Angkor Wat 'Sun Crossing' Event Draws Crowds Despite Unfavorable Weather

SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Thousands of domestic and international tourists flocked to Angkor Wat on the morning of September 21, 2026, in anticipation of witnessing the phenomenon known as the 'Sun Crossing.' Despite unfavorable weather conditions that prevented the sun from aligning perfectly with the temple's peak as hoped, the general atmosphere remained joyful, according to reports from the Siem Reap Provincial Information Department. The 'Sun Crossing' event at the Angkor resort attracted a large number of tourists, both Cambodian and foreign, eager to witness and capture the unique natural phenomenon and Cambodia's renowned ancient architecture. Although the weather was not conducive, and the sunrise was not as visible as anticipated, the overall ambiance was one of excitement. H.E. Hout Hak, Minister of Tourism, attended the event alongside tourists and relevant officials, underscoring the government's dedication to promoting the tourism sector and publicizing Cambodia's cultural heritage potential to the world. Even with cloudy skies that obscured a clear view of the sunrise over the temple, many tourists expressed their delight and interest in the special atmosphere of the event, which occurs only twice a year. The 'Sun Crossing' is regarded as a significant tourism and cultural event for Cambodia, reflecting the ingenuity of Khmer ancestors in astronomy and architecture. It continues to draw global attention from tourists annually. Relevant authorities anticipate that this event will further contribute to the growth of tourist numbers and enhance the reputation of the Angkor resort as a prominent cultural tourism destination in Cambodia. Information Source: CEN Cambodia