PHNOM PENH: More than 74,000 national and international tourists visited the Angkor Archaeological Park over three days, from Mar. 21 to 23, to witness and photograph the Angkor Equinox, according to the APSARA National Authority.
A report by Mr. Seng Sotheara, Director of the Tourism and Culture Department of the APSARA National Authority, stated that the total included 68,132 national tourists and 6,832 international visitors, who gathered between 5:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. each day in front of the Angkor Wat Temple’s western entrance to witness and capture photographs of the stunning sunrise.
The first day recorded over 24,000 visitors, the second day more than 38,000, and the third day over 12,000, bringing the three-day total to more than 74,000 visitors.
The Angkor Equinox, a natural phenomenon in which the sun rises directly above the central tower of Angkor Wat Temple, creates a striking visual spectacle that reflects the advanced knowledge and precision of Khmer ancestors, demonstrating their ability to integrate astronomical science seamlessly with architectural design.
The phenomenon occurs twice annually: during the vernal equinox from Mar. 21 to 23 and the autumnal equinox from Sept. 21 to 23.