of Siem Reap town centre — roughly a 15-minute ride by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or scooter depending on traffic.
The best vantage for sunset is on the west side of Angkor Wat, near the causeway and pond, where the temple faces toward the setting sun.
Entry: You’ll need an Angkor Pass (1-day, 3-day, 7-day options) to enter the park.
Getting there: Organise transport early (tuk-tuk or car) so you arrive well before sunset. Aim to be at the west side by around 4:30 – 5:00 PM to secure a good spot.
Tip: After the temple visit, you can relax on the grass near the west side — many visitors leave right after the main view, so staying a little longer gives you quieter moments and great light for photos.
Visiting Angkor Wat at sunset isn’t just about seeing a temple — it’s about feeling its grandeur, its quiet power, and the way light transforms ancient stone into something alive. On 26 October 2025, as the golden light embraced the walls and the reflections danced on the water, I felt truly present in a moment where history, nature, and human craft met.
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