Adding another feather to its cap, the Kingdom’s eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat has been conferred the number one rank for best sunrise in Southeast Asia. The British website Morning Life granted the honour to the Siem Reap tourist draw earlier in the year.
The news has been welcomed by the rapidly resurging tourism industry as it races to scale pre-pandemic heights. “This kind of recognition enhances the site’s visibility and appeal, attracting more tourists, especially those seeking unique and picturesque experiences. The ranking can also lead to increased media coverage and word-of-mouth promotion, further amplifying its allure to both new and repeat visitors,” said Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodian Tourism Association (CATA) told Khmer Times on Wednesday.
Industry professionals speculated on how this new accolade can be exploited to maximum advantage by building tour packages around it. They dwelt upon the different attractions in the area to offer tourists a more enriching experience.
A sunrise tour to Angkor Wat can be enriched with a variety of nearby attractions and wellness activities, which are appealing to the European market, said Jeremie Clement, General Manager, Peninsula Phnom Penh. “After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat, visitors can explore Angkor Thom, home to the Bayon Temple with its enigmatic stone faces. Ta Prohm, known for its overgrown trees and roots, offers a mystical experience. Pre Rup provides panoramic views ideal for photography. Phnom Bakheng, another scenic spot, can be visited for either sunrise or sunset views,” he added.
Sivlin also agreed with Clement on recommending Ta Prohm and Pre Rup Temples, as a part of the sunrise package tour. The former she described as being known for its intertwined trees and ancient ruins, for a mystical experience, especially in the early morning light. She described Pre Rup as a popular spot for watching both sunrise and sunset, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Other additions to the sunrise package that Sivlin recommended are Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei and Srah Srang. “Famous for its serene and smiling stone faces, Bayon Temple provides a stunning backdrop for sunrise photography,” she said.
About Banteay Srei, she elaborated as being located slightly farther from the main Angkor complex, and renowned for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone, which glow beautifully at dawn.
Srah Srang, the reservoir, known as the “Pool of Ablutions,” offers a serene and reflective sunrise experience, often less crowded than other spots.
In addition to temple visits, the tour can include wellness activities such as guided forest walks, yoga sessions, and meditation near the temples, continued Clement. These activities leverage the serene and spiritual environment of Angkor Wat, offering a holistic experience. Tourists, who often seek wellness and mindfulness experiences, will find these additions particularly attractive.
“Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Khmer breakfast, explore local markets, or take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake to see the floating villages, adding cultural richness to the tour,” he added.
Social media influencer Laoclassics a Travel Content Creator had his own suggestions. “In addition to the iconic Angkor Wat sunrise tour, travellers should consider visiting Preah Palilay and Ta Nei temples, which have recently gained popularity on my social media. These lesser-known sites offer unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences often overlooked by tourists. Including these temples in their itinerary will enrich their visit beyond the well-trodden paths of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm,” he said.
