Crowds Gather at Angkor Wat for September Equinox Despite Cloudy Skies
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2026 1:43 pm
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA — September 21, 2026
Large numbers of Cambodian and international visitors gathered at Angkor Wat early Monday morning for one of the temple’s most anticipated natural events: the September equinox.
Visitors arrived before sunrise and gathered around the temple grounds, particularly along the inner causeway, hoping to see the rising sun appear in alignment with Angkor Wat’s central tower.
Cloudy weather prevented visitors from getting the clear sunrise view they had hoped for, but the crowds still turned out to experience the occasion.
According to the APSARA National Authority, September 21 marked the first morning of the three-day equinox viewing period, with visitors expected to return on September 22 and 23 in hopes of clearer skies.
A Special Moment at Angkor Wat
The Angkor equinox has become an important occasion for visitors to the ancient temple.
During the phenomenon, the rising sun appears aligned with the central tower of Angkor Wat when viewed from particular locations west of the temple.
The event takes place twice each year, around the March and September equinox periods.
Cambodia’s Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) reported that large crowds of national and international tourists attended this year’s September event despite the overcast weather.
The gathering also highlights the enduring fascination with the planning and architectural precision of Angkor Wat.
Visitors Hope for Clearer Skies
Heavy clouds obscured the expected sunrise on September 21, but the viewing period is not over.
Visitors have additional opportunities on September 22 and 23 to see the sun rise in alignment with the temple’s central tower if weather conditions improve.
For many people, however, experiencing Angkor Wat at sunrise remains memorable even when the weather does not cooperate.
More Than a Sunrise
For Khmer people in Cambodia and throughout the diaspora, moments like the Angkor equinox can also serve as reminders of the cultural and historical importance of Angkor.
Angkor Wat is more than one of Cambodia’s best-known landmarks. It represents centuries of Khmer architecture, craftsmanship, history, and cultural identity.
Thousands of people gathering before sunrise to experience the temple together show that Angkor continues to inspire new generations.
BeKhmer will continue sharing news and stories from Cambodia that connect our community with Khmer culture, heritage, and life today.
Large numbers of Cambodian and international visitors gathered at Angkor Wat early Monday morning for one of the temple’s most anticipated natural events: the September equinox.
Visitors arrived before sunrise and gathered around the temple grounds, particularly along the inner causeway, hoping to see the rising sun appear in alignment with Angkor Wat’s central tower.
Cloudy weather prevented visitors from getting the clear sunrise view they had hoped for, but the crowds still turned out to experience the occasion.
According to the APSARA National Authority, September 21 marked the first morning of the three-day equinox viewing period, with visitors expected to return on September 22 and 23 in hopes of clearer skies.
A Special Moment at Angkor Wat
The Angkor equinox has become an important occasion for visitors to the ancient temple.
During the phenomenon, the rising sun appears aligned with the central tower of Angkor Wat when viewed from particular locations west of the temple.
The event takes place twice each year, around the March and September equinox periods.
Cambodia’s Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) reported that large crowds of national and international tourists attended this year’s September event despite the overcast weather.
The gathering also highlights the enduring fascination with the planning and architectural precision of Angkor Wat.
Visitors Hope for Clearer Skies
Heavy clouds obscured the expected sunrise on September 21, but the viewing period is not over.
Visitors have additional opportunities on September 22 and 23 to see the sun rise in alignment with the temple’s central tower if weather conditions improve.
For many people, however, experiencing Angkor Wat at sunrise remains memorable even when the weather does not cooperate.
More Than a Sunrise
For Khmer people in Cambodia and throughout the diaspora, moments like the Angkor equinox can also serve as reminders of the cultural and historical importance of Angkor.
Angkor Wat is more than one of Cambodia’s best-known landmarks. It represents centuries of Khmer architecture, craftsmanship, history, and cultural identity.
Thousands of people gathering before sunrise to experience the temple together show that Angkor continues to inspire new generations.
BeKhmer will continue sharing news and stories from Cambodia that connect our community with Khmer culture, heritage, and life today.