I have a huge passion for seeing sunrise/sunset.
Even though I am an amateur photographer, I have always wanted to take photos of those breath-taking moments when the Sun makes a transition in front of my eyes. In addition to seeing it, I want to share my photos and add those beautiful spots to Google Maps.
As a low-budget traveller, my ultimate goal is to travel to all countries in Southeast Asia and create a list of my own favourite sunset/sunrise watching spots. I am working towards that goal so whenever I visit a city, I always look for a place where I can admire sunrise and sunset. It does not have to be a popular tourist attraction; It could be anywhere either on a boat floating in a river or in a rooftop coffee house.
I am more than eager to share with you my favourite sunset/sunrise watching spots so far:
1. Any temples in Nyaung-U, Bagan, Myanmar
- The Sunrise
You should definitely put this in your bucket list: Watching hot air balloons over Bagan at dawn.
It was the most impressive experience in my life so far. I couldn’t stop wowing at the magnificent scenery.
I woke up at 4:30 in the morning in order not to miss the most glorious moment of the day. It was a bit chilly and everything was shrouded in mist, so remember to bring a light jacket with you. I rode an e-bike to one of the biggest temple in Bagan- Dhammayazaka Pagoda. However, it was under renovation and no one was allowed to enter the area. I then followed the lead of 2 other tourists and finally found a pagoda called Pagoda 860. Make sure you come earlier to find the best spot because It was honestly a bit crowded.
It was impossible to describe the sensation of absolute peace and fascinating beauty that surrounded you when you were watching the sunrise in Bagan. I suggest you spend more than two days there, just find a temple where you can climb to the top and sit there by yourself for hours. Do not forget to breathe the fresh air as much as you can.
- The Sunset
I was sitting on a random temple in Bagan watching the sunset. My camera focused on my feet though…
I told you, I am an amateur photographer…
2. U Bein Bridge in Mandalay, Myanmar
We definitely do not need any filters for a photo of a sunset over U Bein Bridge. Even an amateur like me can take amazing ones with a few random clicks.
3. Sunset over Mount Popa, Kyaukpadaung, Myanmar
You have to take 777 steps to reach the top of the mountain. It was totally worth it!
4. Sunset over Tonle Sap River, Cambodia.
If you ever travel to Phnom Penh, it will be fun to go on a ferry and watch the sunset over the river.
5. Sunset over Vung Tau Beach, Vietnam
I took this picture as I stopped by the street in Vung Tau to buy a coconut. No words can describe the beauty of the scene.
6. On an aeroplane
Sounds crazy because you cannot mark this spot on Google Maps, haha but I can tell you where I took this picture. It was a splendid experience that I could watch the sunset on an aeroplane. It was during a flight from Quang Binh province to Ho Chi Minh city, just so you know the landscapes in Vietnam are so amazing.
