Sunday, March 23, 2025
Cambodia, India, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Jordan, Philippines, UNESCO, World Heritage Sites, tourism, landmarks, travel, culture, photography.
Thousands of eager tourists gathered at the break of dawn on Saturday to witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon at Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat. According to a statement from the APSARA National Authority, the spring equinox treated onlookers to a rare moment when the rising sun perfectly aligned with the central tower of the ancient temple.
This celestial event, occurring over the weekend from Friday through Sunday, marked a special occasion for both locals and international visitors. Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, highlighted the significance of the equinox, drawing attention to its growing popularity among cultural and spiritual travelers.
Angkor Wat, nestled in the heart of Siem Reap province, is the crown jewel of the Angkor Archaeological Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 401 square kilometers. The vast historical park is home to 91 intricately designed temples dating back to the 9th through the 13th centuries, offering a deep dive into the Khmer Empire’s architectural legacy.
As the country’s premier tourist attraction, Angkor Wat continues to shine on the global stage. In 2024 alone, the site welcomed over 1.02 million international visitors, generating approximately $47.8 million in ticket revenue, according to figures released by the state-run Angkor Enterprise and reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Last year, the ancient complex was also crowned the most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Asia, a title that underscores its enduring visual and cultural appeal. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated the recognition by sharing Times Travel’s curated list of Asia’s top ten photogenic heritage locations in September 2024.
Angkor Wat topped the prestigious list, followed by other iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal (India), the Great Wall (China), Bagan (Myanmar), Borobudur (Indonesia), Halong Bay (Vietnam), Kyoto’s Historic Monuments (Japan), Petra (Jordan), the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, and Hampi (India).
