Angkor Wat temple, architectural masterpiece of the Khmer Empire, situated near Siem Reap in North-western Cambodia is one of the most visited temple in the world (more than 2 million visitors in 2016). Here are 10 fun facts below about Angkor Wat temple.
1. The central tower of Angkor Wat is aligned with sunrise twice a year in March and September during the winter and spring equinox.
Angkor Wat sunrise Spring equinox (March 2016)
2. The artificial moat surrounding the temple provides stability to the structure by keeping constant the humidity of the sandy ground below.
3. Contrary to the other Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is facing West.
4. Angkor Wat counts about 1700 delicate carvings of topless celestial dancers called Devatas.
5. The first pictures of Angkor Wat were taken in 1866 by John Thomson.
6. Angkor Wat was during the 12th century the largest city on Earth with an estimated population of nearly 1,000,000.
7. Angkor Wat has four entrances but only the west and the east are accessible.
8. Angkor Wat was built as heaven on earth with its fives towers representing Mont Meru and its moat the ocean.
9. Since 2013, you can visit the entire temple complex of Angkor Wat from your smartphone using Google Street View.
10. Angkor Wat central sanctuary is made of an iron core (coming from laterite, a porous stone containing iron oxide).
Preah Khan of Kompong Svay (not be mistaken with Preah Khan temple in Angkor), also called Prasat Bakan by the locals, is a remote archeological site located 100 km from Siem Reap as the crow flies in Preah Vihear province at the eastern end on the ancient royal road from Angkor.
Preah Khan is the single biggest temple complex built during the Khmer Empire occupying an impressive footprint of about 22 kilometers square, 11 times larger than Angkor Wat and 2 times larger than the city of Angkor Thom. Because of its remote location (more than 200 km one way from Siem Reap including about 70 km of unpaved road) it receives less than 10 visitors daily.
The layout of the temple is unique compared to the other sites in Angkor as it is oriented northeast. It has been proposed that the temple is aligned with the raising sun during thee summer solstice.
A large baray of 3 km long lies on the east with a temple called Preah Thkol in the middle similar to the West Mebon in Angkor. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries in different stages during the reigns of Kings Suryavarman I, II and Jayavarman VII. The influence of Jayarvaman VII is clearly visible in Prasat Preah Stun which has with a four-faced tower similar to the Bayon temple (see picture below).
Rediscovery
The rediscovery of Preah Khan is credited to French explorer and artist Louis Delaporte who lead a expedition there in 1873. At the end of their visit they took many statues which are now at the Guimet museum in Paris : among them, a naga garuda and an elephant statue from Preah Damrei (see picture below).
Because of its remote location and lack of security, the site was badly sacked during the 1980’s and 1990’s and even more recently in 2003. Even so, some beautiful pieces like doors and lintels are still there. The causeway crossing the moat (mostly dry like in Beng Mealea) has many garuda carvings on both sides.
Exploring the site can be quite difficult because of the dense vegetation there and the absence of clear paths.
Recent archeological missions
The Cambodian Archaeological Lidar Initiative (CALI) known for his groundbreaking discovery of the first Khmer empire city, Mahendravarpata, in Phnom Kulen and in 2014 did a survey of Preah Khan in 2015 and confirmed the previous layout of the temple. They confirmed that Preah Khan was an important iron smelting center at the height of the Khmer Empire. 90 structures were identified within the four enclosures of the temple.
Another project called The Two Buddhist Towers lead by a multidisciplinary team of researchers (UCLA, University of Illinois, University College London, EFEO,…) aims to study the transition from Mahāyāna to Theravāda Buddhism at Preah Khan did some excavations in 2015 and 2016. Three Chinese coins dating from the 10th and 11th century were found confirming the importance of his site during the Khmer Empire.
LIDAR image of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay
Main entrance of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay
Buddha niche at Preah Khan Kompong Svay
Atmospheric entrance in Preah Kompong Svay
Garudas below the main bridge of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay
The same garuda bridge by Louis Delaporte in 1873
Remain of a lion statue
Laterite towers in Preah Khan Kompong Svay
Beautiful door at the main temple of Preah Khan Kompong Svay
Temple ruin in preah khan kompong svay second enclosure
Temple ruin in preah khan kompong svay second enclosure
One of the two elephant statues remaining statue at Preah Damrei. Louis Delaporte took one back to France in 1873.
Bayon like temple in Preah Khan Kompong Svay
Beautiful Naga with Garuda at Preah Damrei
Tree growing on one of the temples of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay
Devata at Preah Damrei
Preah Stun , a surprising Bayon look alike temple in the jungle
Preah Khan of Kompong Svay is best visited during the dry season when the unpaved road is in fairly good condition. It is a 1-day trip from Siem Reap that can be combined with a visit to Koh Ker or Beng Mealea. A 2-day trip with a visit to Preah Vihear can also be arranged. If you like to do a private photography tour of this enigmatic and beautiful temple, please contact me.
🌅 Angkor Wat sunrise offers breathtaking beauty throughout the year, with each month providing a unique perspective.
⏰ Sunrise time at Angkor Wat varies from 5.30 am to 6.30 am.
🌄 Remarkable astronomical events occur during the equinoxes in March and September.
🎨 The colors of the sky at dawn are unpredictable, ranging from pale red to delicate pink or even blue.
📸 Photographers should arrive early to secure a spot, especially if using a tripod, and the best time for night photography is December and January.
☁️ The monsoon season adds dramatic and awe-inspiring skies.
📍 There are various vantage points to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, with reflecting ponds being the most sought-after location for stunning compositions.
If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, make sure to add Angkor Wat sunrise to your agenda. Photographers, in particular, won’t want to miss out on capturing the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder throughout the year. Each month offers a unique perspective on this inspiring event, from clear skies and stunning red sunrises during the early months of the year, to the dramatic impact of the monsoon season, with rain clouds adding a mesmerizing depth to the photographs. Particularly in the months of March, April, and May, the sun appears as a massive red ball amidst the haze, perfect for capturing unforgettable images.
ANGKOR WAT SUNRISE TIME
Sunrise at Angkor Wat varies from about 5.30 am to 6.30 am depending of the time of the year. As Angkor Wat opens at 5 am all year around you can arrive sometime less than one hour before sunrise. This will have a lot of consequence on your pictures so if you want to get pictures of Angkor Wat at night, you should plan your trip accordingly.
Enchanting Sunrise at Angkor Wat’s Reflection Pond (January 2016)
Angkor Wat Sunrise | When the sun rises behind the temple
Two remarkable astronomical events occur each year in March and September at Angkor Wat Temple, highlighting the ingenuity of its ancient architects. During the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the sun rises perfectly aligned with the base of Angkor temple and slowly rise just beside the central tower, creating a stunning visual effect. This remarkable phenomenon is a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by the architects who built Angkor Wat 900 years ago
Majestic Sunrise Behind Angkor Wat’s main Tower During the Spring Equinox (March 2016)
The Enchanting Dance of the Sun During Sunrise
If you are standing at Angkor Wat facing east towards the rising sun in different seasons, you will notice that the position of the sun changes dramatically throughout the year. During the month of December, the sun rises at the far right side of the temple (south), while in June, it rises at the far left (north). Additionally, during the periods around the two equinoxes of March and September, the sun rises behind the towers of Angkor, creating a breathtaking sight. This celestial dance offers photographers and visitors alike a chance to witness the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat in a variety of perspectives and lighting conditions throughout the year.
Angkor Wat temple taken from central causeway just after the spring equinox (March 2022)
Spectacular Sunburst behind Angkor Wat Temple silhouette (June 2015)
Angkor Wat reflective pool after with the silhouettes few tourists (November 2017)
From Blue to Pink | Capturing the Ever-changing Hues of Angkor Wat Sunrise
At Angkor temple, the colors of dawn can be quite unpredictable. The sky may transform from a pale red to a delicate shade of pink, or even capture the elusive “blue hour” just before sunrise. Each morning is a unique experience, with the colors of the sky constantly changing throughout the year.
Blue hour with stormy sky (April 2023)
Captivating Angkor Wat: May Sunrise at the Blue Hour (May 2016)
Hues of pink with Angkor Wat reflection (February 2023)
Angkor Wat Sunrise | Tips for Photographers
For photographers, it is recommended to arrive as early as possible on location as soon as possible to secure a spot in front of the pond especially if you plan to use a tripod. Sunrise can be as early as 5.37 am in the month of June and a bit late at 6.32 am in the month of January. December and january are also best time of the year to capture photos of Angkor Wat at night with star trails as a backdrop. The opening hours are strictly enforced and Angkor Wat opens at 5 am sharp.
Angkor Wat at daybreak with golden colors (April 2016)
Nature’s Canvas: Angkor Wat Sunrise Against the Drama of Clouds
The moonson season brings hues of green to the temples of Angkor by also dramatic and awe-inspiring skies. This without any doubt gives another dimension to photographs compared to the clear skies.
These pictures can be taken between June until sometime Decembre depending on the moosoon season .
A Dramatic Angkor Wat Skyline Amidst the Clouds (August 2022)
Beautiful sunrise just after the rain (december 2015)
Golden sunrise at Angkor Wat (August 2014)
Angkor Wat at Sunrise: A Majestic Scene with Red Clouds in June
Angkor Wat with dramatic red clouds (October)
Angkor Wat with dramatic red clouds (October)
Angkor Wat in October with Vibrant Red Clouds (2017)
At Angkor Wat, the sunrise spots are plentiful, regardless of whether you face east or west. Whether you seek a dramatic backlight or wish to observe the golden rays illuminating the sandstone carvings, there are many vantage points to choose. The reflecting ponds at Angkor Wat are undoubtedly the most sought-after location for capturing the perfect Instagram shot. As the sun rises, the water create a mirror-like reflection, offering a stunning composition for photographers. Consequently, these areas tend to be quite crowded, as the area is quite small
The short answer would be yes. if you do not want to be shoulder to hundred of tousist at the reflective pools, they are other view points during sunrise where it can be relatively quiet. Note that the busiest season is from November to February but it not necessarily the best months for photographers looking to explore the temples of Angkor and get the most spectacular shots. If you can, we recommend to hire a photography guide.
The quite elusive phenomenon, known as the blue hour, unveils itself approximately sixty minutes before the break of dawn, it can give a intense blue tone to your pictures even if your camera is set to a warm white balance.
Angkor Wat temple’s popularity at sunrise comes from its stunning sunrises. The temple’s silhouette against the colorful sky creates a picturesque setting that has become iconic. especially viewed from the reflecting ponds.Although the same breathtaking effect cannot be replicated at sunset, the evening golden light sunset can be a blessing for photographers especially in areas rich with carvings.
Running photography tours in the temples of Angkor, I am one of the lucky few who have witnessed and captured nearly 200 sunrises. Although there were days when sunrise was uneventful, Angkor Wat sunrise it is a special moment to capture although it became quite popular over the years. It is always a new spectacle depending on the weather and also due to the fact that sun rise is actually moving from the south to the north of the temple. Twice a year, during the equinox of March and September, sun rises just behind the main tower which make the sunrise even more spectacular.
Here is a selection below of the best sunrise pictures I took the past few years in Angkor Wat temple. If you are a photographer and want to get professional advice and tips during Angkor Wat and beyond please have a look at our popular Angkor Wat sunrise tour.
Angkor Wat sunrise central tower aligned with reflection on pond
Angkor Wat sunrise with lily pond flowers
Angkor Wat sunrise with reflection
Golden sunrise over Angkor Wat temple
Crowd at sunrise during the equinox at Angkor Wat temple
Beautiful sunrise just after the rain in Angkor Wat temple
Angkor Wat sunrise from western causeway during the raining season
Beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat with beams of light
Sun rising behind the temple of Angkor reflecting on pond
Aside from the remarkable elaborate carvings of devatas, apsaras found in many Angkor temples, there are a number of writings carved on stones that one can find on their walls and pillars. Most of the inscriptions are in Sanskrit, which serves as a testimony to the Hindu origin of the temple.
Sanskrit is the classical language of Indian and the main language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. One of the 22 official languages of India, Sanskrit is a standardized dialect of the Old Indo-Aryan, originating as Vedic Sanskrit with ancestry tracing back to Proto-Indo-Iranian and Proto-Indo-European. Vedic Sanskrit, comprising mainly of chants and hymns, is closely related to Avestan, the oldest preserved of the Iranian languages. Rigvedic Sanskrit, language of hymns of the Rigveda, is the oldest stage of the language. It is said that Vedic Sanskrit is one of the languages that couldn’t be accurately translated in this age.
During the classical period of Iron Age India at around 4th century B.C., the language evolved into Classical Sanskrit. According to scholars, Classical Sanskrit is a different dialect compared to Vedic Sanskrit. Although quite similar, there are distinct differences in phonology, vocabulary, syntax and grammar.
The word Sanskrit means “refined”, “consecrated” and “sanctified”. It continues to be used mainly as a language for Hindu and Buddhist religious ceremonies.
Below are the picture of few sanskrit writings found on pillars of Angkor Wat, Ta Nei, Kravan and Koh Ker temples.
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Angkor Wat temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Ta Nei temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of a temple in Koh Ker
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of a temple in Koh Ker
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of Angkor Wat temple
Sanskrit writing on a pillar of prasat kravan temple
Apsaras are the ethereal, elegant and youthful beings dancing in celestial palaces while Devatas are beautiful standing young goddesses in elegant outfits. Images of Devatas and Apsaras are delicately carved in the sandstone of many Angkorian temples. If some of them did not stand the test of time and others were defaced (some of them can be seen in Preah Khan) many are still today beautifully preserved in Angkor Wat where about 1800 have been counted.
Apsaras and Devatas are fantastic photography subjects as they always look different in the direct sunlight of midday or the warmer light of sunrise and sunset. They can be seen in groups or alone so photographers can play with the depth of field to isolate one.
Pictures taken with wide or ultra wide angle also can give interesting perspectives as they come together in the frame even if far apart. In the first two photos below you can count 17 and 8 devatas respectively.
Close up shots reveal the intricate details and the true beauty of the carvings: devatas holding hands, touching their hairs, smiling showing their teeth or holding a bird.
There are still so many interesting details of apsaras and devatas waiting to be uncovered. If you want to see more , check out www.angkorphotographytours.com and book a photo discovery tour with us.
Group of devatas in Angkor Wat temple
Group of devatas in Angkor Wat temple
Devatas at sunrise in Angkor Wat temple
Devatas holding hands in Angkor Wat temple
Devatas in Angkor Wat with early morning light
Devatas in Angkor Wat with early morning light
Devatas in Angkor Wat corridor
Devatas in Angkor Wat temple
Devatas in Banteay Kdei temple
Devata at sunrise at Angkor Wat temple
Devata in Angkor Wat temple
Devatas in Ta Prohm temple
Devata in Bayon temple
Apsara dancers at Bayon temple
Devatas in Ta Prohm temple
Devata behind crumbling stones in Preah Khan temple
Your flight ticket and hotel are booked and you are a now a few days away from your trip to Siem Reap. Like many you probably did not have the time to read about the temples of Angkor. Do not worry!
To help you out, we compiled a list of the best Angkor Wat documentary videos available online. Most of them are in English, some others in French only. If you have other movies to suggest or want to report broken links, please feel free to let us know.
THE KHMER EMPIRE: FALL OF THE GOD KINGS (2020, Fall of Civilizations MMXX, in English)
Combining footage from various sources: video stock agencies, digital work from Monash University, work from Chandara Ung of SensiLab, this documentary gives a very good overview about the rise and the fall of the Khmer Empire.
LOST WORLDS: CITY OF THE GOD KINGS (2002, Channel 4, in English)
This documentary gives a good overview about the history of the temples of Angkor. In this film, you will learn about the first images of the 1994’s Spaceborne Imaging Radar survey from NASA, the accounts of Zhou Daguan’s visit in Angkor in the 13th century, the first impressions of Henri Mouhot from 1860. Several leading archaeologists are interviewed and gave any interesting insights about their research on Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Phnom Kulen.
Jungle Atlantis by the BBC is about the latest findings from the LIDAR, a groundbreaking laser technology which gave archaeologists new insights about the temples, the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen and revealed new archaeological sites hidden beneath the dense jungle.
In this documentary are also presented some new research evidences about the sophisticated Angkorian water irrigation system believed to be at the origin of the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire.
AUX SOURCES D’ANGKOR ARTE
(2015, Science Grand Format, in French)
A documentary about the first capital of the Khmer Empire, Mahendraparvata, and its discovery in 2000 by Jean-Baptiste Chevance on the top of Kulen mountain. The map of the ancient city is confirmed by the LIDAR survey of 2012.
Angkor redécouvert is an Angkor documentary about the latest findings of the LIDAR project and some archaeological research led by French and German teams in the temples of Koh Ker. Also presented, the groundbreaking documentary work of the French explorer and artist Louis Delaporte, at the end of the 19th century.
A documentary about the LIDAR technology which helped scientists to get a better understanding of the layout of the city of Angkor Wat. A large part of the documentary is about the restoration and conservation efforts that took place in the temples over the years.
The first part of this documentary focuses on the rise of the Khmer empire and the legacy of Suryavarman II: Angkor Wat temple. Is explained also the connection between the temples and the quarries in the Kulen mountain. The second part is about Jayavarman VII well known for his extensive temple building program. Also presented, the last findings about Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple. Both part feature beautifully designed 3D and movie sequences.
ANGKOR: LA CIVILISATION ENGLOUTIE
(2012, ARTE, in French)
A documentary which highlights the works of the EFEO about the history of the consecutive capitals of the Khmer empire. New research is been presented about the temples of Beng Melea, Phnom Kulen, Preah Khan and the West Baray water reservoir. Presented also, the new archaeological evidences uncovered by the LIDAR technology.
A documentary about the controversial topic of antiquities trafficking and in particular about the looting of the statues of the statues of Koh Ker in Cambodia. Tess David a lawyer successfully executed a lawsuit against Sotheby’s for the sale of the unique statue of Duryodhana bondissant which was stolen in 1972 at Prasat Chen temple and which was part of a unique 3 dimensional Hindu fighting scene composed of 9 statues.
If you are a passionate photographer who wants to get the best pictures of Angkor and wants to improve your photo skills you can join our Angkor Wat sunrise tour or our countryside tour. We run also photography tours in the capital city of Phnom Penh.