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Are you traveling to Cambodia? Are you a morning person? Do you like watching the sunrise and picturing it? If the answers are all “Yes”, then set your alarm clock and visit these 10 destinations which promise to provide you with some of the most stunning sunrise views you have ever seen!
Don’t miss these stunning sunrise views when traveling to Cambodia (Source: IAMKOO Haong Anh)
Month and weather period
In months and weather, the best time to see the sunrise would be in the dry season, which occurs from early December to March. During this period, there are fewer rain clouds (little or no rain), and such guarantees a more stable atmosphere with reduced rainfall hence better visibility and more pleasant viewing.
Another suggested time to visit is from May to June, which is the early rainy season in Cambodia. Of course, the dry season is the most ideal choice. However, even during these months in transition, one can also obtain a scene as quite picturesque regarding the sunrise.
The dry season in Cambodia has perfect weather conditions for watching the sunrise (Source: readyfortakeoff.se)
Time in day
It is advisable to arrive early at your destination well before dawn at least 30 minutes. That ensures you find a good viewing point and set up your cameras or any preparations if needed.
Angkor Wat is an ancient temple ruin that is silhouetted at dawn. The ideal spot to view this incredible view is on the stone way leading to the entrance of the temple where visitors can watch the sun rising behind its famous lotus-bud towers.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat (Source: Traveloka)
How to get there?
From Siem Reap Airport or your hotels within the city, you can easily take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to travel to the site. Once arrive, navigate on foot to find a suitable viewing spot on the stone road in front of the temple.
Phnom Bakheng is an uphill temple ruin that lies between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It is one of the three mountain temples that King Yasovarman I dedicated to the god Shiva. Climbing to the top in the cool early hours provides a rewarding experience as you watch the sunrise over the plains and distant temples. The effort to reach this elevated site is well worth the panoramic views.
Sunrise in Phnom Bakheng (Source: Siemreap.net)
How to get there?
Phnom Bakheng is located about 1.3 kilometers North of Angkor Wat and only 400 meters from Angkor Thom. To reach the temple at the top, there is a winding path which takes you to the foot of the temple. Ultimately, there will be some steep steps leading you the rest of the way directly to the temple.
Srah Srang, often referred to as the "Royal Bath," is an expansive reservoir situated in Siem Reap, with origins tracing back to the 10th century. At sunrise, the tranquil waters reflect the sky and the verdant trees lining the shore, crafting a peaceful and picturesque tableau illuminated by the sun. The serenity of Srah Srang encourages visitors to take a moment to admire the inherent beauty of this natural spectacle.
Sunrise at Srah Srang (Source: Siemreap.net)
How to get there?
If you are coming from Siem Reap town or Angkor Wat, then you can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk and head East going past Prasat Kravan. About 1 kilometer after Prasat Kravan, you’ll see the large pool of water on the right side with Banteay Kdei on the left side.
Tonle Sap, located in Siem Reap, is the biggest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It is an important ecological and economic asset for the local areas. An included view where the water shifts to mimic the colors of the sky at various times of the day just makes it delightful and memorable.
Sunrise at Tonle Sap Lake (Source: The Tonle Sap Experience)
How to get there?
You can easily arrange the trip from Siem Reap. From there you just take a bus, a tuk-tuk, or any means of transportation to travel to the lake depending on your location. Then, hire a local boat and make your way to your desired location to watch the dawn.
Read more: What to do on a Cambodia 5-day tour in Siem Reap?
Long Set Beach is tucked away on Koh Rong Island off the shore of Sihanoukville Province. The beach has a very quiet environment with its fine white sands and light blue waters, making it a great early-morning relaxation spot. When the sun rises, watching the pastel hues of the early morning sky dance with the vibrant turquoise sea is quite beautiful.
Sunrise at Long Set Beach (Source: Adobe Stock)
How to get there?
The most convenient way to get to Long Set Beach is by ferry from Sihanoukville. Buva Sea Cambodia operates this ferry service, which departs every 4 hours, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Journey to Phnom Bokor in Kampot Province for a rejuvenating shift in climate and an enchanting early morning experience enveloped in mist. The climb to the summit during the early hours is cloaked in dense fog that gradually dissipates as the sun ascends. As the haze lifts, you will discover the remnants of historic French colonial structures, including a hauntingly exquisite abandoned church that contributes an air of mystery to the scenery.
Sunrise on Phnom Bokor (Source: Reddit)
How to get there?
There are multiple choices for transportation to travel to Phnom Bokor with Kampot and nearby locations like Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville as the starting points. The choices include buses, taxis, minivans, tuk-tuk, motorbikes, etc.
Koh Tonsay, commonly referred to as Rabbit Island, is situated in Kep Province in the Southern part of Cambodia. The island's lush greenery and tropical environment blend harmoniously with the crystal-clear waters, creating an ideal backdrop for observing the sunrise.
Sunrise at a seashore in Koh Tonsay (Source: Flickr)
How to get there?
The primary and most straightforward way to reach Koh Tonsay is by taking a ferry from Kep Pier which typically takes around 30 minutes.
The Kep National Park is found in the coastal town of Kep. With its wide variety of wildlife and flora, the park has been stunning. Additionally, several hiking trails in the area offer views that are described as breathtaking.
The most favored trail for sunrise viewing is the Sunset Rock Trail, which guides visitors to a sweeping viewpoint that overlooks the Gulf of Thailand. From this viewpoint, visitors can watch the sunrise over the ocean and see the sky turn a beautiful array of colors as the first rays of light illuminate the surrounding landscape.
Sunrise at Kep National Park (Source: Passion Indochina Travel)
How to get there?
If you have already arrived in the province, you will have numerous options to get to the park such as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, bikes, etc. From there you can hike to your ideal spot for sunrise watching.
The Mekong River flowing beside Phnom Penh provides a serene urban sunrise experience. As the city wakes, you’ll get a glimpse into the local morning routines beside the riverbanks and the departure of the fishing boats on the river. The image of the rising sun’s reflection on the river, paired with the cityscape’s silhouette, creates a stunning and tranquil scene of the bustling city.
Sunrise at Mekong River in Phnom Penh (Source: Flickr)
How to get there?
For immediate access to the Mekong River, visitors can opt for a taxi or tuk-tuk from anywhere in Phnom Penh. This method offers the most convenient travel option. You can also take a boat trip along the river for a more thrilling experience.
Being the third largest city in Cambodia, Kampong Cham is the peaceful center of the eponymous province that stretches along the banks of the Mekong River. In Kampong Cham, the Mekong River provides a picturesque setting for a sunrise. You can find a quiet spot along the riverbank or even take a boat ride early in the morning for an unobstructed view. The blend of river life and soft morning light creates a rustic but also magical scenery.
Sunrise at Mekong River in Kampong Cham (Source: Flickr)
How to get there?
Like in Phnom Penh, you can have many options for transportation to get to the riverside within the city like buses, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, etc.
Cambodia offers an array of stunning sunrise spots beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Whether you’re witnessing the peaceful dawn over the tranquil beaches of Koh Rong, enjoying the misty mountain views from Bokor, or taking in the serene riverside sunrise in Kampong Cham, these locations provide unforgettable experiences for early risers.
Don’t just imagine it, plan your trip and pack your bag! Witness, capture, and share with us those favorable and memorable moments of your most breathtaking sunrise views in Cambodia.
Read more: Ecotourism in Cambodia
