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Things to do at the Angkor temples:
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
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Watching the sun rise over the peaks of Angkor Wat is an amazing experience that should be experienced if you have a few days at the temples, the park opens at 5:00 am so you have plenty of time to get there. It is a very peaceful time at the temple, compared to the crowds later in the day. Photographers should bring a tripod and the best shots are from the southern pond infront of the temple, however this pool is only full enough to provide a good reflection after the rainy season.
Sunrise at Srah Srang
As an alternative to Angkor Wat, you might choose to go to the Srah Srang baray for sunrise and look out over the water, a lot less people than Angkor Wat.
Elephant Rides from Angkor Thom south gate to the Bayon
You can also avoid the traffic jams at the south gate of Angkor Thom by jumping on an elephant headed for the Bayon temple and arrive in traditional style.
Elephant Rides up to Phnom Bakheng
If you choose, you can ride an elephant up to the top of Phnom Bakheng, it certainly saves your legs and is great experience for those who havent ridden elephants before.
Sunset at Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng is famous for watching the sun set from, but you need to get there early as they stop letting people ascend the hill after about 5:30pm. There is a spectacular view of Angkor Wat from the top though, and late in the day the front towers are in full sun and is perfect for photos while waiting for the sun to set over Phnom Bakheng.
Angkor Hot Air Balloon Rides
Located just west of Angkor Wat the tethered balloon offers an amazing view of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, the West Baray, and for miles around you can see flat rice paddies and palm trees dotted around, in the distance Angkor Thom and the Bayon, and beyond that the Kulen Mountains, certainly something to do. For the best sunlight on the front of Angkor Wat, it is best to go on the balloon in the afternoon, however it sometimes only runs in the morning so it can be closed if you arrive too late in the afternoon, 12:00-2:00 pm seems to be a good time to try. If you have a 3 day or 7 day pass, you could try in the afternoon the first day, but if it is closed, try earlier the next, but go in the morning to be certain.
Info for Sunrise & Sunset opportunities:
The sunrise and sunset times for Cambodia only have small changes throughout the year, sunrise at 5:30-6:30 am and sunset at 5:30-6:30 pm. To check the current sun rise & set times visit this page: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=199. The Angkor Archaeological Park opens at 5:00am and closes promptly at 6:00pm, so expect to have to make a quick departure after sunset.
Angkor Temples Travel Guide
Admission, transport, guide books, tour guides, read more..
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