Plan your visit perfectly with the exact hours Angkor Wat welcomes travelers every day—don’t miss a single moment!
What Time Does Angkor Wat Open and Close?
Angkor Wat opening hours are 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, making it Cambodia’s most accessible temple for both sunrise and sunset viewing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site extends its schedule beyond other temples to accommodate the famous sunrise experience that draws visitors from around the world.
The Angkor Wat ticket office opens at 4:30 AM, allowing early access for photography enthusiasts. Key facts include:
- One-day passes cost $37 with extended evening access until 6:00 PM
- Angkor Wat sunrise viewing starts at 5:00 AM sharp
- Over 1 million visitors choose these extended hours annually
- APSARA Authority manages all temple schedules and entry requirements
This schedule helps travelers plan the perfect visit to Southeast Asia’s most famous temple complex.
What Time Does Angkor Wat Open and Close? The Complete Daily Schedule
Angkor Wat opening hours start at 5:00 AM and end at 6:00 PM every single day of the year. These times make Angkor Wat special compared to other temples in the park.
Most people want to know exactly when they can enter. The gates open right at 5:00 AM. You won’t get in even one minute earlier. Temple guards check passes and control entry very strictly.
What time does Angkor Wat open and close affects your whole day plan. The 5:00 AM start lets you see the famous sunrise. Many tourists wake up at 4:00 AM just for this moment. The 6:00 PM closing gives you 13 full hours inside.
Other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park have different times:
- Bayon Temple: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Ta Prohm: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Banteay Srei: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Phnom Bakheng: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The Angkor Wat ticket office opens at 4:30 AM. This early opening helps sunrise visitors buy passes before the temple opens.
Extended Hours Make Angkor Wat Special
Recent changes made Angkor Wat visiting hours longer than before. The temple used to close at 5:30 PM. Now it stays open until 6:00 PM.
This 30-minute extension gives you more time for photos. Evening light looks amazing on the temple towers. Fewer crowds gather during these final hours too.
What time does Angkor Wat open and close matters for planning tours. The Angkor Wat Sunset Tour uses these extended hours perfectly. Groups arrive in late afternoon when the temple feels more peaceful.
Why Angkor Wat Opens Earlier Than Other Temples
Angkor Wat sunrise draws millions of visitors each year. The temple opens at 5:00 AM specifically for this experience. No other temple in Cambodia offers such early access.
Sunrise happens between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season. Getting inside by 5:00 AM gives you time to walk to the best viewing spots. The reflection pools need about 20 minutes to reach from the entrance.
Peak hours start right when the doors open. Hundreds of people wait outside at 4:45 AM during busy season. Tour groups arrive with flashlights and cameras ready.
The early opening creates special moments you won’t find anywhere else. Temple bells ring across the water at dawn. Birds start singing as the sun rises behind the towers.
| Temple | Opening Time | Sunrise Access | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat | 5:00 AM | Yes | Very High |
| Bayon | 7:30 AM | No | High |
| Ta Prohm | 7:30 AM | No | High |
| Banteay Srei | 7:30 AM | No | Medium |
The Science Behind Sunrise Timing
Angkor Wat equinox sunrise creates perfect alignment twice per year. The sun rises directly behind the central tower during spring and fall equinox. These dates bring extra crowds who want the perfect photo.
Weather affects sunrise quality too. Dry season (November to March) offers clear skies most mornings. Rainy season can hide the sun behind clouds.
Smart visitors check weather apps before setting alarms for 4:00 AM. Clear nights usually mean beautiful sunrises the next morning.
Complete Angkor Wat Ticket Information and Entry Requirements
Angkor Wat entry fee costs $37 for a one-day pass in 2025. Three-day passes cost $62, and seven-day passes cost $72. Children under 12 enter free with adults.
You must buy tickets at the official Angkor Wat ticket office on Road 60. The office opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. No other locations sell valid passes.
Angkor Wat temple pass rules are strict:
- Cash or credit cards accepted
- Bring passport for ticket purchase
- Photos taken for pass security
- No refunds or exchanges allowed
- Valid only on chosen dates
After 4:30 PM, the ticket office sells passes for the next day. This helps sunrise visitors prepare the night before.
Digital Tickets and Mobile Passes
The APSARA Authority now offers online ticket purchases. Digital passes work just like printed ones. You still need to visit the ticket office first to register your photo.
Mobile tickets save time during busy periods. The system processes payments faster than cash transactions. Many tours now include digital ticket service.
Angkor Wat day pass holders get access to over 100 temples in the park. Only Phnom Kulen and Koh Ker require separate tickets.
Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM. The temple closes at 6:00 PM every day. You get 13 hours inside.
Want to see sunrise? Buy tickets at 4:30 AM when the office opens. This gives you time before the 5:00 AM temple opening.
Planning sunset photos? Phnom Bakheng stays open until 7:00 PM. Pre Rup also closes at 7:00 PM. Both temples work great for sunset shots.
Main temple = 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunset temples = 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Ticket office = 4:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Pro tip: Buy your pass the night before if you want sunrise access. The ticket office sells next-day passes after 4:30 PM.
Best Times to Visit: Avoiding Crowds and Heat
Angkor Wat best time to visit depends on what you want to see. Sunrise brings the biggest crowds but offers magical moments. Afternoon visits feel more relaxed.
Quiet hours happen between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Most tour groups eat lunch during this time. You can walk through empty halls and take photos without people.
Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) gives great light for photography. The setting sun makes the stone glow golden. Temple towers create long shadows across the ground.
Monthly Visitor Patterns
Seasonal hours stay the same all year, but crowd levels change:
High Season (November – March)
- Cool, dry weather
- Biggest crowds at sunrise
- Book tours early
- Perfect for photos
Low Season (April – October)
- Hot, humid days
- Afternoon rain possible
- Fewer tourists
- Lower hotel prices
Khmer New Year hours in mid-April see many local sites closed. Plan around this holiday if visiting in April.
Weather and Comfort Tips
Cambodia’s climate affects your temple experience. Morning hours (5:00 AM to 9:00 AM) feel coolest. Midday heat can reach 95°F (35°C) or higher.
Dress codes require covered shoulders and knees. Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection. Water bottles help you stay cool during long walks.
The Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour provides cold towels and water during hot periods.
Cambodia and Siem Reap: Your Gateway to Angkor
Cambodia sits in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Vietnam. This ancient kingdom built Angkor Wat 900 years ago. Today, the country welcomes millions of visitors who come to see these amazing temples.
Siem Reap serves as the main base for temple visits. This friendly city has grown around the tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants, and tour companies fill the streets near the temple parks.
Most international flights land at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. The new airport opened in 2023 and handles much bigger planes than before. Getting from the airport to temples takes about 45 minutes by car.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, offers a different experience. The busy city has markets, museums, and riverside restaurants. Many visitors combine both cities in one trip.
Getting Around Siem Reap
Tuk-tuks provide the most popular transport to temples. These three-wheeled vehicles carry 2-4 people comfortably. Drivers know all the temple locations and Angkor Wat opening hours.
Bicycle rentals work well for active visitors. The flat roads make cycling easy. Electric bikes help with longer distances to remote temples.
Private cars with air conditioning cost more but offer comfort during hot days. Many tour companies include transport in their packages.
Detailed Temple Tour Schedules That Work With Opening Hours
Understanding what time does Angkor Wat open and close helps create perfect tour schedules. Professional guides plan around these hours to avoid crowds and heat.
Sunrise Tour Schedule (4:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
The Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour starts before dawn:
4:30 AM: Hotel pickup with flashlights 5:00 AM: Enter Angkor Wat for sunrise 5:30 AM: Watch the sun rise behind temple towers
7:00 AM: Tour inside the temple halls 8:30 AM: Visit Ta Prohm temple 10:30 AM: See Bayon temple at Angkor Thom 1:30 PM: Return to hotel
This schedule uses the early Angkor Wat opening hours perfectly. You beat the biggest crowds and enjoy cool morning air.
Sunset Tour Schedule (8:00 AM – 6:30 PM)
The Angkor Wat Sunset Tour takes a different approach:
8:00 AM: Start with Angkor Thom temples 10:30 AM: Visit Ta Prohm during quiet hours 12:30 PM: Lunch break during hot midday 3:00 PM: Enter Angkor Wat for afternoon light 5:30 PM: Climb Phnom Bakheng for sunset views 6:30 PM: Return as darkness falls
This tour uses Angkor Wat closing time to catch golden hour lighting. Phnom Bakheng stays open until 7:00 PM for sunset viewing.
Heritage Circuit Tour (8:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
The Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit Heritage Tour covers distant temples:
8:00 AM: Start at Pre Rup temple 10:30 AM: Visit Banteay Srei (45-minute drive) 1:00 PM: Lunch in countryside
2:30 PM: See Neak Pean water temple 4:00 PM: End at massive Preah Khan temple 6:00 PM: Return to Siem Reap
This tour works around standard temple hours (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM). The remote location of Banteay Srei means fewer crowds all day.
Special Events and Holiday Schedules
Holiday schedules can affect temple access during major celebrations. Khmer New Year in mid-April closes many businesses for several days. Some temple areas may have limited access.
Water Festival in November brings huge crowds to Siem Reap. Hotel prices go up and tours book quickly. The festival happens at night, so daytime temple visits continue normally.
Angkor Wat equinox sunrise events happen twice yearly. March and September equinox dates see special sunrise alignment. Hundreds of extra visitors come for these perfect photo opportunities.
Royal ceremonies occasionally affect temple access. The APSARA Authority announces any changes on their official website. These events are rare but create temporary schedule changes.
Planning Around Crowds
Busy season brings challenges even with knowledge of Angkor Wat visiting hours. Tour groups arrive by the hundreds at popular times.
Smart strategies include:
- Start tours at 5:00 AM sharp
- Use lesser-known entrances
- Visit during lunch hours (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
- Choose sunset over sunrise tours
- Book tours in advance
The Sunset in Angkor Wat tour uses afternoon timing to avoid morning crowds completely.
Photography Tips for Different Times of Day
Angkor Wat sunrise creates the most famous photos, but other times offer unique opportunities. Professional photographers often prefer late afternoon light.
Golden Hour Schedule:
- 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM: Sunrise behind towers
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Sunset light on temple walls
Camera settings need adjustment for different lighting. Sunrise requires higher ISO settings. Afternoon sun needs polarizing filters to reduce glare.
Reflection pools work best during calm mornings. Wind after 8:00 AM creates ripples that break the mirror effect. Early arrival gives you still water for perfect reflections.
Best Photo Locations Inside Angkor Wat
The temple complex has many great photo spots:
Main Entrance: Classic approach shot with towers Reflection Pools: Perfect mirror images at sunrise
Central Towers: Detailed stone carvings up close Galleries: Long corridors with ancient art Upper Levels: Views across the temple complex
Each location looks different at various times. Morning light hits the east side first. Afternoon sun illuminates western galleries beautifully.
Understanding Angkor’s Management and Conservation
The APSARA Authority manages all temples in the Angkor park. This government organization protects the ancient buildings while allowing tourism.
Conservation work happens during temple operating hours. Teams carefully clean stones and repair damage. This ongoing work keeps Angkor Wat safe for future visitors.
UNESCO World Heritage Site status brings international support. Money from Angkor Wat entry fees helps fund protection efforts. Every ticket purchase supports conservation work.
Temple rules exist to protect the ancient structures:
- No climbing on restricted areas
- No touching carved stones
- No smoking inside temples
- No loud music or parties
- No camping overnight
Guards enforce these rules throughout Angkor Wat visiting hours. Respect for the site helps preserve it for future generations.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Growing visitor numbers create challenges for temple preservation. The APSARA Authority works to balance tourism with protection.
New policies include:
- Visitor limits during peak hours
- Alternative route suggestions
- Education about temple history
- Waste reduction programs
- Local community involvement
Tour companies like Journey Cambodia follow sustainable practices. They educate visitors about respecting the temples and supporting local communities.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Cambodia has two main seasons that affect your temple experience. Understanding weather patterns helps plan around Angkor Wat opening hours.
Dry Season (November – March):
- Clear skies most days
- Cool mornings (70-75°F)
- Hot afternoons (85-90°F)
- Perfect for sunrise viewing
- Biggest crowds
Rainy Season (April – October):
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Hot, humid air (80-95°F)
- Green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
Morning visits work well in both seasons. Angkor Wat sunrise has the best chance of clear skies during dry season months.
Monthly Weather Guide
November – January: Peak tourist season
- Perfect weather conditions
- Book hotels early
- Highest prices
February – March: Still excellent weather
- Slightly warmer days
- Good value for tours
April – May: Getting hot and humid
- Afternoon storms start
- Fewer crowds
June – October: Rainy season
- Daily afternoon rain
- Lush green scenery
- Lowest prices
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Planning around what time does Angkor Wat open and close requires some practical preparation. These tips help make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Camera with extra batteries
- Small flashlight for early morning
Dress Code Requirements:
- Cover shoulders and knees
- No tank tops or short shorts
- Modest clothing shows respect
- Comfortable fabrics work best
Health and Safety:
- Drink plenty of water
- Take breaks in shade
- Use mosquito repellent
- Watch for uneven stones
- Stay with your group
Money and Payment
Angkor Wat entry fees accept both cash and credit cards. US dollars work everywhere in Siem Reap. ATMs provide cash if needed.
Tipping guides and drivers is expected. $5-10 per day shows appreciation for good service. Restaurant bills often include service charges.
Temple vendors sell water, snacks, and souvenirs. Prices stay reasonable near most temples. Bargaining is normal at local markets.
Building Your Angkor Experience
Your perfect Angkor visit starts with understanding what time does Angkor Wat open and close. These hours shape everything from hotel bookings to tour selections.
The early 5:00 AM opening creates magical sunrise opportunities. The 6:00 PM closing gives you extended afternoon access. These 13 hours offer endless possibilities for amazing experiences.
Professional tours make the most of these schedules. Journey Cambodia designs every tour around optimal timing and crowd patterns.
Whether you choose sunrise tours, sunset experiences, or heritage circuits, proper timing makes all the difference. Angkor Wat visiting hours provide the framework for memories that last forever.
Ready to plan your perfect Angkor adventure? Contact our expert team at Journey Cambodia for personalized tour recommendations that match your schedule and interests. We’ll help you make the most of every hour at this incredible temple complex.
Additional Resources
- Angkor Enterprise Official Website – Current ticket prices and temple schedules
- APSARA Authority – Temple conservation and visitor guidelines
- Cambodia Tourism Board – Official travel information and seasonal updates
