Angkor Wat Equinox Draws Massive Crowds of Visitors

Terry Felix On March 22, 2026 - 5:37 am In Asia Pacific 1mn Read

SIEM REAP, March 22, 2026 — More than 30,000 tourists gathered at Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat early on Sunday to witness the equinox sunrise, when the sun aligns perfectly with the central tower of the ancient temple.

The phenomenon, known as the equinox, drew both domestic and international visitors who travelled from across the country and abroad to capture the rare sight of the sun rising directly over the temple’s central spire, according to the APSARA National Authority.

The biannual event highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge and architectural precision of the ancient Khmer Empire, as the temple’s design allows for precise solar alignment during the March and September equinoxes.

Officials said visitors who missed Sunday’s spectacle will still have a chance to experience the phenomenon on March 23.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains Cambodia’s top tourist attraction and a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.