AKP Phnom Penh, March 21, 2026 —

More than 24,000 tourists descended on Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex at dawn on Saturday to witness a biannual solar alignment where the sun rises directly over the monument's central tower.

The spring equinox phenomenon, a hallmark of the 12th-century Khmer Empire’s astronomical precision, drew 24,145 visitors between 5:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., according to data from the APSARA National Authority, the state body managing the archaeological park.

"Favorable weather conditions offered clear views of the sun rising directly above the iconic structure," APSARA experts said in a statement, noting the striking visual symmetry reflected in the temple’s lily-filled northern and southern ponds.

The crowd included approximately 21,535 domestic travellers and 2,610 international tourists. Many arrived as early as 3:00 a.m. to secure vantage points along the main causeway and ancient libraries flanking the approach to the world’s largest religious monument.

"The scene was particularly vivid," said one domestic traveller who arrived before dawn. "The golden light mirrored on the water against the backdrop of the complex was beyond expectations."

Seng Sotheara, Head of the Angkor Tourism and Culture Development Department, confirmed the high turnout, which underscores the site’s enduring status as a global cultural and spiritual hub. 

The equinox occurs twice a year—in March and September—when day and night are of approximately equal length, a cycle historically integrated into the temple's architectural design.

The Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains Cambodia’s primary tourism driver. The Park welcomed 955,131 international visitors in 2025, generating more than US$44.7 million in revenue.

By K. Rithy Reak