One of the biggest attractions in Siem Reap is to see the sun rise over the Angkor Wat temple. While it may have been a little hyped up, it was a beautiful experience that I would recommend, if not just for the novelty and excitement of it all.
If you choose to venture out before the sun to get your place by the lake, there are a few things you should do and expect.
Don’t drink too much the night before (or have too much Happy Pizza). With the sun rising around 5:30-6am, the drive taking about 30 minutes, and factoring in walking up and through the temple to the prime sunrise viewing spot, you’re in for an early wake up call. Cambodia, as the rest of Southeast Asia, can party pretty hard. Forgo the extra beers and get a bit of sleep so you’re ready to go in the morning.
Order your tuk tuk driver ahead of time. Since you have to be up and out so early, tuk tuk drivers are not readily available (except to maybe take home the last partiers). Set up your driver, pick up time, and location the day before. Most hotels can easily arrange this for if you ask at the front desk. Then, when 4:30 rears its ugly head, your driver will be there waiting and you will have one less thing to worry about.
Expect crowds. This may seem like an obvious one, but I was actually surprised by the amount of people who showed at that time of morning. Just be prepared for lots of people all gawking (and some not being too polite). Oh, and if you’re a don’t-get-near-me-until-I’ve-had-coffee person, then find a way to get yourself a cup before you get to the temple.
Bring a tripod. I’m no camera expert (as I am sure you can tell from the photos I subject you to on here), but with the shimmery half-light of morning, setting up a tripod will get you much better pictures than a hand held. There are spots to set it up even with the crowds and everyone was very respectful of each other’s tripod space.
Take as many pictures as you can. Clear your memory card in preparation. Rob and I both took an insane amount of pictures since the light kept changing every second, we found new angles, new settings on our cameras, and were just goofing around at points. Don’t be shy about how many times you click the shutter because this is a one-shot deal. Make the most of it.
Visit the temple during regular daylight hours. Angkor Wat is a massive temple. The grounds alone take some time to walk. After the sunrises, go hunt down some breakfast, and then go back to the temple to see the rest when you have more time to explore. Sure, you’ve already been there, but it won’t disappoint.
While it may seem like a lot of rigamarole to see the sunrise over the temple, it was certainly an experience I would recommend and do again. Plus, you’ll have tons of pictures to look back on!
RQ: Have you ever gotten up insanely early to see something beautiful? What attractions have you seen that were just too touristy or crowded?
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
