Angkor Wat Sunrise – Light of an Ancient Empire

Angkor Wat sunrise.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Angkor Wat temple, the symbol of modern Cambodia, embodies the genius, beauty and power of the Khmer civilization that first civilized what is now Southeast Asia.
Angkor Wat is unlike any other ancient temple on Earth because of the treasure it protects: its vast walls and corridors enshrine a delicate legacy, the exquisite portraits of more than 2,000 Khmer women known as devata. Whether they represent goddesses from heaven or queens here on earth is unknown.
Each day, these sanctified women welcome a new sunrise with the promise of abundance, fertility, peace and enlightenment for this land, and for all who wish to see their message. The heart of Angkor Wat is very much alive and the devata still offer humankind hints of our celestial place in the universe.
Special thanks to architect and photographer Gary Ng, who captured this magnificent series of sunrise photos at Angkor Wat on his first visit to Cambodia. For more of his work, please visit

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat sunrise. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple honoring Vishnu between 1,115-1,150 AD. Cambodia adopted Buddhism in the 13th century and Buddhist monks have maintained the temple since that time. © Copyright Gary Ng.

Angkor Wat enshrines more than 2,000 portrait carvings of ancient Khmer women. Their identity and meaning remain a mystery. © Copyright Gary Ng.