Ever witnessed a sight so beautiful that it leaves an imprint on your memory, something you can visit anytime in your mind’s eye and still feel that sense of awe? The sunsets in Siem Reap’s Angkor Park have that kind of magic.
Angkor Park offers some of the most scenic sunset spots that will capture your heart and invite your soul to a dance. So let’s explore 7 such breathtaking locations where the sun bows down for the day.
If you’re looking for a guide on catching the sunrise in Angkor Wat along with other sunrise spots, you can check out this in-depth article here.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a very small town and you can find most places close to each other and all within 15 – 30 minutes from Angkor Archaelogical Park. Here are some of my recommendations:
Best Hotels in Siem Reap
- Han & Daniel Villa Boutique – this is where we personally stayed and what can I say except that it was a blast! The location is conveniently located near most of the sites that we went to around town such as the Phare Circus and the e-bike rental shop. The rooms were spacious and a good bathroom. The beds were great too. They had parking spaces for our bikes with an in-house restaurant for whenever we were lazy to get food outside. Daniel kindly helped us with a lot of stuff too such as an airport pick-up, airport drop-off, and helping us get tickets to Angkor Archaeological Park. The best part was the pool which we were taking a dip in every day!
- Two Seasons Siem Reap Hotel – offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, and a range of services including room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned, with a desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom.
- Damrei Residence & Spa – offer a flat-screen TV, and a seating area. You can enjoy the garden or city views while relaxing with a cup of tea. All rooms have a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.
Best Hostels in Siem Reap
- Onederz Hostel Siem Reap – a clean, comfortable, and friendly place to stay. With its well-designed layout and premium amenities, including three swimming pools, this hostel offers a high-quality experience.
- Mad Monkey Siem Reap – offers a range of room options, a fantastic pool, and an incredible bar and restaurant serving both local and Western cuisine. At Mad Monkey, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow fun-loving travelers from all around the globe.
- Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap – featuring a Khmer-chic inspired design, Lub d Siem Reap boasts a swimming pool with a swim-up pool bar, inviting lounging areas, and a games area with a pool table and Pacman arcade game. You can indulge in all-day breakfast, expertly brewed coffee at The PumpHouse, and quick snacks from the Grab & Go counter.
7 Sunset Spots in Angkor Park
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat isn’t just about sunrises though they’re just as mesmerizing.
Its stone carvings, ancient history, and the grandeur of it all is quite something, right? But wait until the sun starts to dip. That’s when the magic truly happens.
As the sky changes color, the temple starts glowing. I’m talking amazing hues of golds, oranges, and reds. And the best part? That picture-perfect reflection in the front pool. It’s twice the sunset and all kinds of beautiful.
Note that you can actually enter after 5:00PM when you buy your ticket for Angkor Park without having it getting stamped so it’s really an amazing opportunity to experience the sunset in Angkor Wat. The crowds won’t be as much compared to the sunrise, plus you can see Angkor Wat basked in the sun’s golden light.
2. Pre Rup
While Pre Rup is lesser-known than Angkor Wat, it’s actually the go-to spot for sunsets.
As a temple built in the 10th century, it holds historical and architectural significance. Known for its unique “funeral” architectural style.
Apart from seeing traditional Khmer culture, Pre Rup is also recognized for its tranquility and the breathtaking view it offers. The view from atop this temple is a sweeping panorama that stretches far into the horizon, making it a perfect spot to watch the day end.
As the day winds down, this brick and laterite temple takes on a warm, reddish glow, which enhances its intricate engravings. As you climb up the steep steps to the upper terraces, you’ll see the vast, green plains stretching out below you. It’s the perfect backdrop for the dazzling hues of the setting sun.
Pre Rup is one of the prime sunset spots in Angkor Park so expect crowds, it’s best to arrive earlier to secure a viewing spot.
3. Srah Srang
Srah Srang is one of my personal favorites. I can’t count how many times we passed by here on our e-bikes as we explored the park. It’s a really peaceful and serene place to watch the clouds pass you by.
Srah Saranwas was a royal bathing pool in the 10th century, but it has now become one of the most enchanting spots to take in the sunset in Angkor Park. With the sun lowering in the sky, the reservoir transforms into a huge mirror (bigger than Angkor Wat’s pools!)
Sitting by the edge of the water, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature. This picturesque setting creates a really relaxing backdrop, making it a perfect spot for some meditation and introspection or a romantic moment if you’re with a special someone.
4. Preah Khan
Preah Khan, often translated as ‘Royal Sword’, is really fun place to capture the sunset. Particularly because of its endless labyrinthian architecture which makes for excellent backdrops for photography composition.
Constructed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, it served as a monastery and learning center, embodying a sense of knowledge and tranquillity.
It’s a place where nature and architecture blend seamlessly, with trees growing amidst the ruins and thick roots draping over the stone walls.
The trees around Preah Khan make for a gorgeous silhouette against the evening sky, creating a picturesque view that’s hard to forget.
5. Phnom Bakheng
Situated atop a hill, Phnom Bakheng easily contends with Pre Rup as one of the best sunset spots in the whole Angkor Park. It offers panoramic views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas that are simply magical as the sun starts to descend.
Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, Phnom Bakheng is considered one of the first major temples of Angkor. Climbing up to the top might be a bit of a workout, but it’s an adventure worth taking.
One thing that’s a bonus for Phnom Bakheng is that they are only allowing a limited number of people to enter, and the crowds are generally thinner as not everyone is keen on going on a hike.
We had a really great time hiking up Phnom Bakheng, it’s such a unique temple just because you really have to work to see it in all of its glory.
On clear evenings, you can see the majestic silhouette of Angkor Wat against the backdrop of a sky painted with hues of the sunset.
6. Neak Pean
Neak Pean is one of the most unique sites that offers an intriguing change of scenery for sunset viewers. It’s a small island temple originally designed for medical purposes – to balance the elements in the body, according to the ancient Hindu belief.
Built in the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Neak Pean is one of the many hospitals he had built throughout his kingdom. The name of the temple translates to “Coiled Serpents,” which originates from the serpents encircling the temple’s base.
Neak Pean might not be the first location to come to mind when you think of sunset watching in Angkor Park. It’s not perched high on a hill or a mountain, and there are no towering structures to climb for a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. But that doesn’t mean it lacks in ambiance.
In fact, this temple stands out because of its serenity. Just like Srah Srang, the surrounding waters here are beautiful, especially the bridge leading to the island where the temple is takes you right across the lake which offers a stunning perspective for the sunset.
7. Eastern Mebon
Eastern Mebon is like a sister temple to Pre Rup. Similar in structure and size, it’s a 10th-century temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of a reservoir.
What makes Eastern Mebon stand out, besides its historical importance, are its elephant sculptures that guard at the corners. They’re beautifully preserved and make for great photo opportunities. It’s fascinating to think that these statues have witnessed centuries of sunsets.
If you find the crowds in Pre Rup too difficult to handle, then you can head to the Eastern Mebon which is just a few meters away.
When the afternoon starts to turn into evening, the temple comes to life in a different way. It bathes in a soft golden light, and the once imposing stone elephants start to appear more gentle.
Plan Your Trip to Siem Reap | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
