Angkor equinox draws thousands to witness rare sunrise alignment

PHNOM PENH, March 22, 2026 (KPT) — A rare solar phenomenon known as the Angkor equinox is underway from March 21 to 23, drawing thousands of visitors to watch the sunrise align perfectly with the central tower of Angkor Wat.

On the opening day, large crowds of domestic and international tourists gathered at the temple’s western entrance to capture the moment when the rising sun crowned its central spire — a spectacle that occurs only twice a year.

Visible between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., the equinox offers a striking view as the sun rises directly above the temple’s highest tower. The event takes place each March and September, when day and night are nearly equal in length.

Experts say the alignment reflects the extraordinary architectural precision and astronomical knowledge of the ancient Khmer civilization. Archaeologists note that Sanskrit inscriptions reference the equinox, which may have been linked to religious ceremonies symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The phenomenon continues to attract growing numbers of visitors annually, reinforcing Angkor Wat’s status as one of Cambodia’s most iconic cultural and natural wonders.