The equinox, which is a natural phenomenon when the sun rises directly over the main tower of the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, is scheduled to occur next week, according to information from the APSARA National Authority. The equinox occurs when the length of day and night are almost equal, unlike in normal months when either day or night can be longer than the other.
This phenomenon occurs twice a year, in March (Spring Equinox or Vernal Equinox) and September (Fall Equinox). During these two days, sunlight shines directly through the central tower, creating elongated shadows on the front entrance of the temple.
In a statement issued by the APSARA National Authority on March 14, it was announced that this phenomenon would occur on March 21. The announcement explained that this event is related to the grandeur of Angkor Wat's architecture in Khmer history.
This amazing event always attracts thousands of local and international tourists to witness and capture this special moment as a memento. To witness this phenomenon, tourists are advised to arrive at Angkor Wat before 5 am.
Visitors can stand at the end of the path leading to the main tower and witness this harmony firsthand. To observe the alignment of the equinox at Angkor Wat in 2023, it is recommended to stand just outside the western gopura (entrance gate) of the temple.
You can stand at the end of the long driveway facing the main tower. This will ensure that the sunlight during sunrise is projected directly towards you. As the sun rises in the east over the five towers of Angkor Wat, you will see the central tower dramatically illuminated and its light projected down the walkway to where you are standing.
The equinox at Angkor Wat is not a coincidence, but part of a plan laid out by the Khmer ancestors. They designed the temple's architecture intending to align with the natural phenomenon, thus creating the sunrise event at the top of the temple.
Last year, the sunlight during the event was used as a spectacular flame for the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games when Cambodia hosted the games for the first time. The first equinox event in 2023, also held on March 21, attracted 8,726 tourists, including 2,226 foreigners, to witness the event.
