Angkor Wat Surprise Proposal Guide

Guide to a successful surprise proposal at Angkor Wat

Who is this guide for?

This guide is for you if you’ve booked a surprise proposal photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer and are planning to propose at Angkor Wat.

Couple proposal at Angkor Wat captured by Siem Reap Photographer

Proposal at Angkor Wat with a shorter focal length - the temple appears further away, but subjects appear closer

Couple at Angkor Wat on a photoshoot with Siem Reap Photographer

Will you watch the sunrise before?

Most people watch the Angkor Wat sunrise and arrive at the temple before light, at around 5am. I recommend doing the proposal at 6.30am, when the light is optimal.

Yes, we will watch the sunrise before

No problem, enjoy the sunrise. There are several viewing areas. After people see the sunrise, they usually proceed to the indoor area of the temple. It’s subjective when the sunrise is ‘over’, but you can easily find an excuse to stay outside in the main area of the front of Angkor Wat until 6.30am, when I recommend proposing.

No, we will go to Angkor Wat at your recommended time

I recommend to do the proposal at 6.30am. Most places in Siem Reap take 30 minutes to get to Angkor Wat. Make sure to have your ticket purchased the day before if possible.

Most people watch the Angkor Wat sunrise and arrive at the temple before light, at around 5am. I recommend doing the proposal at 6.30am, when the light is optimal.

Where should I propose?

95% of people enter Angkor Wat through the main entrance, the west entrance. You will cross one of two main bridges, across the moat, then proceed through the first indoor section of Angkor Wat, and when you exit, you will see the main Angkor Wat towers in the distance (if it’s light enough at that time).

You should turn to your right, after you enter the main area of Angkor Wat and you can see the main towers, and walk towards the grassy area below:

Click here for Google Map location

The images below are slightly different locations, but almost any one of them will work. Just try to choose somewhere with the least people around.

At this time of day, the crowds will be closer to the temple. We are further back.

I choose this location as it’s away from the crowds.

Below are images of the area. Anywhere within the red area outlined above will work, and the photos below are several different spots within the area.

Just try to choose somewhere where there is not a bunch of people around.

How will I see you?

Thats me on the right of the picture. I will be wearing a hat. I will be able to keep a distance away from you because I use a telephoto lens.

Will we be in communication?

I will wear my hat forwards (normal position).

Once I see you, I will take my hat off, ensuring that you see me, to signal that I have seen you.

If I think you should move toward a certain direction, I will move my hat pointing to that side.

If I think everything is clear and you’re good to go, I will turn my hat backwards.

If you choose to hire a guide from my team, they are able to help with guiding you and are experienced assistants, adding an extra layer of reassurance. They can also be in direct contact with me by phone without raising suspicion.